Haikyu!! Announces Adorable New Rilakkuma Collaboration Featuring Exclusive Merch

Haikyu!! is teaming up with Rilakkuma for a major new official collaboration, pairing 12 of the volleyball anime’s characters with San-X’s laid-back cast across newly drawn artwork, exclusive merchandise and a series of pop-up stores.

The new “Rilakkuma × Haikyu!!” project has been created by Production I.G, providing a natural connection between two anime currently handled by the same animation studio.

Production I.G brought Rilakkuma back to television earlier this year with a new short anime featuring Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori and Chairoikoguma, expanding the character’s animated adventures beyond the stop-motion productions that introduced many international viewers to the franchise.

Haikyu!! has meanwhile continued moving toward its next major anime releases, with “Haikyu!! VS The Little Giant” set to continue Karasuno’s journey against Kamomedai in 2027 alongside the separate “Haikyu!! Where Monsters Go” special focusing on Fukurodani and Mujinazaka.

The collaboration brings those two very different worlds together through 12 new illustrations drawn by Production I.G, replacing the intensity of the volleyball court with much more relaxed scenes featuring the Haikyu!! cast alongside Rilakkuma and friends.

Karasuno is represented by Shoyo Hinata with Rilakkuma, Tobio Kageyama with Korilakkuma, Kei Tsukishima with Kiiroitori and Tadashi Yamaguchi with Chairoikoguma, while Aoba Johsai’s Toru Oikawa is paired with Rilakkuma and Hajime Iwaizumi with Kiiroitori.

Nekoma brings together Tetsuro Kuroo with Rilakkuma and Kenma Kozume with Korilakkuma, while Fukurodani pairs Kotaro Bokuto with Kiiroitori and Keiji Akaashi with Chairoikoguma, and the final two illustrations feature Inarizaki twins Atsumu and Osamu Miya with Korilakkuma and Chairoikoguma respectively.

The artwork leans into the personalities of both franchises, with scenes including Hinata relaxing with Rilakkuma, Oikawa and Iwaizumi arguing over a snack and Kuroo and Kenma sharing treats together.

Production I.G has already revealed a large first wave of merchandise using the new illustrations, covering display items, accessories, clothing and practical everyday goods:

Acrylic Stands – 12 designs – ¥1,980 each (approximately $13 / £10)
Random Matte Can Badges – 12 designs – ¥660 each (approximately $4 / £3), with a 12-piece box priced at ¥7,920 (approximately $50 / £38)
Die-Cut Stickers – 12 designs – ¥500 each (approximately $3 / £2)
Two-Layer Acrylic Key Holders – 12 designs – ¥1,300 each (approximately $8 / £6)
Mini Towels – 12 designs – ¥1,300 each (approximately $8 / £6)
Clear Files – 12 designs – ¥550 each (approximately $4 / £3)
Knit Bags – 4 designs – ¥3,100 each (approximately $20 / £15)
Frosted Glasses – 5 designs – ¥2,200 each (approximately $14 / £11)
Scrunchies – 2 designs – ¥990 each (approximately $6 / £5)
Socks – 2 designs – ¥990 each (approximately $6 / £5)
Drawstring Pouches – 5 designs – ¥990 each (approximately $6 / £5)
Pouches – 2 designs – ¥2,600 each (approximately $17 / £12)
Masking Tape – 2 designs – ¥660 each (approximately $4 / £3)

The collaboration artwork will also appear on the new “Rilakkuma × Haikyu!! Card Soft Cookie”, combining a cheesecake-flavored soft cookie with one randomly packed collectible card.

There are 24 cards to collect in total, split between 12 transparent cards designed to be combined with different backgrounds and 12 metallic plastic cards finished with a holographic effect, with each pack priced at ¥198 (approximately $1 / £1).

Pre-orders for the cookies are already available through Premium Bandai and selected Japanese online retailers, ahead of a wider January 2027 release through confectionery sections at retailers across Japan.

A dedicated collaboration lottery will follow from January 23, 2027, although Production I.G has yet to reveal the prizes that will make up its lineup.

The main “Rilakkuma × Haikyu!!” POP UP STORE tour will begin at baseyard tokyo locations in Harajuku and Osaka’s Abeno Q’s Mall from November 20 through December 6, 2026.

The event will then move to baseyard tokyo locations at Sapporo Stellar Place, Kyoto Kawaramachi OPA and Hiroshima’s Minamoa from December 18, 2026 through January 17, 2027, with further details about admission still to be announced.