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SoraNews24
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Support Japan's real-world Totoro Forest with special Studio Ghibli collection
Huge range of clothing, bags, accessories and stationery help to save the place where Totoro was born. Not many fans may be aware of it, but the character of Totoro from My Neighbour Totoro was born in a forest area in Sayama Hills in Tokyo's neighbouring prefecture of Saitama, which now goes by the name 'Totoro's Forest'. Ghibli director and co-founder Hayao Miyazaki came up with the idea for Totoro during one of his daily walks in the forested area, leading it to become known as 'the place where Totoro was born', and prompting him to set up the Totoro no Furusato Foundation, which conserves the natural habitat through initiatives such as the 'Totoro Fund'. Part of the way the foundation raises funds is through sales of Totoro Fund goods, which feature illustrations by Miyazaki that you won't find anywhere else. Right now is the perfect time to stock up and support the cause, as a huge number of goods has been restocked at the studio's Donguri Kyowakoku retail chain, giving you a wide variety of products to choose from, at various price points. The first set of goods is a range of clothing, with hoodies and long and short-sleeved T-shirts vying for our attention. ▼ The long-sleeved T-shirts have 'National Trust Totoro Fund' written on the front… ▼ … a couple of cute Soot Sprites on the left sleeve… ▼ … and a trio of Totoros on the back. This design is called 'Furoshiki Totoro', with furoshiki referring to the cloth sacks being carried by the Totoros. The Furoshiki Totoro long-sleeved shirts retail for 4,510 yen (US$31.27) each and can be purchased in white or black. ▼ Next up, we have a couple of 'Furoshiki Totoro' hoodies, priced at 6,600 yen. Like the shirts, the hoodie is made from 100-percent cotton and features adorable images drawn by Miyazaki. ▼ The hoodie is available in grey… ▼… and black. Now we move on to the T-shirts, with the 'Konnichi wa Totoro' ('Hello Totoro') design featuring the big guy popping out from a corner to say hello. The shirts can be left untucked for an oversized, casual look, or tucked in for a neat but relaxed style. The Konnichi wa Totoro is available in three colourways, priced at 3,960 yen each. ▼ Navy ▼Black ▼ … and White. ▼ Meadow Totoro has a duo of Soot Sprites on the front… ▼…and a beautifully whimsical image of Totoro on the back. ▼ The shirt is available in white or black and is priced at 3,960 yen each. Now we move on to some bags and accessories, starting with the Furoshiki Totoro Neck Strap (1,430 yen), which can be used for ID cards, smartphones, pens, name tags, keys — anything that's small and easy to lose. The Furoshiki Totoros will take care of your valuable items, with different designs on the front and back of the strap. There are three bags to choose from. ▼ The Vertical Catbus Tote Bag (2,750 yen), which measures 36-37 centimetres (14.2-14.6 inches). The bag is as cute as it is functional, with an inner pocket helping to keep things easily accessible. ▼ The Sendangusa Foldable Eco Bag (1,540 yen) Light yet durable, this handy bag measures about 38 x 42 centimetres and can carry half a dozen two-litre plastic bottles. 'Sendangusa', a genus of annual plants in the daisy family, features in the adorable design, with Totoro seen relaxing in the leaves. As the name suggests, this bag folds up into a neat little square so you can keep it in your handbag without it taking up too much space. ▼ The Matcha Foldable Eco Bag (1,870 yen) Measuring around 27 x 56 centimetres, this bag is slightly shorter and wider than the previous one, making it a good fit for bento lunch boxes. It also comes in handy for supermarket runs, where everyone in the store will be silently admiring the adorable design. This sweet design embodies the charm , beauty and magic of the place where Totoro was born. This one folds up neatly as well so you can have it ready to go in your bag whenever you need to use it. Now it's time to check out the stickers, which are an affordable way to contribute to the fund while getting some very cute hand-drawn images in return. ▼ Soot Sprites and Furoshiki Totoro Set ▼ 'Mei' and 'Totoro Family' ▼ 'Catbus' and 'Large Totoro' ▼ 'Round Large Totoro' ▼ 'Round Furoshiki Totoro' Both the two-piece sticker sets and larger single stickers retail for 660 yen, and whichever ones you choose, they're sure to grab attention. ▼ The remaining goods will be highly sought after by stationery lovers. First up, there are two postcards sets, with the 'Flowers' collection containing five watercolour designs… ▼ … and the 'Totoro' set containing six. ▼ The 'Totoro Letter' Letter Set (660 yen) contains a total of nine sheets of paper, in three designs… ▼ … and three translucent envelopes, so you can see the artwork without even having to open it. ▼ The Totoro Letter Set (660 yen) is adorned in illustrations drawn by Miyazaki. There are a total of 12 sheets in this set, in three designs. ▼ Mei is shown in a forest setting with the Catbus and the baby Catbus. ▼ The Furoshiki Totoros can be seen walking in line amongst Soot Sprites and their beloved