Donguri Closet is releasing two new fragrance candles this month inspired by the hit Studio Ghibli animated feature films Kiki’s Delivery Service and Whisper of the Heart.

Donguri Closet is a store brand in Japan which is a branch of the official Studio Ghibli merchandise shop Donguri Kyowakoku managed by Benelic.

The Donguri Closet brand focuses on the heroines of Studio Ghibli’s moviesーfemale characters who are by nature gentle but all of whom are strong women. The brand’s concept centres on being a place where people can be themselves through the merch.

Kiki’s Delivery Service Fragrance Candle – A Fulfilling Day (Citrus) | ¥2,700 (Before Tax)

The Kiki’s Delivery Service candle bears the words written by Kiki to her mother and father in a letter, in English:

Everything at work seems to be falling into place nicely. I’m even starting to gain some confidence. There are still times when I feel sad… but all in all, I sure love this town.

The candle is a relaxing citrus fragrance to fill you with positivity.

Whisper of the Heart Fragrance Candle – Close Love (Berries) | ¥2,700 (Before Tax)

The Whisper of the Heart candle features the words written by the Baron, who appears in the protagonist Shizuku Tsukishima’s dreams, in English:

Louise and I were happy… because he had made us so we could love each other.

The candle smells of sweet berries to relax you during those times you can’t settle.

Once you’ve used up the candle, you can reuse the beautiful glass it comes in which has plants inside it.

Tokuma Shoten Publishing released a new picture book entitled Studio Ghibli no Ironna Kurashi in Japan on October 9, 2020 which is centred on the everyday lives of the protagonists from 13 of Studio Ghibli’s animated feature films.

The book looks at where the characters of these films reside and what kinds of lives they live, whether it be in the Toxic Jungle of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, or Sophie taking up the role of the cleaning lady in Howl’s Moving Castle, or Sosuke and Lisa who live upon the cliff in Ponyo.

Life in the castle in Howl’s Moving Castle　©2004 Studio Ghibli・NDDMT

Who’s who in the family? What kind of house do they live in? What job do they work? These are the questions that the book will answer as it delves deep into the livelihoods of the globally-beloved characters conceived by the incredible minds of Studio Ghibli.

The town of Koriko in Kiki’s Delivery Service　©1989 Eiko Kadono・Studio Ghibli・N

Arrietty’s house in The Secret World of Arrietty　©2010 Studio Ghibli・NDHDMTW

Noboru Yoshida (Art Supervisor for The Secret World of Arrietty)

The house that Satsuki and Mei move to in My Neighbor Totoro, the dwelling of Totoro, the wartime life of Seita and Setsuko living in Kobe in Grave of the Fireflies, the town where Kiki begins her life living alone at the age of 13, and so on.

The book is a must-have in the collection of any fans of Studio Ghibli, and is sure to make you want to step into those magical worlds once again.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has announced that its inaugural temporary exhibition will be a retrospective honouring the internationally beloved and celebrated Academy Award-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. It will open on April 30, 2021.

Photo by Joshua White　JWPictures/©Academy Museum Foundation

It will take place inside the Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery and will hail as the first North American museum retrospective dedicated to the work of Miyazaki. Works will be curated by the museum’s Exhibition Curator Jessica Niebel and Assistant curator J. Raúl Guzmán.

lmageboard, ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988), Hayao Miyazaki © 1988 Studio Ghibli

Still Image, ‘Spirited Away’ (2001), Hayao Miyazaki © 2001 Studio Ghibli・NDDTM

The lineup will showcase over 300 objects include original imageboards, character designs, storyboards, layouts, backgrounds, posters, and cels, all from the archives of Studio Ghibli. Fans of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki’s works can look forward to seeing their favourite films celebrated such as My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away (2001).

Hayao Miyazaki Exhibition – What to Expect

Tree Tunnel

Still Image, ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988), Hayao Miyazaki © 1988 Studio Ghibli

Journey through the iconic “Tree Tunnel” conceived by Hayao Miyazaki for the film My Neighbor Totoro just like 4-year-old Mei does when chasing the mini Totoro.

Creating Characters

Still Image, ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ (1989), Hayao Miyazaki © 1989 Eiko Kadono・Studio Ghibli・N

Creating Characters will introduce Hayao Miyazaki’s many protagonists from such celebrated works as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and more. This will include original character design illustrations as well as pieces never before exhibited outside of Japan.

Making Of

Imageboard, ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ (1984), Hayao Miyazaki © 1984 Studio Ghibli・H

The Making Of section will illustrate Miyazaki’s early career and the founding of Studio Ghibli together with the deceased Isao Takahata, as well as the process of producing an animated feature film such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984). Early works showcased will include, but are not limited to, the television anime series Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974) which Isao Takahata was also involved in as an animator, and The Castle of Cagliostro (1979).

