Latest news with #SpiritedAway
SoraNews24
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Studio Ghibli adds folding fans to its anime specialty store in Japan
Totoro and No Face whisk you away to enchanted worlds. With the humidity beginning to rise in Japan, Studio Ghibli is here to provide some much needed relief with two folding fans dedicated to My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away. The first fan depicts the Totoros from My Neighbour Totoro, in a cooling nighttime forest scene. Totoro and the smaller Medium Totoro can be seen blowing into their ocarinas as they do in the film. On the other end of the fan you'll find the Small Totoros hanging out on a branch, watching the fireworks as many people do during summer in Japan. The attention to detail continues beneath the design, where you'll be greeted by charming Totoro cutouts every time you open the fan. The second design is adorned with camelias and characters from Spirited Away. No Face stares out from the floral setting as a scattering of Soot Sprites scamper about, carrying their beloved star-shaped komeito candy pieces. ▼ Stretching across the fan is Haku, in dragon form… ▼ …and on the bottom, cutout details tip the hat to natural elements like bamboo leaves. With fans being an essential everyday item on summer outings, you'll need a bag to store them in, and there are four varieties to choose from, two of which are new for summer. ▼ The new bags feature No Face, with the kanji 'ゆ' ('Yu') acting as a nod to the bathhouse in the film… ▼ …and Totoro, with a Soot Sprite. Unfortunately, the blue Totoro bag proved to be so popular that it sold out soon after it was released on 31 May. However, two designs have been restocked, including one with an image of Totoro, in a traditional yellow-toned Japanese colour known as 'yamabuki'. The final fan bag is an indigo-hued variety featuring No Face, again with the character 'ゆ', but this time the character is looking over its shoulder, in a pose that recalls the moment a cooling wave of water splashes against him during the train journey scene. The fans retail for 4,070 yen (US$28.33) each and the bags for 1,540 yen each, and they can be purchased at Donguri Kyowakoku stores and online, while stocks last. If flat fans are more your thing, Studio Ghibli has you covered there too. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top Image: Donguri Kyowakoku Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
SoraNews24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Beautiful covers make Studio Ghibli vinyl soundtracks and image albums look as good as they sound
Gorgeous artwork graces the jackets of LP releases of the work of Ghibli's greatest composer. Some audiophiles insist that vinyl recordings sound better than digital ones. You can make a pretty strong argument, though, that they sound better too, Because of their size and scratchable material, records need jackets, and those jackets can have beautiful artwork. Serving as stunning examples of that are these vinyl records for the anime films of Studio Ghibli, on offer from specialty shop Donguri Kyowakoku. There aren't just rectangular croppings of their respective movie posters or DVD covers, either, but artwork specially chosen for the LP jackets. Pictured above is the soundtrack for Princess Mononoke, which comes on two double-sided records containing 33 songs from Jo Hisaishi, the long-collaborating composer behind all of the Ghibli anime music we'll be looking at today, including Spirited Away. The perspective and sense of scale on the 21-song soundtrack's cover makes the bathhouse of the gods look both unsettling and intriguing, which describes the tone of many of the film's scenes. Ghibli's memorable anime architecture is also on display from a fresh angle in the jacket for the 26-piece Howl's Moving Castle soundtrack. Though Hisaishi has composed the scores for just about all of director Hayao Miyazaki's theatrical anime, he worked only one time with Isao Takahata when the late Ghibli co-founder was in the director's chair, making the 37-piece soundtrack for The Tale of the Princess Kaguya a once-in-an-artistic lifetime collaboration between the two. And last, we come to what was supposed to be Miyazaki's last feature-length anime, The Wind Rises, and its 32-piece soundtrack. All of the above soundtracks are two-record sets, although only the Princess Mononoke one uses both sides of both records, with the others using only one side of their second. Meanwhile, the Kiki's Delivery Service Soundtrack Music Collection is a more modestly sized one-disc, 21-piece selection of music from the only anime produced, directed, and written by Miyazaki. And if you want even more beautiful Ghibli record jacket art, it can be found on the covers for the film's 'image albums.' Image albums are what the Japanese music sphere calls musical compositions inspired by the setting, story, and characters of an animated work, but which aren't heard within the anime itself. In the case of the Kik's