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Donguri Sora, Studio Ghibli's official merchandise store, has recently unveiled its freshly restocked My Neighbor Totoro tea collection. Dropping just in time for the winter season and holiday gift-giving, the line features two unique flavors -- mandarin orange green tea and corn -- each designed to evoke the serene and enchanting spirit of the beloved animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Donguri Sora's tea set’s design is inspired by the simplicity and warmth of My Neighbor Totoro, capturing the essence of the film’s natural beauty and gentle nostalgia. Whether hosting a fun tea session with friends or relaxing solo as a fan, the series offers Ghibli lovers an immersive way to enjoy a beloved classic in their everyday lives. Totoro, the iconic face of Studio Ghibli, remains a symbol of the anime studio's signature charm, making the tea canisters themselves a unique collector's item. Both feature slightly different Totoro-inspired artwork,...

"My Neighbor Totoro" is undoubtedly one of the best Studio Ghibli movies. It gave the studio its mascot, and is a perfect movie that's both sweet and cuddly, like its titular forest spirit, but also carries layers of darkness and nuance. This is a movie about how fantasy helps kids cope in times of hardship, which made this the perfect salve when doing a double feature with one of the most harrowing war dramas ever made.

A very early Studio Ghibli production, "My Neighbor Totoro" follows two sisters who relocate to rural Japan when their mother gets gravely ill. While their father is away to spend time with their mother, the two girls have magical adventures with forest spirits.

The film's success is long-lasting, not just because it became the studio logo or because Totoro is arguably the most recognizable Ghibli character and generally one of the most popular anime characters ever.

Studio Ghibli has a rich, diverse cast filled with tons of unique abilities. From spirits like Haku and Totoro who use magic to humans who possess otherworldly powers, the magic used in the world of Studio Ghibli is quite memorable due to the way it's used and also the uniqueness of the magic itself.

Magic in Studio Ghibli films goes beyond simply just having magic in the films, they tend to have a deeper level to them and relate directly to the story. Yubaba's main ability is to steal names to wield for her own gain and Lady Himi uses fire magic to destroy predators who try to prey on the poor Warawara's.

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Known for its dazzling displays of visceral, yet still thought-provoking films, Studio Ghibli has provided scores of amazing movies for viewers to enjoy, from the iconic My Neighbor Totoro to the stunning watercolor masterpiece of The Tale of Princess Kaguya. Filled with heartfelt characters, emotional journeys and introspective examinations of life from the broad strokes to the everyday these films have lived on beyond their theater premieres thanks to their perfection.

Their ability to capture audience attention, and still resonate with the universal themes and challenges all of humanity faces, make them absolutely stunning pieces of creativity. From the murky gray areas presented in Princess Mononoke to the childlike innocence captured and celebrated in My Neighbor Totoro, these Studio Ghibli films mesmerize with their flawless execution from beginning to when the last credit rolls.

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The vast library of the Studio Ghibli franchise truly has a film for any anime fan. For the fans of whimsical, light-hearted stories, tales such as Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro are sure to bring a smile to the audience's faces. Meanwhile, people who like darker fantasy adventures may enjoy movies such as Princess Mononoke and Nausica of the Valley of the Wind, where the stakes are higher and the action sequences often present.

In any Studio Ghibli film, the main protagonists are often shown alongside a supporting cast of characters. Whether they are friend or foe, these characters may either simply exist in order to highlight the overall narrative more or act as a main driving force in the entire story. Several of Studio Ghibli's supporting characters have remained renowned since their debut and are as popular as the protagonists of the film they are in.

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Lovers of fashion and Studio Ghibli alike are excited about the latest re-release of popular My Neighbor Totoro merchandise. The newest release isn't only adorable, but also sports colors and textures that make the series a perfect seasonal item.

Totoro himself is seen in this fall collection in several styles and colors of bags. This iconic character is pictured alongside other adorable cast members, as well as acorns depicted in the same style. The bags come in both brown and cream/white color schemes, including tote-style bags with handles and clutch-style bags with zippers. The tote bags are each priced at 4,620 yen (~$30), while the clutch bags cost 3,630 yen (~US$24). All items are beautifully embroidered, giving them a fun visual texture. The bags are also fluffy, adding more tactile fun and a soft, downy feel.

