A special ceremony and commemorative events were held on January 21, 2026, at KANDA SQUARE in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward to celebrate Rilakkuma's 5th anniversary as the official tourism ambassador for the Chiyoda City Tourism Association.
The Chiyoda City Tourism Association announced the launch of a new commemorative project marking five years since Rilakkuma's appointment as tourism ambassador. Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma gathered together for the occasion, drawing large crowds of fans to the venue.
Prior to the event, a special Rilakkuma-designed manhole cover was installed on the east sidewalk of KANDA SQUARE. The celebration also featured a commemorative stamp rally and greeting events with the characters.
Announcement of "5th Anniversary Commemorative Project" Starting in 2026
The Chiyoda City Tourism Association unveiled the "5th Anniversary Commemorative Project" launching January 21, 2026. The project debut featured the first public reveal of key visuals showing Rilakkuma and friends dressed in costumes inspired by Chiyoda Ward's famous attractions, including Jimbocho coffee shops, Akihabara maids, Ochanomizu musical instruments, and cherry blossoms.
The association also introduced exclusive 5th-anniversary commemorative merchandise available only at the Chiyoda City Tourist Information Center, along with information about the design manhole cover installed in December.
Exclusive Anniversary Merchandise Available Only at Chiyoda City Tourist Information Center
"Clear File 5th Anniversary Version"
The tourism ambassador Rilakkuma characters appear in new costumes for this special edition. The 5th-anniversary design is packed with the charms of Chiyoda.
Price: 440 yen (tax included)
"Acrylic Keychain 5th Anniversary Version"
A lineup of 5 types including 1 secret design. Which one you get is a surprise when you open it! Attach them to your bag or keys and take a leisurely stroll together.
Price: 660 yen each (tax included)
"Manhole Magnet"
A new magnet designed to look just like the design manhole featuring Rilakkuma and the ward's flower, sakura. Stick it on your refrigerator or desk and enjoy the fun of exploring the city at home.
Price: 660 yen (tax included)
Sales Information
Sale Start Date: January 21, 2026
Sales Location: Chiyoda City Tourist Information Center (1-6-17 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku, 102-0074)
Business Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Closed: 4th Sunday of the month / Year-end and New Year holidays
Access: 5-minute walk from "Kudanshita Station" (Tokyo Metro/Toei Subway)
Tourism Ambassador Appointment Ceremony
The Chiyoda City Tourism Association held a tourism ambassador appointment ceremony to mark the 5th year. When Rilakkuma and friends appeared on stage, the venue erupted with applause and cheers.
The Chiyoda City Tourism Association expressed: "We are very pleased that Rilakkuma, who has been active as a tourism ambassador since 2021, has delivered the charm of Chiyoda Ward to many people over these five years under the motto 'Chotto Yorimichi Goyururi Chiyoda' (Take a Little Detour, Relax in Chiyoda). We look forward to continuing to promote the appeal of Chiyoda Ward together with Rilakkuma from 2026 onwards."
Visitors Smiled with Greeting from Rilakkuma Characters
Greeting sessions with Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Chairoikoguma were also held, featuring interactions with visitors and photo opportunities, making it a special day celebrating the 5th anniversary.
Chairoikoguma celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, creating a double anniversary celebration. Please look forward to future developments.
Fans who attended shared comments such as "I love Rilakkuma too, so I'm so happy" and "I'm glad I could participate in the 5th-anniversary event."
"5th Anniversary Commemorative Project" Starting in 2026
Phase 1: Rilakkuma Stamp Rally Commemorating Design Manhole Installation
A commemorative stamp rally is being held to celebrate the installation of the design manhole covers. Collect stamps on the commemorative card sheet to complete a Rilakkuma manhole pattern! Visit three facilities—Chiyoda City Tourist Information Center, KANDA SQUARE, and Terrace Square—to collect all 6 colors of stamps and complete your commemorative card.