Delivery Service image album above, for example, Hisaishi's aim was to recreate the feeling of how Miyazaki described the setting to him, 'A vaguely European town, somewhere near the Mediterranean sea,' in musical form, in much the same way that the beautiful cover artwork of Kiki getting ready to depart her parent's house isn't taken directly from the film. That same philosophy is behind the image albums for Spirited Away , Howl's Moving Castle , and Princess Monoke . Each of the image albums are single-record, with 10 pieces of music and priced at 4,180 yen (US$29), as is the Kiki's Delivery Service Soundtrack Music Collection , while the two record soundtracks are 5,280 yen. Several of them were sold out and unavailable until recently, but they're all restocked and can be ordered through the Donguri Kyowakoku online store here. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Donguri Kyowakoku Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
St. Buena Vida Debuts Non-Alcoholic Wine with Next-Gen Tech and a Brand-Forward Approach
The first release is a dry sparkling Chardonnay that highlights the potential of modern non-alcoholic winemaking. NEW YORK, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Buena Vida, a New York-based non-alcoholic wine brand, has launched its first product: a dry sparkling Chardonnay, single-sourced from organic vineyards in Spain. The wine is finished in Germany using Solos, an advanced aroma-capture technology that preserves the wine's natural aromatic compounds. While many alcohol-removed wines lose much of their original character throughout the dealcoholization process, Solos helps to maintain flavor, complexity, and depth. St. Buena Vida is the first US-based brand to leverage Solos in its winemaking. Tasting Notes: The wine opens with aromas of ripe pear, green apple skin, fresh citrus, and white flowers. On the palate, it's dry and bright, with crisp pear, lemon zest, and a touch of stone fruit layered over subtle minerality. The finish is clean, refreshing, and lightly effervescent — a sparkling wine built for easy sipping and elevated moments. Founded by entrepreneur Lawrence Bremer, St. Buena Vida was created to bring greater craft and care to the evolving non-alcoholic wine category. According to NIQ, non-alcoholic wine grew by 27.2% year-over-year as of January 2025, part of a broader shift that's turning non-alc into one of the fastest-growing segments in beverage. "The modern drinker sees the value in great non-alcoholic options and wants to include them as part of what they reach for," said Bremer. "We're focused on delivering premium wines that reflect transparency, quality, and taste. And we're building a lifestyle brand that inspires moments that feel just as rewarding." Taking cues from the pace and pleasure of Mediterranean life, the brand is rooted in the ethos of good living. It celebrates slowing down, finding beauty in the everyday, and embracing the quiet luxury of a life well lived. St. Buena Vida successfully soft-launched in January as a featured brand in the showcase program at Spirited Away, a specialty retailer helping to shape the non-alcoholic space. The program highlights emerging brands and introduces them directly to consumers in a curated, in-store setting. "We've hosted more than 60 showcases to date, and St. Buena Vida had the strongest sales performance we've seen," said Douglas Watters, Founder of Spirited Away. "It's even more remarkable given that the brand is just getting started and currently offers only one SKU." With its dry, crisp profile and balanced acidity, the wine shines on retail shelves and on-premise lists. Its versatility and brand-forward appeal make it a strong fit for restaurants, bars, and today's modern drinker. To support US expansion, St. Buena Vida recently partnered with Hatch Celler, a boutique beverage sales consultancy focused on building premium brands. The wine is currently available in 25 retail locations across the United States, and online at About St. Buena Vida St. Buena Vida is a premium non-alcoholic wine brand rooted in the ethos of good living. It celebrates slowing down, beautiful moments, and the quiet luxury of living well. The brand offers high-quality wines with real character, made for modern drinkers who care about what they're drinking and how it fits into their life. Additional Information Suggested Retail Price: $32Website: Instagram: @stbuenavida Company Contact Lawrence BremerFounder, St. Buena Vidalawrence@ Press Contact Taylor FoxmanThe Industry Collective609-432-2237395794@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE St. Buena Vida Sign in to access your portfolio
Japan Today
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
The Ghibli Golden Route: Japan's most accessible destinations for fans and first-time visitors
