Singer-songwriter Lilas Ikuta, who also serves as the vocalist ikura for the "unit that turns novels into music," YOASOBI, has been announced as both the theme song performer and narrator for a new Rilakkuma anime. The series, titled Rilakkuma: A Leisurely Dream Journey (Rilakkuma Goyururi Yume no Tabi), is produced by Production I.G and will begin broadcasting on TBS on Saturday, April 4 at 9:25 AM.
The first promotional video (PV), released alongside this announcement, features Rilakkuma and friends traveling in various guises, accompanied by Lilas Ikuta's soft narration in a gentle, leisurely tone.
Rilakkuma Anime: First PV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV-fcFL5vtU
The theme song "stay with me" is a new track written by Lilas Ikuta. With its warm and comforting quality and calm acoustic sound, the song is designed to let listeners forget the hustle of everyday life. A personal comment video from Lilas Ikuta has also been released.
Lilas Ikuta Comment Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1yxBHyTIyg
Track Information
Release date: TBA
Lilas Ikuta – "stay with me"
Lyrics & Composition: Lilas Ikuta
Arrangement: KOHD
Tie-up: Theme song for the anime Rilakkuma
About the Anime Rilakkuma
Introduction
The Rilakkuma everyone knows and loves from daily life is stepping out of the everyday and into a loosely spreading world of animation.
A moment for hearts to feel a little lighter.
Wherever you are, whatever you're doing,
Rilakkuma is by your side.
A new and exciting story is set to begin. Spring 2026 — come meet Rilakkuma.
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Narration | Lilas Ikuta |
| Original Work | San-X |
| Director | Itazu Masanori (Part 1), Kamakura Yumi (Part 2) |
| Character Design | Morita Chihiro |
| Art Director | Yamazaki Suzuna |
| Art | Studio Fuga |
| Color Design | Sato Mayumi |
| Director of Photography | Okumura Takahiro |
| Editing | Uematsu Junichi |
| Sound Director | Kikuta Hiroki |
| Music | Yokozeki Kota, Ikeda Yoshiya, Sugano Mizuki |
| Music Production | Legendoa |
| Animation Producer | Matsushita Keiko |
| Animation Production | Production I.G |
Theme Song
"stay with me"
Artist: Lilas Ikuta
Lyrics & Composition: Lilas Ikuta
Arrangement: KOHD
(Echoes / Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.)
Official Links
- Anime Official Site: https://www.rilakkuma-anime.com/
- Anime Official X: https://x.com/rilakkuma_anime
- Rilakkuma Official Site: https://www.san-x.co.jp/rilakkuma/
- Rilakkuma Official X: https://x.com/rilakkuma_gyr
(C)SAN-X / Team Rilakkuma
About Lilas Ikuta
Born September 25, 2000 in Tokyo, Lilas Ikuta is a singer-songwriter who also serves as the vocalist ikura of YOASOBI, a "unit that turns novels into music." Her voice drew widespread attention for covering "(They Long to Be) Close to You" and "Winter Wonderland" in Google Pixel commercials. In December 2020, she released "Hikari," written for Isehan's corporate brand KISSME video documentary. In March 2021, she released "Answer," used as the CM song for Tokyo Marine & Nichido Life Insurance's disability insurance. In July 2021, she made her voice acting debut playing the protagonist's best friend in director Mamoru Hosoda's film Belle. In November 2021, she contributed her first song for another artist — singer Rei — and also featured on the track. In December 2021, she joined the collaborative single "Omokage (produced by Vaundy)" with milet, Aimer, and Lilas Ikuta, used in a Sony WF-1000XM4 commercial.
In January 2022, she released "Sparkle," written for ABEMA's original romance reality show. Starting April 2022, her song "Lens" became the theme for the TBS drama Is a Sustainable Love Possible?, resonating with viewers across generations. In July 2022, she collaborated with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra on "Free Free Free feat. Lilas Ikuta," also performing the trumpet in the music video. In January 2023, she released "Dandelion" as the theme for NHK Drama 10 Ooku. In March 2023, she released her debut album Sketch, which she fully wrote and composed herself, reaching No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Album Ranking. In July 2023, she released "P.S." as the theme for the film One Second Ahead — her first self-written film theme song — and successfully completed her first solo tour SKETCH. She also wrote "DREAMER" for the drama Paripi Koumei (aired from September 2023) and released "With" as the inspire song for the film Analog in October 2023.
For the 2024 film Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction, she starred as protagonist Kadode Koyama and, alongside co-lead ano, performed each other's theme songs — "Zetzetzetzettai Seiki" by ano feat. Lilas Ikuta and "Seishun Ouka" by Lilas Ikuta feat. ano. In June 2024, she released "Humming" as the theme for Fuji TV's Mezamashi Doyobi. In September 2024, she released "Sign" as the theme for ABEMA original drama Transparent Us. For the April 2025 film Paripi Koumei THE MOVIE, she wrote the ending theme "Sing along!!!," continuing to generate buzz across multiple fields.