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Studio Ghiblis official online shop, Donguri Sora, has just unveiled an enchanting new set of My Neighbor Totoro New Years stamps, giving fans a perfect way to bring Totoros magic into their holiday season. These stamps, part of Japans tradition of personalizing cards and stationary, let Ghibli fans start 2025 with a healthy dose of the Japanese animation studios warmth and whimsy.

Numerous designs with Totoro and other familiar faces, like the Soot Sprites, each paired with a seasonal message or image -- including "Happy New Year," "Good luck" and "Thank you very much for your help" -- are featured in the new stamp drop. Ranging from 737 to 1,650 yen (~US$5-11) depending on the stamp's size, they are ideal for adding a thoughtful touch to New Years cards, gift tags or bags, wrapping or even just personal notes.

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Studio Ghibli films are enduring classics. Most have young protagonists and are generally made for a child audience. Ghibli fans span generations, and parents often love watching My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away with their kids. There's something in Ghibli movies for nearly every kind of audience. The plethora of films by Ghibli cover various themes in their films, from environmental awareness to accepting someone the way they are despite where they come from, Studio Ghibli is one of the best.

As affirming and comforting as Studio Ghibli films can be for young ones, there's plenty that parents can learn from them. Ghibli's stories are well-curated; the characters are both wise and relatable. There's plenty that parents can glean from these stories that could apply to their own parenting. Ghibli films show how to be affirming parents, and give comforting and kind advice when it comes to raising a family.

Few Studio Ghibli films can claim to be as iconic or beloved as Hayao Miyazaki's My Neighbor Totoro. Endless merchandise based on the whimsical fantasy feature has been made available to fans since its 1988 release. While many products based on the movie are purely for decoration or amusement, the newest Totoro merchandise is practical as well.

The "My Neighbor Totoro Storage Box" has returned to Donguri Sora, Studio Ghibli's official store, after a year away -- the perfect addition to the homes of My Neighbor Totoro fans. Available in two color variants, these charming storage boxes are a perfect incentive to organize just about any work or living space. "Introducing a Gobelin storage box with the popular "Large/Medium Totoro Silhouette" pattern," the description for the item reads. "The calm colors and luxurious feel of Gobelin weaving will match your interior! The cuteness of the Large/Medium Totoro Silhouette...

As fall sets in and winter peeks around the corner, official Studio Ghibli retailer Donguri Sora is making sure that fans will be prepped for cooler weather. The store has introduced a new line of whimsical My Neighbor Totoro towels that are bound to keep people warm and dry, as well as deliver a fresh touch of spring with their design.

Official Studio Ghibli retailer Donguri Sora has introduced a new line of towels just in time for winter. Themed after the 1988 Ghibli classic My Neighbor Totoro, the "Forest Butterfly" towels are available in four distinct sizes, perfect for all drying needs. A full-length bath towel measuring 600 x 1200 mm retails for 3,850 yen (US$26). A smaller face towel is also available, measuring 340 x 800 mm and costing 1,650 yen (US$11). Finally, for those in need of something smaller, square wash towels and mini towels are likewise in stock, measuring 340 x 360mm and 250 x 250 mm,...

Studio Ghibli's official online retail site, Donguri Sora, is known for its new releases and restocks of beloved products themed after its extensive catalog of films, from modern favorites like Howl's Moving Castle to iconic classics like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. However, a recent renewal starring the fan-favorite Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro is sure to get fans especially excited.

Donguri Sora's enormous "My Neighbor Totoro Plush Toy, Extra Large" has now returned to the store, having first been released nearly a year ago, in December 2023. While other brands and franchises featuring cute and cuddly characters, such as Pokmon and Hello Kitty's Sanrio, likewise frequently release plush toys in large size, this one truly is gigantic, standing at 1 meter (just over 3 feet) in height -- about half the size of the creature from Hayao Miyazaki's titular film.