acorns. ▼ And the Soot Sprites loom large over the rural Kusakabe family home, as if having escaped from its confines. ▼ The set is complete with five envelopes. Next up, we have several 'ippitsu-sen' (一筆せん), which are note pads or letter pads that are ideal for writing short messages. ▼ This seven-sheet pad has three illustrations by Miyazaki. Because Japanese is traditionally written from top to bottom, there's also a vertical ippitsu-sen , with three original illustrations by Miyazaki. Then we have some loose-sheet ippitsu-sen , with seven in total featuring three Miyazaki-drawn illustrations. ▼ All the ippitsu-sen retail for 660 yen. Now we come to the final product in the lineup — the Soot Sprite Sticky Notes (660 yen). This adorable set will have you wanting to bookmark everything you can with a sticky note. With 26 products to choose from, Totoro will be receiving a lot of for his real-world forest from supportive fans this summer. As always, stocks are limited, so you'll want to get in quick to show your support, although you can always make the trip to Sayama to experience the forest and purchase the goods in person. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Donguri Kyowakoku Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
SoraNews24
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Studio Ghibli releases new My Neighbour Totoro scrunchie and ribbon sets in Japan
Enhance your style with subtle nods to the anime film. When you're a fan of Studio Ghibli, any chance to enhance your wardrobe with a splash of anime magic from the films is one worth taking. However, there are times when a more subtle dash of Ghibli is needed, and for those occasions we have the My Neighbour Totoro Scrunchie and Ribbon Set. Perfect for days out or even workdays at the office, the set is available in two designs, starting with the Amadaidai (Sweet Bitter Orange). Ideal for summer, the citrus design will add a burst of colour to your outfit, with small Totoros and tiny Soot Sprites acting as subtle nods to the movie. ▼ You can wear the scrunchie on its own… ▼ … or together with the ribbon for a more elegant look. ▼ The second design is Ai Hanabi (Indigo Fireworks). Like the first set, the scrunchie and ribbon can be used as hair accessories… ▼ … or switched up to coordinate your look. This is another design that's perfect for summer, a time when fireworks displays are typically held up and down the country, with cute details showing Soot Sprites at the centre of the firework bursts, and small Totoros running through the design, with one even holding a forest leaf. The scrunchie measures 10 centimetres (3.9 inches) in diameter while the scarf measures 6 x 70 centimetres. The two are sold in a set for 1,980 yen (US$13.88) but will be relatively hard to get, as they can be purchased at the Donguri Kyowakoku online store (links below) but not at all of the chain's bricks-and-mortar stores in Japan. They will be available at some Donguri Kyowakoku stores overseas, which is good news if you're in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China or South Korea. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Donguri Kyowakoku Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
SoraNews24
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Totoro log plushie pouches, clear-tummy bags are here to adorably hold your most important stuff
Whether you're spending time at home or headed out for the day, Totoro can help keep your belongings organized. Between its cute creature designs and detailed depictions of lush forests and peaceful farmland, the art of every scene in My Neighbor Totoro is a joy to look at. And while we haven't found any Totoros living in our local parks (not that we've given up looking, though), we're always on the lookout for ways to add some of the Studio Ghibli anime classic's 'adorable nature' aesthetic to our daily lives. That brings us to what looks like a plushie…tree stump? Yeah, that's clearly meant to be a rendered-in-cloth log cross-section, with Totoro on top and Soot Sprites on the side. But from the angle of the above photo you can also see a zipper, because this is, in fact, a pouch. Measuring 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) in diameter, the Totoro Log Pouch is part of specialty shop Donguri Kyowakoku's line of Ghibli-themed household goods that's just practical enough to make it a totally reasonable purchase, and smile-inducingly eye-catching enough to make it an easy pick over a plainer pouch. ▼ The leaf-shaped zipper pull is an especially nice touch. But while the Totoro Log Pouch works great as both an at-home storage space and interior decoration, what if you've got outdoor, or at least out-of-the-house, adventures to go on? Totoro can still help you hold your stuff, as Donguri Kyowakoku is also offering what it calls the Totoro Heading Out Pochette. Modeled after the Medium/blue Totoro, this shoulder-strap pouch works best if a travel-light philosophy is applicable to whatever you've got planned for the day. It is big enough, though, to hold essentials such as your phone, keys, or candy (yes, of course snacks are essential). ▼ Totoro's tummy is clear, but the back of the bag is entirely fuzzy, complete with a little tail. Both bags have recently been restocked at Donguri Kyowakoku and can be ordered through the store's official online shop, with the log pouch available here for 1,980 yen (US$13.65) and the 3,630-yen pochette here. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Donguri Kyowakoku Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