By Laura Payne Since the 1980s, Studio Ghibli has produced globally acclaimed films. These movies have captivated both children and adults because while the studio's animated worlds are full of whimsy and adventure, they are also not afraid to feature universal themes and realities such as romance, grief, war and coming of age. In June 2025, the studio will commemorate its 40th anniversary. Fans traveling in Japan will find no shortage of ways to mark this occasion as the country is full of Ghibli-related destinations. Among these, some of the most famous are situated along the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka 'Golden Route' — an itinerary recommended for first-time visitors in Japan due to features such as convenient access. The Ghibli Golden Route — like Ghibli movies themselves — invites visitors to find beauty in everyday items, explore fantasy worlds and reflect on real-life tragedies. From museums to movie settings, here are some key highlights of the Ghibli Golden Route. Tokyo: Ghibli Museum and real-life inspirations Besides its gorgeous main building, the Ghibli Museum is known for its themed cafe, special exhibitions and screenings of original Ghibli short films. Image: MARODG/Pixta With international flights arriving at Haneda and Narita airports daily, Tokyo is where many Golden Route travelers begin their journey. After arriving, local trains and buses can bring travelers to the first Ghibli Golden Route destination: the Ghibli Museum. Rather than passively consuming curated displays, this museum designed by director Hayao Miyazaki encourages visitors to create their own unique experience by freely exploring a building that looks like a Ghibli setting. Many exhibits at the Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum feel like something from a Ghibli movie because they come from the same time period as certain films' settings. Image: Ryozo/Pixta The Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is another Ghibli-related site that lies about 50 minutes away from the Ghibli Museum via public transportation. The architectural museum is home to more than two dozen historic buildings — used by Ghibli animators as references when creating movies such as 'Spirited Away' (2001) Studio Ghibli's connection to the architectural museum is also clearly seen in the institution's caterpillar mascot, Edomaru, who was created by Hayao Miyazaki. Visitors who become fans of this little-known Ghibli character should stop by the museum gift shop as it carries souvenirs featuring Edomaru. Besides the museum and other memorials, Yokoamicho Park features a children's play area. Image: mandegan/Pixta While the Ghibli Museum and the architectural museum evoke wonder, other sites in Tokyo are powerful reminders of harsher incidents depicted in Ghibli movies. Yokoamicho Park, for example, is home to the Great Kanto Earthquake Memorial Museum. In 1923, this earthquake and subsequent fires became one of Japan's deadliest disasters, claiming thousands of lives. Studio Ghibli portrayed this earthquake in the 2013 film 'The Wind Rises.' Inside the memorial museum, visitors can view photos and artifacts from the disaster's aftermath. The surrounding Yokoamicho Park is home to even more memorial structures for victims of the earthquake and the Great Tokyo Air Raid of 1945. Air raids have been depicted in multiple Ghibli films such as 'The Boy and the Heron' (2023), 'Grave of the Fireflies' (1988) and even the fantasy film 'Howl's Moving Castle' (2004). Scenes like these are just one way Ghibli has sparked reflection on conflict's consequences. Nagoya: Explore Ghibli Park and Showa-era attractions The Toromon Gate stands between Ghibli's Grand Warehouse and Dondoko Forest — two of five areas inside Ghibli Park. Image: kunami/Pixta Although not traditionally part of the Golden Route, Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture is an easy addition since it is accessible from Tokyo via shinkansen (bullet train). Nagoya is also an essential destination for Ghibli fans as it serves as the gateway to Ghibli Park. Located inside Moricoro Park (Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park), Ghibli Park is a place that brings the studio's best-known and lesser-known films to life. In the park's five areas, visitors can enter iconic scenes and settings from their favorite movies such as the bakery from 'Kiki's Delivery Service' (1989) or the antique shop from 'Whisper of the Heart' (1995). Some small rides such as a carousel are available, but like Tokyo's Ghibli Museum, most of the fun at Ghibli Park comes from exploration and discovery. Ghibli Park is accessible in about one hour by train from Nagoya station. Spending at least one day exploring the park is recommended, though visitors who hope to enjoy every detail of all five areas may need two days. Another smaller attraction that Ghibli fans in Nagoya should consider visiting is the Showa Era Lifestyle Museum. Ghibli films such as 'My Neighbor Totoro' (1988) and 'Only Yesterday' (1991) take place during Japan's Showa Era (1926 - 1989), and this museum exhibits thousands of everyday items from this period such as cars, toys and advertising signage. Hiroshima: Ghibli inspiration and wartime