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New merchandise releases via Donguri Sora, Studio Ghibli's official online store, are always highly anticipated, especially as so many of its products are not only adorable but also highly functional. Now that the season has started to turn, Ghibli has revealed its latest My Neighbor Totoro-themed collection in the form of ultra-soft and fluffy throws and blankets, helping to keep fans especially cozy this winter.

Studio Ghibli's new My Neighbor Totoro range includes six items sporting two distinct designs -- one of the giant gray Totoro, clutching a strawberry and either smiling gently or with its trademark toothy grin, and one covered in numerous small blue Totoros. The blankets and throws come in a variety of sizes, from reasonably small lap blankets (70 x 100 cm) and half-blankets (100 x 140 cm) to more generously sized full blankets (200 x 140 cm).

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Hayao Miyazaki's My Neighbor Totoro is easily one of the most popular Studio Ghibli films of all time, both in its home country and abroad. Now, a re-release of a high-demand toy sees every one of the movie's titular forest spirits combined into a single adorable collectible.

Via Donguri Sora, Studio Ghibli's official online store, fans can once again purchase the "My Neighbor Totoro Matryoshka," blending the globally iconic Ghibli film with a traditional Russian doll set, whose historical origins go back to the late 1800s. Interestingly, some scholars believe that Matryoshka dolls themselves were once inspired by similar items from Japan and East Asia, such as hina dolls or daruma, in a sense bringing the newly released Totoro toy full circle.

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Studio Ghibli fans heading into the darker, colder season now have something to help brighten their days thanks to the officially licensed "Little Totoro Silicone Lamp." Inspired by My Neighbor Totoro's magical titular character, the lamp marries practicality with charm and interactive elements, creating a must-have for Ghibli enthusiasts.

The lamp embodies everything that Studio Ghibli aficionados love about the iconic My Neighbor Totoro. Not only does it share the magical Hayao Miyazaki character's license, but the lamp is crafted from soft, touchable silicone that gives it a squishy, huggable quality just like Totoro himself. The texture adds an immersive, playful quality to any space, transforming the lamp from a simple room accessory into interactive decor that fans will love.

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Studio Ghibli is synonymous with enchanting worlds and unforgettable characters, but only one cute critter has managed to carve out a space in not one but two iconic Hayao Miyazaki films: the Soot Sprites in My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. While Totoro's titular character is the Studio Ghibli poster child (and official logo), the Soot Sprites, with their minimalist design and mysterious charm, are now getting some more time in the spotlight thanks to the studio's latest merch restock.

Donguri Sora, Studio Ghiblis official online store, has re-released a popular backpack thats practically covered in Soot Sprites. The "My Neighbor Totoro Outdoor Products" collaboration includes the series' adorable yet practical nifty Soot Sprite daypack, as meticulously crafted as the Ghibli films themselves. Noted as being smaller than an average everyday backpack, the daypack is perfect for light travel, short hikes, quick trips to the store and of course,...

Since 1996, Studio Ghibli has produced two official calendars every year for fans to enjoy -- one dedicated entirely to the fan-favorite My Neighbor Totoro, and the other an "Art Frame" calendar with each month featuring a different movie from the studio's extensive catalog. Now, staff have revealed the two offerings for 2025, releasing both calendars for preorder.

It's not difficult to see why the My Neighbor Totoro annual calendar has been a staple in its own right for nearly 30 years now; the film and its titular forest creature is often cited by both domestic and international fans as being one of the most beloved in Studio Ghibli's collection. Its 2025 calendar features many iconic scenes, from Mei seated on Totoro's stomach in the middle of a forest glade, gazing curiously at his sleepy expression, to Satsuki seated inside the Catbus as it prepares to speed off. "Every time you turn the page,...

Of all the films in Studio Ghibli's extensive catalog, My Neighbor Totoro is perhaps the most well-known and beloved of them. Now, its titular forest creature has returned to Ghibli's official online store in its giant nap plushie form.

