kuma's ❀

〝 this piece celebrates the amaou ichigo (あまおういちご) from fukuoka prefecture. as one of japan’s most premium strawberry varieties, the amaou is famous for being incredibly large, round, and sweet, earning it the title of the "king of strawberries" grown in the lush, sunny fields of kyushu. the design features rilakkuma lounging in his signature relaxed pose atop a harvest crate overflowing with these ruby-red gems. the white crate is marked with the clear inscription “amaou ichigo” (あまおういちご), signifying the official name of this premium, patented fruit. the background art captures a serene perspective of a professional strawberry greenhouse, where rows of ripe fruit hang under a bright, clear sky. it is a charming tribute to the agricultural excellence and the sweet, seasonal harvest of the fukuoka countryside. 〞

〝 this piece is a variation of the kofuku station (幸福駅) theme from hokkaidō, featuring korilakkuma. known as the “station of happiness”, this landmark in the tokachi region is famous for its romantic legacy, where visitors from all over the world come to post wooden plaques and buy symbolic tickets to a lifetime of joy. the design features korilakkuma dressed in a charming navy station master’s hat, leaning over a large pink replica of the iconic kofuku ticket that reads “bound for happiness” (幸福ゆき). kiiroitori joins the scene wearing his own conductor’s cap, playfully perched atop a vibrant pink heart that proudly displays “hokkaidō.” the background art depicts the classic orange train cars and the peaceful, open landscapes of northern japan, capturing the nostalgic and hopeful spirit of this beloved memorial park. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates masu-no-sushi (ますの寿し), a renowned regional delicacy from toyama prefecture. it highlights this famous type of pressed trout sushi, which is a staple of the region's culinary identity and a popular choice for travelers due to its long history and unique presentation in bamboo leaves. the design features rilakkuma holding a miniature circular wooden tub filled with masu-no-sushi, showcasing the vibrant color of the trout. the background art depicts powerful waves crashing against rocks under a bright blue sky, with a close-up illustration of the traditional sushi container, capturing the fresh and scenic essence of this coastal prefecture. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates shizuoka tea (静岡茶), a regional staple from japan's premier tea-growing prefecture. it highlights the significance of this area, which accounts for over 40% of japan's green tea production, celebrated for its deep aroma and the picturesque rolling hills of tea bushes that define the local landscape. the design features rilakkuma emerging from a lush green tea bush, holding a fresh tea leaf in his paw. kiiroitori accompanies him, playfully peeking out with a small tea leaf on his head, capturing a serene and refreshing moment in the heart of the plantations. the background art depicts the majestic mount fuji rising over vibrant green tea fields under a clear sky, capturing the scenic beauty and refreshing spirit of this famous tea-producing region. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates shinshu soba (信州そば), a renowned regional specialty from nagano prefecture. it highlights these traditional buckwheat noodles, which are famous throughout japan for their high quality and deep connection to the mountainous landscapes of the shinshu region. the design features rilakkuma holding a soba box (seiro) filled with noodles. kiiroitori accompanies him, playfully peeking out from a red yutou, a traditional pot used to serve the hot water from boiling soba. the background art depicts the majestic, snow-capped japanese alps under a clear sky along with a traditional purple noren curtain, capturing the fresh and rustic essence of this famous regional dish. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates hokkaidō ramen (北海道ラーメン), a world-famous culinary staple from japan's northernmost prefecture. it highlights the region's rich noodle culture, specifically its hearty bowls of ramen that are celebrated for their diverse local flavors and high-quality ingredients sourced from the island's vast landscape. the design features rilakkuma sitting comfortably while holding a small, detailed bowl of ramen. the bowl is filled with noodles and topped with classic ingredients, looking like a warm and savory local meal. the background art depicts a large, steaming bowl of ramen served with chopsticks against a warm orange backdrop, beautifully capturing the comforting and savory soul of this regional dish. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates nattō (納豆), a regional staple and the most famous specialty of ibaraki prefecture. it highlights this traditional fermented soybean dish, which is a beloved part of japanese breakfast culture and is often associated with the city of mito, where it has been produced for centuries. the design features rilakkuma sitting comfortably while holding a traditional straw bundle (wara-nattō) filled with fermented soybeans. he looks ready to enjoy the local treat, clutching the bundle with both paws. the background art depicts a traditional dining scene with a cup of green tea and a bowl of nattō over rice, featuring steam rising against a warm orange backdrop. the design beautifully captures the homely and nutritious essence of this famous regional delicacy. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates the bell of time (toki no kane - 時の鐘), a historic landmark and symbol of kawagoe in saitama prefecture. it highlights this iconic wooden bell tower, which has signaled the time to the townspeople since the edo period and remains a beloved emblem of the region's traditional "little edo" atmosphere. the design features rilakkuma sitting comfortably in front of a miniature, dark wooden replica of the toki no kane tower. kiiroitori accompanies him, playfully perched on top of a traditional paper lantern (chochin) that has "kawagoe" (川越) written on it in red characters, capturing the festive and historic spirit of the city. the background art depicts the towering silhouette of the bell of time against a clear blue sky with soft white clouds, capturing the peaceful and timeless charm of this famous landmark. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates the clione (クリオネ), a fascinating marine creature known as the "sea angel" that inhabits the freezing waters of hokkaidō. it highlights these tiny, translucent mollusks which have become a symbol of the northern region's marine biodiversity, particularly famous for their graceful swimming in the sea of okhotsk. the design features rilakkuma playfully hugging a large, translucent clione. the clione is crafted with a clear, jelly-like finish and features the characteristic red internal organs that give these creatures their "angelic" appearance. the background art on the card depicts a serene underwater scene of hokkaidō's icy waters, with several clione silhouettes floating gracefully against a gradient blue backdrop. the illustration also includes green sea plants at the bottom, emphasizing the natural habitat of these unique creatures. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates the kyoto tower (京都タワー), an iconic landmark and the tallest structure in the historic city of kyoto. it highlights this modern observation tower, which was designed to resemble a japanese candle and offers a striking contrast to the city's ancient temples and traditional wooden architecture. the design features rilakkuma playfully hugging the slender, white and red body of the kyoto tower. he is positioned as if he is leaning against the tower's observation deck. the background art depicts the kyoto tower standing tall against a bright blue sky with soft white clouds. the illustration also features a silhouette of a traditional pagoda, emphasizing the blend of modern and ancient styles that defines the region. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates castella (カステラ), a popular japanese sponge cake that is a signature specialty of nagasaki. it highlights this beloved treat, which was originally introduced by portuguese merchants in the 16th century and has since become a symbol of the city's unique international history and culinary fusion. the design features rilakkuma wearing a purple hat and peeking out from behind a large, yellow slice of castella cake that has "nagasaki" printed on the front. kiiroitori accompanies him, dressed in a matching purple hat and perched on top of another slice of the dark-topped sponge cake. the background art on the card depicts a scenic view of nagasaki harbor, featuring traditional sailing ships on blue waters under a clear sky. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates the sweet potato (サツマイモ), a regional staple and the pride of kagoshima prefecture. it highlights this nutritious and beloved vegetable, which flourishes in the volcanic soil of the region and is celebrated throughout japan for its natural sweetness and vibrant purple skin. the design features rilakkuma sitting comfortably while holding a large, whole purple sweet potato. the background art depicts the iconic sakurajima (桜島) volcano, the symbol of kagoshima, looming over the blue waters of the bay. several purple sweet potatoes are shown floating in the sky against a soft pink backdrop, emphasizing the region's most famous agricultural product. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates ukai (鵜飼), a traditional cormorant fishing method that is a famous cultural heritage of the gifu (岐阜) region. it highlights this ancient practice, where skilled masters use trained cormorants to catch sweetfish (ayu) by the light of flaming torches, a spectacle that has been a local tradition for over 1,300 years. the design features rilakkuma sitting directly on top of a black cormorant bird. he is holding a small net filled with freshly caught fish (ayu). the background art depicts a traditional fishing boat on the river under a deep blue night sky. it features a bright orange flame from the torch (kagari-bi) used to attract the fish. 〞

