Netflix orders stop motion series Rilakkuma and Kaoru

Netflix has ordered Rilakkuma and Kaoru, a Japanese stop motion series, which is in production and set to premiere globally in spring 2019.

Japan’s stop motion studio Dwarf will create 13 episodes of the series, supported by Rilakkuma creator Aki Kondo on story development. Noako Ogigami will join as screenwriter and Masahito Kobatashi will direct.

The Rilakumma character has already had merchandising success with Japanese stationary company San-X since its conception in 2003.

This is the first animated series since the character was created and it will be overseen by San-X.

Rilakkuma is a soft toy bear that shows up to live with a young woman named Kaoru. Though spends its days lounging around her apartment, there is a mysterious zipper on its back that hides unknown secrets.

Netflix has invested in a range of animated series this year, including a new animated comedy by The Simpsons creator Matt Groening.

Rilakkuma and Kaoru is set to be one of the youngest skewing original series on Netflix.