Initially released in April 2023, it's not difficult to see why the coveted item went out of stock on Donguri Sora following its reveal over a year ago. The "My Neighbor Totoro Big Totoro Nap Cushion" isn't just any toy; as its name suggests, it's a plushie that doubles as a nap cushion -- one large enough for children and adults alike to snuggle into as they drift off into a magical slumber. Marketed as both an item for interior decoration as well as a sleep aid, the product allows buyers to recreate one of the film's most iconic scenes of Mei climbing atop the forest spirit and falling asleep on its massive,...

Studio Ghibli's 1988 fantasy classic, My Neighbor Totoro, introduced audiences to the "soot sprites" -- sentient balls of dust and soot that enjoy sheltering in attics and chimneys. Recently, the studio's official shop reintroduced a popular product that pays tribute to these adorable creatures.

Ghibli's "Makkuro Kurosuke Come Out" bookend has officially returned to Donguri Sora's digital catalog. Playing off the idea of soot spirits "hiding in the gaps between books," this stand features the famous spirits clustered together on a thinly bound volume, each one looking in a different direction. Notably, the volume has a textured wood finish that gives the product an antique appearance. Standing roughly 5.5 inches tall, the stand is designed to help avid readers keep their home libraries well organized while also adding a touch of Ghibli-style magic to their book collections. Including tax, the current retail price is 6,600 yen (US$43.03), with the sales period slated to begin on Aug.

Studio Ghibli welcomes a brand-new release to its official online store themed around motifs from one of its all-time classic movies, My Neighbor Totoro. Using traditional Japanese patterns in their design, these items can also function as decidedly large omamori, or traditional Japanese amulets.

The card holders are currently available from online retail site Donguri Sora, the store for all official Studio Ghibli merchandise. Priced at 1,980 yen each (US$12.91), these products are currently not available at physical store locations but are teased as potentially becoming available at some overseas stores in the future. The main purpose of the new merchandise, which comes in one of two colors -- red and blue -- is to hold important ID cards, such as for travel or work. However, the holders include an adjustable strap that also makes them suitable for use as a lanyard or baggage accessory. At first glance, it might be...

Studio Ghibli has some of the most healthy and sweetest relationships in anime. Ghibli movies have couples in nearly every stage of life and courtship. Some couples meet each other and fall in love for the first time, and others have been married for years and are raising a family.

Anime couples don't have to be convincing to be entertaining. Many of the most popular romances are completely unrealistic, but Studio Ghibli approaches romance a bit differently. Even if the stories take place in fantasy worlds surrounded by magic, whimsy, and coincidence, many Ghibli couples still feel like relationships that would make it in real life.

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Studio Ghibli is known for its memorable characters; a few of them are so recognizable that they're synonymous with children's anime. Studio Ghibli's characters have varied powers and abilities. Some of them are powerful witches and wizards, and some don't have any magical gifts at all. Adorable and beautiful character design, as well as nuanced character arcs, are the reasons that so many of these characters achieve icon status.

Studio Ghibli is one of the most popular anime production companies, and it produces award-winning films that even non-anime viewers are familiar with, like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. Many of their characters are synonymous with anime, itself. They're highly recognizable, not just because they're beautifully designed or adorable.

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Studio Ghibli's official online store, Donguri Sora, has just announced the restock of its previously sold-out My Neighbor Totoro watermelon planter. Available now, the planter looks to be the tastiest addition to anyone's summer decor, whether indoors or out.

There are a few things that are emblematic of a perfect Japanese-style summer: floral yukata, fireworks festivals, cold somen-noodle slides and of course, fresh watermelon. Culturally, summer in Japan is incomplete without watermelon, so it only makes sense that the official Studio Ghibli store would re-release its popular My Neighbor Totoro watermelon planter in time for the sweltering festive season. The movie itself also provides a glimpse into the quaint pastoral life of the Japanese countryside, chirping cicadas and heavy summer rains included.

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Studio Ghibli's official online storefront, Donguri Sora, has restocked its transparent jewelry collection inspired by the popular My Neighbor Totoro, which references an important scene from the beloved film while packing a "cool image for the summer."