Creating Worlds

Background Image, ‘Spirited Away’ (2001), Hayao Miyazaki © 2001 Studio Ghibli・NDDTM

Creating Worlds will capture the contrast between beautiful, natural environments and industrial settings, a theme that Miyazaki often explores in his movies. This will include a look at original storyboards from Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986), as well as concept sketches and background images that offer a peek into the imagination of Miyazaki. It will also look at the famous bath house of Spirited Away, the underwater world of Ponyo (2008), and themes of ‘flying’ as seen in Porco Rosso (1992) and The Wind Rises (2013).

Sky View Installation

A must-see at the exhibition is the Sky View installation which captures one of Miyazaki’s other themes: the desire to lay back and relax, have a day off, think, and dream.

Transformations

Transformations will explore the metamorphoses Miyazaki’s characters and settings often experience, such as the influences that human beings have on the natural world like in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

Magical Forest

Magical Forest, with its Mother Tree installation, will highlight the interconnected aspects of humans, nature, and the spiritual worlds, such as the Kodama forest spirits seen in Princess Mononoke.

Photo of Hayao Miyazaki by Nicolas Guerin

Toshio Suziki, Studio Ghibli Producer & Co-Founder | Comment

“It is an immense honor that Hayao Miyazaki is the inaugural temporary exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Miyazaki’s genius is his power of remembering what he sees. He opens drawers in his head to pull out these visual memories to create characters, landscapes and structures that are busting with originality. It is our hope that visitors will be able to experience the entire scope of Hayao Miyazaki’s creative process through this exhibition. I am deeply grateful to all those who have been instrumental in presenting this exhibition.”

Bill Kramer, Academy Director | Comment

“We could not be more excited to launch our new institution with the most comprehensive presentation of Hayao’s Miyazaki’s work to date. Honoring the masterful career of this international artist is a fitting way to open our doors, signifying the global scope of the Academy Museum.”

Jessica Niebel, Academy Museum Exhibitions Curator | Comment

“Hayao Miyazaki has a singular ability to capture how we perceive life, with all its ambiguities and complexities. It has been a privilege to collaborate with Studio Ghibli in creating an exhibition that will appeal to the most avid Miyazaki fan and those not yet familiar with his work.”

Donguri Closet is releasing two new “2-way shirt one piece” dresses inspired by Kiki’s clothes from the Studio Ghibli animated film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Donguri Closet is a brand by the official Studio Ghibli merchandise shop Donguri Kyowakoku, which is managed by Benelic.

Kiki’s Delivery Service 2-Way Shirt One Piece – Essential Kiki | ¥6,800 (Before Tax)

The one piece dresses come in two colour variations, one of which is based on Kiki’s regular dress, and the other inspired by the pastries sold at the bakery she works at in the movie.

Kiki’s Delivery Service 2-Way Shirt One Piece – Bread Wreath | ¥6,800 (Before Tax)

The dresses are one size fits all, but measure for those who stand at 150cm-168cm tall. Both are made from cotton and hemp so feel soft on the body and are the perfect choice for the hot weather. The dresses can also be worn like a Japanese haori if you undo all of the buttons, giving it more of a shirt look.

Dress like Kiki with these new dresses from Donguri Closet.

Donguri Kyowakoku Sora no Ue, the official online shop for Studio Ghibli merchandise in Japan, has released its new Donguri Closet line for grown-up fans of the animation studio which will run for a limited time only.

The new Donguri Closet brand focuses on the heroines of Studio Ghibli’s moviesーfemale characters who are by nature gentle but all of whom are strong women. The brand’s concept centres on being a place where people can be themselves through the merch. The collection is available to buy on Donguri Kyowakoku Sora no Ue.

This textile series features both big Totoro and small Totoro running around playing while surrounded by mint leaves.

Mini Pouch – ¥1,600 (Before Tax)

Clear Pouch – ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

The line-up is packed full of items you can use in your everyday life, from pouches to tote bags and more.

Left: Kiki’s Departure Mini Towel – ¥600 (Before Tax) / Right: Baron & Louise Mini Towel – ¥600 (Before Tax)

The mini towels feel soft on the skin and are embroidered with delicate flowers. Their small size means you can carry them around with you everywhere in your bag.

Whisper of the Heart Embroidered Brooch Collection (Box of 10) – ¥7,000 (Before Tax)

A Whisper of the Heart version of the store’s popular embroidered brooch collection enters the fray.

The Donguri Closet collection is available for a limited time only so be sure to check out the official website.

The My Neighbor Totoro corn gift set is a hugely popular item sold in Japan for Mother’s Day. It will be released again this April at Donguri Kyowakoku stores across Japan and on the Sora no Ue online shop.

Studio Ghibli’s films never fail to warm the hearts of viewers. One of these feelsy moments is seen in the movie My Neighbor Totoro when Mei picks corn for her mother and treks her way to the hospital to give it to her. This gift set is inspired by that corn inside which is wrapped a lunch bag and handkerchief with illustrations of a lively Totoro and fresh vegetables.