〝 this compact version features the sarubobo (さるぼぼ), a traditional amulet from the hida region in gifu prefecture. known as a symbol of good luck and protection, these red faceless dolls are deeply rooted in local history as charms for happy homes. the design focuses on rilakkuma hugging a large red sarubobo doll wearing its iconic black vest, capturing the rustic charm and cultural heritage of the hida countryside in a portable format. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates kokeshi (こけし), traditional wooden dolls that are a famous folk craft of the tōhoku (東北) region. it highlights these handmade treasures, known for their simple cylindrical bodies and enlarged heads with painted floral patterns, which have become a beloved symbol of northern japanese culture. the design features rilakkuma leaning comfortably against a classic kokeshi doll. the doll is decorated with vibrant red and green floral motifs on its white body. the background art depicts a serene indoor scene with various kokeshi dolls lined up, capturing the nostalgic and warm atmosphere of a traditional craft workshop. the packaging features a red heart-shaped seal in the top left corner that reads "tōhoku limited" (東北限定), identifying it as a regional exclusive from the northern prefectures. 〞

〝 this piece celebrates the tokyo skytree (東京スカイツリー), a broadcasting and observation tower that is a landmark of modern tokyo. it highlights the tower's impressive height and its status as a symbol of the city's technological advancement and tourism. the design features rilakkuma playfully hanging onto the side of the tokyo skytree tower. the charm includes detailed levels of the tower's structure, reaching up toward the sky. the background art depicts the tokyo skytree soaring into a bright blue sky with a beautiful rainbow arching behind it. it captures the cheerful and vibrant energy of the sumida district, representing one of the most iconic views in the city. 〞