Event Details
Duration: January 21, 2026 (Wed) to May 20, 2026 (Wed) *While supplies last
Participation Fee: 100 yen (tax included, 1 card sheet)
Stamp Locations:
Chiyoda City Tourist Information Center, KANDA SQUARE, Terrace Square
Card Sheet Distribution Locations:
Chiyoda City Tourist Information Center, KANDA SQUARE (POINT ET LIGNE, Toshimaya Sake Shop)
Official Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/information/detail/283
Rilakkuma Design Manhole
As a popular "local manhole" featuring regional motifs, a "Rilakkuma" design manhole appeared on the east sidewalk of KANDA SQUARE. The manhole, designed with Rilakkuma (who is also the "Chiyoda City Tourism Association Tourism Ambassador") and the ward's flower "sakura" (cherry blossom), has become a hot topic on social media since its installation in December 2025, attracting many visitors daily.
Location: East sidewalk of KANDA SQUARE (2-2-1 Kanda-Nishikicho)
5th Anniversary Special Website Now Open: Updates on Future Developments
In 2026, marking the 5th anniversary, the Chiyoda City Tourism Association will roll out special projects throughout the year to promote the attractions of Chiyoda Ward together with tourism ambassadors Rilakkuma and friends. Details of the 5th-anniversary commemorative project will be announced on the special website.
5th Anniversary Commemorative Special Website URL:
https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/rilakkuma-5th-anniversary/
About Tourism Ambassador Rilakkuma for Chiyoda City Tourism Association
The Chiyoda City Tourism Association (Location: 1-6-17 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Ryuta Fujii) appointed "Rilakkuma," a character from San-X Co., Ltd., as the Chiyoda City Tourism Association Tourism Ambassador in August 2021.
San-X Co., Ltd. had a desire to contribute to the local community where its headquarters is located in Chiyoda Ward. Meanwhile, the Chiyoda City Tourism Association had been seeking to increase visits from younger generations and families. The association also resonated with San-X's philosophy of "wishing for a future where all people can live comfortably as themselves through Rilakkuma." These mutual wishes aligned, leading to Rilakkuma's appointment as tourism ambassador.
Since becoming tourism ambassador, Rilakkuma has served as a flagship character, conveying the attractive tourist spots and seasonal information that Chiyoda Ward offers to a wide range of generations.
About Rilakkuma
A character in a bear costume. Lives with Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori at OL Kaoru-san's house, continuing to be taken care of. Who is inside the costume remains unknown. Rilakkuma's main interests are daily meals and snacks. Favorite foods include hotcakes, omurice, pudding, and dango. Chairoikoguma is a friend living in the honey forest.
Rilakkuma Goyururi Site (San-X Net)
https://www.san-x.co.jp/rilakkuma/
Rilakkuma Official X
https://twitter.com/rilakkuma_gyr
2026: Chairoikoguma's Double Anniversary Year
In 2026, Chairoikoguma celebrates its 10th anniversary, making it a double anniversary year together with the 5th anniversary of the tourism ambassador role. A special website packed with 10th-anniversary information has also opened! Let's celebrate together with the tourism ambassador's 5th anniversary.
Chairoikoguma 10th Anniversary Website:
https://www.san-x.co.jp/rilakkuma/chairoikoguma_10th_anniversary/
Chairoikoguma Official X:
https://x.com/Chairoikoguma_5?s=20
About San-X
https://www.san-x.co.jp/company/
San-X continues to create over 1,000 100% original characters including Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi, and Tarepanda, delivering their unique charm to the world through original products, licensing businesses, various events and promotions, and video content. The characters have cute appearances but also possess surreal humor that makes you chuckle, along with gentleness that stays close to your heart and embraces you. San-X characters, which are more than just cute, attract many people.
Chiyoda City Tourism Association
The Chiyoda City Tourism Association utilizes natural, scenic, cultural, historical, industrial, and technological resources in Chiyoda Ward and its surrounding areas to promote tourism businesses. The association aims to enhance the appeal of Chiyoda Ward, promote exchanges with people from Japan and overseas, and contribute to the maintenance and development of local culture and the revitalization of the local economy.
Location: 1-6-17 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0074 / TEL: 03-3556-0391
Related Links
Chiyoda City Tourism Association Official Website
https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/
Chiyoda City Tourism Association Official Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ChiyodaCityPR/
Chiyoda City Tourism Association Official X (formerly Twitter)
https://x.com/ChiyodaCityPR
Chiyoda City Tourism Association Official Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/chiyoda_city_pr/
Chiyoda City Tourism Association Official YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@visitchiyoda-experiencethe3724
Chiyoda City Tourism Association Official TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@chiyoda_city_pr
