Rilakkuma and Kaoru

TV review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
Rilakkuma and Kaoru Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Human, animal characters shine in quirky slice-of-life show.

Netflix Drama 2019
Rate TV

Parents say

age 5+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 2 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate tv

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a stop-motion animation series that is geared toward teens and adults rather than kids because it focuses on the experiences and sometimes complex emotions of a 20-something woman. While there's nothing overtly inappropriate for kids and tweens, they lack the context that would help them understand Kaoru, her feelings, and her actions. Some episodes involve mild scares like the presumed kidnapping of a main character and the concept of supernatural beings like ghosts, and very occasionally there's a matter of violence, as when an illustration depicts someone's recollection of being hit by a vehicle and dying. This delightful, whimsical, and introspective series is a highly enjoyable departure from more traditional TV series.

Community Reviews

CSMContentDefault
CSMContentDefault Adult
February 2, 2022
age 5+

Adorable show!!!

Love RILAKKUMA! It's such an adorable show! It may be a simple kids show, and yeah, in some aspects it is, but there's definitely so much more to it. It is pretty much a story about everyday life, centered around Kaoru, who's an adult woman who tries to live her life the best she can with her work and her little family wich is Rilakkuma and the other two little pets. She is a very believable character, many adults can definitely see themselves in her. But still, the show is child friendly due to its atmosphere and adorable characters. The overall message from the show is simply to take your time in life and everything is gonna be fine. A very refreshing and calm show to watch. Highly recommend it to your family! :)
nduns
nduns Adult
April 21, 2020
age 7+

Nice, charming and wholesome, though not quite as innocent as western preschool shows

This is a really cute, charming, heart-warming series. The characters are likable and relatable and nothing is too frightening or hardcore. That said, though, the reason I recommend this more for ages 7 and up despite this most likely being aimed at preschoolers, because it was made in Japan, a much more lenient country, it gets away with more than what you'd typically expect from a show of this nature. First off, Kaoru is a very accurate representation of working adults. She does try to keep up a positive attitude a lot of the time, but she has very adult emotions as the show tackles very realistic issues. The first episode has her getting worried about the fact that the company she works for is suffering financially. (Oh yeah, and later she's seen drinking a beer to get over the fact that her friends couldn't make it to a picnic she set up) Because of this, even though a lot of this is very appropriate for young children in Japan, I do recommend at least knowing what you're in for if you're going to introduce a really young kid to this show. It's not inappropriate, but I'm just saying, maybe you should watch it with your kids just in case.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

RILAKKUMA AND KAORU is a slice-of-life series about Kaoru (voiced by Mikako Tabe), a youngish female professional who shares her apartment with three unusual roommates: two toy-like bears named Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma, and a yellow chick named Kiiroitori. While Kaoru spends her days working hard at the office, Rilakkuma wiles away the hours being as lazy and unproductive as possible until their friend comes home.

Is It Any Good?

At first glance, this series is a real conundrum because of its somewhat odd mix of human and stuffed characters and its stop-motion animation, all of which seems geared toward viewers too young for its TV-PG rating. As you watch, though, you become immersed in the all-too-realistically mundane and uncertain experience of 20-something Kaoru, who feels undervalued at work, overlooked in love, and at times a bit aimless in life. Even so, she finds immense happiness in coming home to her people, who just happen to be stuffies with a lot of love to share.

Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a charming, satisfying series with surprising insight into the psyche of its main human character, who quickly overtakes her darling co-stars' appeal with her own. It's a joyful and clever project that marries this style of animation with such relatable grown-up content, yielding a unique series that will endear itself to just about anyone who watches.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Kaoru's life experience. Where does she find personal fulfillment? Does that sense of fulfillment change as Rilakkuma and Kaoru progresses? Is every person's definition of success the same? How would you define a life well lived?

  • How do the animal characters' personalities influence Kaoru in positive ways? Why is she willing to put up with Rilakkuma's overall laziness? Do you ever find yourself forgiving other people's shortcomings because of their better qualities? What are some of your best qualities as a person? As a friend?

  • What examples of perseverance do you see in Kaoru? Is she a good role model? How does she cope with emotions like uncertainty and self-doubt when they arise? Can you relate to her struggles in these areas?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • This Is Us Poster Image

    This Is Us

    Adult-oriented dramedy puts a fresh spin on family ties.

    age 14+
  • Arrested Development Poster Image

    Arrested Development

    Brilliant, innovative comedy for mature viewers.

    age 15+
  • The Office Poster Image

    The Office

    Workplace spoof is hilarious but filled with mature humor.

    age 14+

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon picture of luggage and a map
    Adventures
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate