Latest news with #Yuko
SoraNews24
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime hug pillow from Whisper of the Heart
From Shizuku's lap in the anime world straight to your lap in the real world. Studio Ghibli characters tend to take centre stage in its stable of movies, and its related merchandise lines as well. However, sometimes the studio throws us a curveball by shining a spotlight on items that aren't really characters at all, and that's what it's done with its latest release, which brings a humble cushion from Whisper of the Heart to life. The cushion only appears in the film for around two minutes, during a scene where main character Shizuku visits the house of her best friend, Yuko. As they chat in Yuko's room about their boy troubles, Shizuku wraps herself around the log-shaped pillow, wallowing as she hugs it until she comes upon a realisation for a new goal to try her hand at writing. This lightens her mood and makes her spring to her feet with a newfound sense of energy and excitement. ▼ The cushion doesn't appear for long but its colourful stripes and sleepy-eyed lion face makes it memorable. Image: Studio Ghibli The scene captures a cosy moment between friends that changes the course of the character's storyline, and now we can seek similar solace from the sleepy-eyed lion too, with the Whisper of the Heart Yuko's Room Hug Pillow. The hug pillow looks exactly like the one from the movie, with the face on the end bearing the exact same expression, complete with lion's mane. The chunky size of the pillow has also been faithfully replicated so you can wrap yourself around it, just as Shizuku does in the film. The item measures 25 centimetres wide, 60 centimetres long and 25 centimetres deep (9.8 × 23.6 × 9.8 inches). Made from polyester, the pillow is said to have an irresistibly soft texture so you won't be able to resist hugging it. It's the perfect product to help you get through a bad day, and like the plush toys from Howl's room in Howl's Moving Castle, it'll serve as a soft companion whenever you need it. Priced at 8,800 yen (US$61.38), the hug pillow can be preodered now through the Donguri Kyowakoku online store, with shipping scheduled for mid-to-late May. Source, images: Donguri Kyowakoku unless otherwise stated ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Arab News
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi National Museum celebrates Founding Day with a cultural journey
RIYADH: The Saudi National Museum in Riyadh celebrated Founding Day with a three-day cultural extravaganza that offered visitors a journey through the Kingdom's rich history and identity. The event, taking place from Feb. 21-23, featured immersive programs including shadow theater performances chronicling the story of the legendary Prince Mani Al-Muraydi, founder of Diriyah, whose vision laid the groundwork for the first Saudi state under Imam Muhammad bin Saud. One of the key attractions traced the evolution of Saudi currency, from using foreign coins to introducing a national currency embodying sovereignty and economic unity. Interactive displays allowed guests to handle replicas of historic coins and learn about the Saudi riyal's role in shaping the nation's identity. Artisans showed off traditional crafts, bridging past and present by demonstrating skills passed down through generations. Al-Ahsa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was prominently featured for its centuries-old mastery of bisht-making, a craft synonymous with Saudi identity. Habib Bukheder, a third-generation bisht tailor from Al-Ahsa, told Arab News: 'We inherit this craft from our fathers and pass it to our sons. The bisht is not just a garment — it is our identity.' This traditional cloak worn by men in the Arabian Peninsula symbolizes prestige, elegance and heritage. It is often worn for special occasions such as weddings, religious celebrations and official ceremonies. 'During National Day and Founding Day, you will see Saudis wearing bishts in the streets out of love for their country. We even crafted a green bisht to reflect the national flag's colors,' said Bukheder, who preserves historical pieces. He also shared his royal connections: 'The Daggat Al-Tabooq — a bisht with golden frond embroidery — was first worn by Prince Faisal bin Fahd in 1986. I was honored to design it for him and later for his son, Prince Nawaf.' In the Ornate Heritage exhibit, visitors explore the symbolism of the founding emblem, reflecting the Kingdom's cultural legacy and modern ambitions. Meanwhile, the Weaving Story program delves into the history of textile craftsmanship, illustrating how intertwined threads symbolize societal unity and resilience. For international visitors like Yuko, a tourist from Japan, the event serves as a gateway to Saudi culture. 'We wanted to see Saudi Arabia, especially Riyadh, and we learned a lot about the culture here,' she told Arab News. Yuko, visiting with her family, said they had not realized their trip would coincide with Founding Day. 'The city is amazing and beautiful, and the people are so friendly and hardworking — it makes me want to live here too,' she said. Another visitor, Oguz from Turkiye, who visited Diriyah before heading to the Saudi National Museum, said: 'This is my first time in Riyadh, and we are experiencing the new developments. People here are very energetic, so it is a really good experience.'
