KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President & CEO: Tsuyoshi Natsuno) will release "Rilakkuma Relaxing Touch-and-Feel Picture Book: Touch-Touch Rilakkuma," a picture book for children aged 0 to 3 featuring the popular character "Rilakkuma," on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Reservations are currently being accepted at bookstores and online stores nationwide.

[Image: "Rilakkuma Relaxing Touch-and-Feel Picture Book: Touch-Touch Rilakkuma"]

Content Introduction

◆ Bringing out a baby's "perfect round smile!" A first book for parents and children to relax together This book allows you to play with your baby through skin-to-skin contact alongside the beloved character "Rilakkuma" and friends, who are adored by everyone from small children to adults.

"Rilakkuma" is known for always being relaxed and at his own pace. We created this book with the hope that because it features Rilakkuma, it will not only be a fun storytime for the baby, but also a relaxing time for parents amidst their busy childcare routines. Please enjoy this laid-back picture book with your baby.

◆ Supervised by Dr. Hajime Yamaguchi, a leading expert in "Touch Science." Scientifically supporting growth This book was created under the supervision of Dr. Hajime Yamaguchi (Professor at J. F. Oberlin University), a leading expert in "Touch Science"—the study of touch from both scientific and psychological perspectives—with the goal of creating a book that scientifically promotes development and attachment through skin-to-skin contact.

"Touch" is the sense that develops earliest among the five senses. Its stimulation not only nurtures a baby's brain and heart but also serves as a key to scientifically deepening the bond between parent and child.

◆ Why is "skin-to-skin contact" important now? The "happiness hormone" oxytocin, which is secreted through physical contact, offers many benefits for babies.

◎ Promotion of attachment formation => Stable, trusting relationships (attachment) are formed through skin-to-skin contact.

◎ Support for brain development => Stimulation to the skin reaches the brain directly and is attracting attention for its educational benefits, such as improving memory.

◎ A heart resilient to stress => It is said that children who have stable secretion of oxytocin are more likely to develop the strength to overcome difficulties.

Furthermore, it is said that not only the baby but also the parent or guardian engaging in the contact can expect oxytocin secretion, which has stress-relieving and refreshing effects.

◆ Excellent visibility! We drew a special Rilakkuma that is easy for babies to recognize. We used high-contrast colors for Rilakkuma and friends so that even young babies can easily recognize them, capturing their attention. Additionally, we used rhythmic, repetitive words and calls like "touch-touch" to engage the baby, making it a book that parents and children can enjoy with excitement. Please enjoy the skin-to-skin contact with your baby.

©2026 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

About Rilakkuma A bear in a costume. He continues to be taken care of at the home of an office worker named Kaoru-san, along with Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori. It is unknown who is inside the costume. Rilakkuma's main interests are his daily meals and snacks. His favorite foods are pancakes, omurice, pudding, and dango. Chairoikoguma is a friend who lives in the Honey Forest.

Related Sites ▼ "Rilakkuma" Official Website https://www.san-x.co.jp/ja/characters/rilakkuma/

▼ "Rilakkuma Relaxing Site Official" X Account https://x.com/rilakkuma_gyr

Bibliographic Information [Image: Book Cover] "Rilakkuma Relaxing Touch-and-Feel Picture Book: Touch-Touch Rilakkuma" Text/Illustration: Pekori Hara Supervision: Hajime Yamaguchi Original Work/Supervision: San-X Co., Ltd. Publisher: KADOKAWA Corporation List Price: 1,430 yen (1,300 yen + tax) Release Date: June 3, 2026 Specifications: 175mm height x 175mm width, 20 pages, board book ISBN: 9784049520941

▼ Click here for details https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/322511000905/

Author Introduction Text/Illustration: Pekori Hara A picture book author who holds a childcare worker qualification. Mother of one child. Her books include "Slime Pipipi" (Square Enix), "Oshaberi Sukisuki," and "Manmaru Sankaku Shikakkun" (Nagaoka Shoten). A huge bread lover.

Supervision: Hajime Yamaguchi Professor at the College of Liberal Arts, J. F. Oberlin University. Clinical Developmental Psychologist. Completed graduate studies at Waseda University. As a leading expert in "Touch Science," which studies touch from both scientific and psychological perspectives, he communicates the effects of physical contact on the mind and body. Author of numerous books on oxytocin and attachment formation.

"Yomeruba": Full of information on books for children [Image: Yomeruba Banner] "Yomeruba" is a website operated by the KADOKAWA Children's Book Editorial Department where you can interact with books "safely and enjoyably."

We offer a wide range of content for children from 0 years old to upper elementary school grades, including picture books, manga learning series, Tsubasa Bunko, and character books. We will continue to add content such as previews of upcoming books, the latest book information, quizzes, and reviews that allow you to read, learn, and play. Please use this as a place for your children to discover the joy of "reading books" and "interacting with books."

▼ Yomeruba HP https://yomeruba.com/

▼ Official X (formerly Twitter) "Yomeruba (KADOKAWA Children's Book Editorial Department)" @KadokawaJidosho

▼ Official Instagram "Yomeruba" @yomeruba_kad

▼ Official YouTube "KADOKAWA Children's Book Channel" https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4UqzID_eubKyb4O0bxnCgA

FACT BOX

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