reflection Hayao Miyazaki is just one famous figure who has traveled to Tomonoura in the town's long history. Other notable visitors include actor Hugh Jackman and the samurai Ryoma Sakamoto. Image: まちゃー/Pixta Take a bullet train to Fukuyama station, and from here a local bus whisks visitors to Tomonoura — one of the most historic port towns in Hiroshima Prefecture. Hayao Miyazaki is known to have stayed in Tomonoura for about two months, and it is believed that his time here inspired the setting of the movie 'Ponyo' (2008). Stop by the Tomonoura Tourist Information Center upon arriving, and you can find information about places in town with ties to the movie. Besides Ponyo-related sites, Ghibli fans should also stop by Onfunayado Iroha — a restaurant and ryokan (traditional-style inn) that was renovated using sketches by Miyazaki. Tomonoura's long history also means that there are countless other local wonders to explore that are not related to Ghibli. Even if travelers cannot stay for as long as Miyazaki did, the sights and stories of Tomonoura are sure to stir the imagination. Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park was built near the hypocenter of the atomic bombing that destroyed the city on Aug. 6, 1945. Image: denkei/Pixta The final recommended stops on the Ghibli Golden Route are in Hiroshima City — about 20 minutes away from Fukuyama station by bullet train. Although they do not have direct connections to Ghibli films, travelers should visit Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and museum. Ghibli directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki were children during World War II, and both directors have explicitly portrayed the destruction caused by war in their movies. The year 2025 will be the 80th since atomic bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As the anniversaries of these tragedies and the peace advocate Studio Ghibli coincide, perhaps now is one of the best times to remember the studio's real-world commentary. Beyond the Ghibli Golden Route Japan's most famous and accessible Ghibli-related sites are found along the Golden Route, but there are many more inspirations to explore. After traversing the Golden Route, countless other new worlds await. © Japan Today
Buzz Feed
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
16 Sad And Disturbing Movies That People Can't Rewatch
Recently, u/0xHermione asked r/AskReddit, "What's a movie that disturbed you so much, you'd never watch it again?" So we thought we'd share some of the top responses: Requiem For a Dream "Amazing, impactful movie, but once was enough for me."–_MyCatsNameIsBinx"I'm a college professor and I used to show it in class to illustrate the parallels between Rx pill addiction and heroin addiction."–Fun_Low777Brief description: This harrowing film depicts the traumatic and destructive effects of addiction as it follows four people whose lives are crumbling as a result of their habits. Grave of the Fireflies "I wouldn't say this one was disturbing, but incredibly sad and poignant. And yes, I couldn't get myself to watch it again."–Kirosky"I watched this and then immediately followed it up with Spirited Away. Grave of the Fireflies needs a chaser."–QCs_diner_patronBrief description: This animated film depicts the destructive impact of war as it follows two orphaned siblings trying to survive in war-torn Japan during WWII. Bambi "I was six. I cried so hard I threw up and blamed the dog. He got yelled at. I've lived with that guilt for 20 years. Still won't rewatch it."–Machineabyss764Brief description: This animated Disney film is about a young deer having to grow up in the forrest alone, learning about loss and life. What Dreams May Come "I love this movie but I don't think I can watch it again."–EfficientDismal"I cried way too long during the closing scenes and then walked out of the theater asking myself questions about my existence and mortality that I never want to ask myself again."–jasonmarsellBrief description: This emotional film is about a man risking his afterlife in heaven in order to save his wife from the depths of despair. Schindler's List "I think everyone should watch it once, but once is enough."–emceekatie"I first watched this last year while eating pho in bed. I spilled boiling broth on my pants but it was during the train part toward the end and I couldn't move or look away. I ended up with a quarter-sized burn on my leg by the time the movie ended. No regrets."–YandojiBrief description: This historical drama is the story of Oskar Schindler, who, despite the horrors that surround him, endeavours to save the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. The Butterfly Effect "I unfortunately watched this movie as a kid. It had quite an impact on me and definitely left me with some trauma. I thought I'd never watch it again, but my roommate convinced me to and that version had a different ending. Not sure which I saw but the first time I watched it, I was depressed for three entire days."