Via Donguri Sora, four new My Neighbor Totoro-inspired jewelry pieces have now been restocked following their initial release. These include the My Neighbor Totoro Transparent Little Totoro Series Bracelet for 2420 yen (around US$15), the My Neighbor Totoro Transparent Little Totoro Series Necklace (~US$16.50) and two versions of My Neighbor Totoro Transparent Little Totoro Series Earrings, both priced at around $US14.40. Readers can check out the images below.

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As summer approaches, Studio Ghibli is rapidly replenishing its stock of popular seasonal products. Recently, Ghibli's official online storefront, Donguri Sora, reintroduced a stylish Hawaiian clothing line inspired by My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989).

Originally released in 2020, Donguri Sora's My Neighbor Totoro Acorn Leaf Hawaiian Shirt and Skirt set is a gorgeously-designed tribute to Hayao Miyazaki's beloved family film. Notably, this is one of the few products in the Ghibli catalog that highlights Totoro's smaller lookalikes. Both the shirt and skirt showcase a vibrant pattern of acorn leaves, and the small and medium-sized Totoros can be seen peeking out from behind them in various places. Kiki's Delivery Service's "Koriko's Memories" Hawaiian Shirt and Skirt combo replaces Totoro's woodsy vibe with the bustling aura of Koriko's, Kiki's beachside home away from home. The design consists of picturesque areas of the town in addition to memorable moments from the film,...

Father's Day is around the corner, leaving little time to find the right gift for Dad. Thankfully, Studio Ghibli is here with the perfect present for anime-loving fathers everywhere, especially if they happen to be fans of My Neighbor Totoro.

Donguri Sora, the official online store of Studio Ghibli, has introduced a brand-new collection of neckties based on the company's classic anime movie, My Neighbor Totoro. There are six neckties in total, which come in various colors. Each necktie features a unique pattern of the fantasy creatures from the 1988 animated movie, although most, if not all, are also understated enough that they could likely be considered appropriate attire for the workplace.

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The official store description reads:...

Japan Society is pleased to announce its fall lineup for Monthly Classics and Monthly Anime, kicking off on September 2, 2022 with a 35mm screening of Kihachi Okamoto’s satirical chambara, “Kill!”. 2006 anime classic “Tekkonkinkreet” will screen on September 16, featuring a Q&a with screenwriter Anthony Weintraub (“The Animatrix”). For October, Hideo Nakata’s 90s J-horror classic “Ringu” screens on October 7th followed by Mamoru Oshii’s rarely-screened 1985 ethereal masterpiece “Angel’s Egg” on October 14th. Monthly Anime continues on November 4th with a 35mm screening of Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved “My Neighbor Totoro”.

Tickets: 15/12 students and seniors /5 Japan Society members.

Lineup and other details are subject to change.For complete information visit japansociety.org.

Kill!

Friday, September 2, 2022 at 7:00 Pm

Dir. Kihachi Okamoto, 1968, 114 min, 35mm, b&w. With Tatsuya Nakadai, Etsushi Takahashi, Yuriko Hoshi.

Kihachi Okamoto’s darkly satirical chambara opens in the midst of a pummeling windstorm on the outskirts...

Although the role of Yuki Kashima, better known under her nickname “Lady Snowblood”, is one of Meiko Kaji’s trademark characters and perhaps has become increasingly more relevant within global pop culture, initially director Toshiya Fujita had doubts about Kaji, perhaps refusing to act as the titular character in his next project. However, Kaji, having worked with the filmmaker on the “Stray Cat Rock”-series, was quite eager to collaborate with Fujita on what was quite a risky project for both of them, given its period setting during the Meji era in Japan. In the end, “Lady Snowblood” would mark another milestone in the career of the actress, and even inspired the likes of Quentin Tarantino, to name the most prominent examples, with the finale of “Kill Bill, Vol. I” being the most direct homage to Fujita’s film and Kaji’s performance. Considering its status as exploitation cinema and its influence on pop culture,...