SoraNews24
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Studio Ghibli releases new anime cushions for Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service fans
Support your tush with supporting characters from two top anime movies. One of the recurring themes that runs through all of Studio Ghibli's movies is the support that main characters receive from the secondary characters around them. In My Neighbour Totoro, for example, young protagonist Mei and her sister Satsuki are helped by the magical Totoro forest dwellers, and in Kiki's Delivery Service the titular character can't do without the company and advice of magical cat Jiji. Now, these caring characters are here to make you feel like the main character in your own movie, by providing you with literal and figurative support, in the form of seat cushions. ▼ The first cush to support your tush is the My Neighbour Totoro Maruta Cushion 'Maruta' means 'log', and that's what this cushion is designed to look like, with a calming shade of brown around the sides and beautifully stitched details resembling rings. The backside features forest leaves and a couple of Soot Sprites, while the front shows a small Totoro beside the titular Totoro, whose big grin will put a smile on your dial. Made from a super soft, fluffy material, the cushions measure 40 centimetres (16 inches) across and 8 centimetres in height. Fans of Kiki's Delivery Service will be happy to see supporting cast member Jiji on the Chocolate Cake Cushion. With Jiji on one side and an image of Kiki and Jiji on the other, you can choose between two display options…and two seating options. ▼ This side is evocative of the cake seen in the film. On this side, Jiji's wide-eyed face of surprise will make you laugh every time you park your rear on it. The cushions are priced at 5,280 yen (US$37.06) each and can be purchased at Donguri Kyowakoku stores and online (Totoro here and Jiji here). The soft material makes these a great option for keeping you comfortable and warm, but if you'd like to keep your tush cool in summer, then these Totoro rush cushions will do the trick. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Donguri Kyowakoku Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
SoraNews24
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Totoro and Catbus sukajan is two iconic Japanese looks blended by a U.S. fashion brand【Photos】
BoxLunch shows springtime flare with its Studio Ghibli collection. Studio Ghibli's anime films are widely considered to be among the high-water marks of the Japanese animation world, but they've proven popular far beyond their country of origin. Likewise the sukajan, a type of jacket originating in the Kanagawa Prefecture town of Yokosuka, has earned worldwide recognition for its fashionable mix of contrasting-color satiny fabrics and embroidered imagery of soaring dragons, leaping koi, and other romantic symbols of Japan and the Far East. And as further proof of their international popularity, there's now a Totoro/Catbus sukajan created by a U.S. fashion brand. BoxLunch isn't exclusively an anime fashion label, but rather a provider of pop-culture themed apparel, accessories, and housewares in general. With anime having now firmly solidified itself in the American entertainment landscape, though, BoxLunch has plenty of items for fans of Japanese animation, including some new springtime items. The most eye-catching addition to the lineup is the My Neighbor Totoro Catbus Sakura Jacket, which mixes images of the Ghibli stars with a cherry blossom motif. ▼ The back of the jacket has the Catbus' name written in Japanese script plus the year of My Neighbor Totoro's Japanese theatrical release. Depending on the material, sukajan can be very expensive, but the satin polyester shell BoxLunch uses keeps it at a relatively affordable US$79.90, and makes it machine washable to boot, according to the company's website. If you're looking for a more snuggly jacket, BoxLunch also has a My Neighbor Totoro Cherry Blossom Zip Hoodie with all three Totoros (Big, Medium, and Small) for US$64.90 with a cool cherry blossom zip pull. The Totoro trio also appears on the My Neighbor Totoro Cherry Blossom Totoro Women's Cardigan (also US$64.90), with some Soot Sprites keeping them company at their cherry blossom-viewing ocarina concert. Finally, if you're more of a Spirited Away fan, BoxLunch is also offering a Haku Cherry Blossoms Embroidered Crewneck pullover (US$54.90) with Haku in his dragon form on both the front and back, along with flocks of Yubaba's pursuing Shikigami servants and the movie's title written in Japanese. All of the items can be ordered through BoxLunch's online store (sukajan here, hoodie here, cardigan here, and crewneck here). Source: BoxLunch Top image: BoxLunch Insert images: BoxLunch (1, 2, 3, 4) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