–Narcissista"I watched this years ago then a couple of night ago it was on. So the wife and I started watching it again… that scene with the dad taking home movies came on and I suddenly remembered…. 'Nope! Turn it off now!' That movie is just hauntingly miserable."–BeershedfredBrief description: When a man discovers that he can travel back in time to crucial events in his life, he doesn't consider the harrowing consequences of his interferences. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father "Man, everyone should see this film once because it is so well done and a wonderful homage to the filmmakers friend. But holy shit, I don't think I could bring myself to watch it again. The friend did such a good job telling the story that halfway through I had to turn it off and finish it another day. I was absolutely heartbroken but also FURIOUS. I have never had a film make me feel such raw, fruitless, immeasurable anger in my life. And there is nowhere to point it."–TheDreamingMyriadBrief description: This devastating documentary follows a filmmaker who is attempting to honour his late friend whilst showing his friend's son who his father was. In doing so, the filmmaker uncovers a tragic story of loss and tragedy. Threads "Threads.. the BBC movie about a limited nuclear exchange. The most matter of fact and horrible deaths. The loss of dignity in dying from radiation sickness… It hit so hard!"–caduceushugsBrief description: This haunting film focuses on the real life impact of nuclear war through the eyes of two families in Britain. Kids "I feel like it had made it's point by one hour in, the last 30 minutes just felt unnecessary, but oh god it hammered that point home. Great movie, but once was enough."–DetLoinsBrief description: This movie, set over the course of one day in New York, follows a group of teens who are exploring debauchery and adolescence in a reckless, disturbing way. Se7en "The only movie I walked out of deeply regretting that I'd seen it. I felt like my heart was poisoned."–staceychevBrief description: We follow two detectives who are on the hunt for a serial killer whose crimes are inspired by the seven deadly sins. Mother! "It was a 120 minute long anxiety attack."–Rowsdowers_Revenge"Agreed. I hated it until the end and then I loved it, but once really is enough."–TheFemale72Brief description: This disturbing psychological thriller follows the peculiar events that surround a couple living a fairly peaceful life. When people begin to barge in uninvited, a series of disturbing and chaotic events unfurl. The Lovely Bones "Incredible film, so well done that you almost hate Stanley Tucci because he plays the role so well. Don't think I could watch it again since having a daughter, though!"–CraigusFragglusBrief description: This supernatural drama is centred around a family struggling to deal with the murder of their daughter. Not wanting to move into the afterlife, the daughter in question remains in purgatory, watching over her distressed family and her killer. The NeverEnding Story "Artax in the swamp of sadness messed up all the '80s kids. We didn't even talk about that scene on the playground. Everyone tried to suppress that memory."–OldElPasoSnowplowBrief description: This fairytale story follows a lonely boy, Bastain, who is magically transported to the land of Fantasia after reading an old book in the book shop. The land is under threat from a dark force called The Nothing, and Bastian must try to save it. Once We Were Warriors "Very hard watch, even harder rewatch. Not for the faint of heart."–El_Guerrero_MayaBrief description: This visceral drama follows a Māori family in New Zealand. We see the impact of domestic violence, poverty, and unrest in a brutal way. The Human Centipede "FOR REAL. My son had asked about it once because he wanted to watch a horror movie. I told him, 'bro, you can't ever unsee it, I promise you don't want to watch it,' and I described the premise of the movie. Well, a few weeks later he ended up seeing the South Park parody and cried." –nortstar621Brief description: This body horror depicts a scientist who kidnaps three tourists in order to perform a horrific experiment on them, attempting to conjoin the three of them together to form a sort of human centipede. Midsommar "I'm not a horror girlie, but this was my favourite movie. The tension, music, scenery, and story are perfect. This wasn't even a supernatural horror, just people doing it to each other which is more terrifying. That being said, I watched it in theatres when it was released and have NEVER seen it since. I was too terrified. Will I recommend it as the best scary movie? Yes. Will I ever watch it again? Fuck no." –extrabeesBrief description: This folk horror is centred around a group of grad students who visit a remote Swedish commune at the time of Midsommar festival; the unnerving traditions of the community begin to reveal themselves in horrific ways. H/T to u/0xHermione and r/AskReddit for having the discussion! Any of your own to add? Let us know in the comments below!
