
Generally, customizing cars is a guy thing, and most guys are into power. When it comes to aftermarket wheels, the two biggest camps are those who want performance-boosting lightweight versions, or the largest, most blinged-out set available to advertise the driver’s financial status.
Now, though, there’s a third option beyond looking sporty or wealthy: cute wheels.
Going on sale next month are these Rilakkuma wheels, featuring the adorably lazy character of the same name.
▼ Rilakkuma can’t be bothered to sit up or use a fork when he has his snacks.
These three-spokes come in either 14 or 15-inch sizes. While that may seem puny to the tuner crowd, they should fill the wheel gap nicely on the super-compact kei (light) cars the wheels are recommended for.
Each wheel actually features four likenesses of the laid-back bear, as Rilakkuma also stares back at you from the vale cap.
Drivers who are powered by cuteness have their choice of two colors, silver or pearl white.
The 14-inch wheels retail for 15,000 yen (US$145) each, pre-tax, while each of the larger 15-inchers will set you back 17,000 yen. While the target market is likely to be young female professionals and housewives, we can’t help but think the Rilakkuma wheels would make a great choice for building an unassuming, wolf-in-sheep’s clothing sleeper performance car.
Just don’t let yourself get so influenced by the little guy you doze off behind the wheel.







Want something sweet to add to your drink? Make some Rilakkuma cup-hanging cookies!【Video】
Please enjoy this video of the world’s cutest tailgating car, filmed in Japan【Video】
Tokyo’s new “real-life Mario Karts” make it ridiculously clear they’re unrelated to Nintendo
Want to see right through your car? Amazing video projection system lets drivers do just that
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Eight great words for talking about summer in Japan in Japanese
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Farewell, old friend – It’s time to say goodbye to the car we bought for 980-yen (US$9.60) car
Live your childhood dreams with this life-size mini four-wheel drive car【Video】
Honda releases official doggy wheel accessories, Shiba Inu shift selectors for your car【Photos】
Autonomous beverage and snack car now testing in Chiba City
Japan’s Prime Minister has team of gloved officials that operates as his personal turn signal【Vid】
Test your luck with one of six randomly selected 2023 Tomica lucky toy cars
Daihatsune Miku? Virtual idol cruises real roads in her cool collab car design from Daihatsu
Get in the damn drift car, Shinji? Evangelion Tomika toy brings D1 machine home in miniature form
Studio Ghibli’s new Kiki’s Delivery Service Tomica makes us rethink toy cars
New Studio Ghibli die-cast anime car line brings Catbus, Spirited Away Sea Railway to your home
Mitsubishi’s Newest Line of Cars Asks: Guys, Just How Comfortable Are You With Your Sexuality? Hello Kitty Comfortable?
How to double the value of your $10 car: Spend 30 minutes adding racing stripes!
50 things our Japanese reporter learned while driving in the U.S.