Collaboration of Illit with Care Bears for debut Japanese track
The beloved Care Bears franchise and K-pop group Illit have joined forces for the South Korean group's first Japanese single, titled "Toki Yo Tomare." This collaboration, described as a "dream collaboration," marks a special edition release to celebrate Illit's entry into the Japanese music market.
Scheduled for release on September 1, 2025, the single will be followed by the limited-edition physical album on September 3. The single features four tracks and includes contributions from Japanese singer-songwriters Murasaki Ima and Noa.
The Care Bears pop-up store, running from September 9 to 24 at Laforet Harajuku in Tokyo, will sell the single and exclusive merchandise such as dolls and keyrings co-designed by Illit and Care Bears. The teaser image for the collaboration portrays a dreamy aura, with the five members of Illit dressed in all-white outfits and custom Care Bears modeled after each member.
The Care Bears team believes that this collaboration, rooted in shared values of positive energy and spreading joy, will be a unique and special experience. The single "Toki Yo Tomare" means "Let Time Stop," fitting the nostalgic, positive image of Care Bears.
Illit, created by American Greetings, has gained love from fans worldwide since its inception. This collaboration is not mentioned to be a major collaboration for the Care Bears, but it undoubtedly adds a fresh and exciting twist to the beloved franchise.
This partnership bridges Illit's youthful, vibrant image with the iconic Care Bears characters, creating a unique cross-cultural and cross-media promotional tie-in for ILLIT’s entry into the Japanese music market. Fans of both Illit and Care Bears can look forward to this exciting collaboration and the release of "Toki Yo Tomare."
The limited-edition physical album, releasing on September 3, will offer a blend of Illit's K-pop music with a touch of Care Bears' entertainment. Fans of both Illit and Care Bears can anticipate experienceing positive energy and joy in the form of music with the single "Toki Yo Tomare," which incorporates elements from both franchises.