My Neighbor Totoro 2020 Corn Gift Set – ¥2,727 (Before Tax)

The corn set is the same size as a real corn, and is sure to bring a smile to your mother’s face. If she’s yet to see the film, you’ll have to try convincing her to watch it. Pre-orders for the gift are now open.

Kiki’s Delivery Service UV Protection 33 – ¥2,300 (Before Tax)

Whisper of the Heart UV Protection 33 – ¥2,300 (Before Tax)

Protect yourself from UV rays with these new protection creams based on the Studio Ghibli films Kiki’s Delivery Service and Whisper of the Heart. The cream is made with organic plant based ingredients, and it can be used all over your body, whether for your morning and nighttime skin care routines or body when you get out the bath. The cream spreads across the skin easily and so is a recommended base for your make-up too. This is a great gift to get together with the corn set.

Treat mom to a special present this year by heading over to Donguri Kyowakoku.

American casual wear brand GBL is selling original Studio Ghibli character design varsity jackets made from MeLton fabric. This year will mark 30 years since the premiere of Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service. From 11am on July 13, you can make your reservations at Studio Ghibli’s online merchandise shop Donguri Kyowakoku Soranoue.

The Kiki’s Delivery Service varsity Jacket, which celebrates the film’s 30th anniversary, is decorated with a thick, embroidered emblem. The buttons have a Kiki engraved design on them for a luxurious finish. 

The MeLton fabric used is thick and is especially good for keeping you warm. 

Every inch of GBL’s premium jackets are made with lots of care and attention to detail. Picking out different outfits to compliment your jacket in autumn and winter couldn’t be more fun. 

HEP FIVE Umeda, Osaka is currently home to a temporary GBL shop. The jackets will be released here for advanced sale ahead of other regions of Japan on July 5, 2019. Please come check them out!

From Saturday 20th April 2019 to Sunday 12th May 2019, Kanda Shrine’s Myojin hall, which has recently been set up in the Edo Culture Complex (EDOCCO), will hold a special exhibition dedicated to Studio Ghibli and its former president Toshio Suzuki.  The exhibition “Toshio Suzuki to Ghibli” will be open every day during the event period.

Photographer：Nobuyoshi Araki

 painted by Toshio Suzuki 　Photographer： AYANO YAMANO

The “Toshio Suzuki to Ghibli” exhibition is dedicated to the words of Toshio Suzuki; the talented producer of Japan’s most widely famous film studio that has fans within Japan and all over the world. Starting at Hiroshima last year, the exhibition was then packed with more Studio Ghibli magic and transformed into the “Studio Ghibli Toshio Suzuki Kotoba no Maho-ten” (Words of magic exhibition). This took place in Nagoya and Kanazawa.

looks of the Words of magic exhibition from the past　©TS　©Studio Ghibli

looks of the Words of magic exhibition from the past ©TS

The past exhibition featured documents and illustrations by Suzuki. A message he wrote for future generations to read was also presented to the visitors of the exhibition. The exhibition to be held this year at Kanda Myojin will be selling Ghibli collaboration goods!

looks of the Words of magic exhibition from the past　©TS　©Studio Ghibli

In order to reach out to more people, the director’s intentions from all Ghibli’s numerous works have been put into words by Toshio Suzuki. Just by looking at these strong words, anyone can feel the distinct film scenes of Ghibli. You will continue to be drawn into the world of Ghibli. It has been 40 years since Suzuki met Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki and teamed up to create Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Spirited Away, the Wind Rises, the Tale of Princess Kaguya and many more famous films. Where does a Ghibli film start and which direction does it take? The exhibition features Suzuki’s documents and notes for such films, including Suzuki’s starting points and a walk-through right to the current moment. Come discover the secrets of Ghibli films!

Follow Suzuki’s words to unravel the secrets of the world of Studio Ghibli!

Closet is a new brand created by Donguri Kyowakoku―the official Studio Ghibli merch shop in Japan―and they’ve just unveiled a new series of denim goods embroidered with My Neighbor Totoro designs. The new merch will drop at the Lazona Kawasaki Plaza branch of Closet and at shops stocking the Closet brand from October 13.

Closet Limited Edition – My Neighbor Totoro Denim Series – Tote Bag: ¥2,300 (Pre-Tax)

Closet is a new spin-off brand from Donguri Kyowakoku whose products focus on the heroines of the Studio Ghibli filmography who wield a strong heart under their kindness.

My Neighbor Totoro Denim Series – Lunch Tote Bag: ¥2,100 (Pre-Tax)

The brand’s first permanent shop opened in Lazona Kawasaki in March this year where they stock a whole variety of Ghibli items aimed at women including cosmetics, pouches, accessories and more.

My Neighbor Totoro Denim Series – Mini Pouch: ¥1,500 (Pre-Tax)

My Neighbor Totoro Denim Series – Pouch w/Gusset: ¥1,700 (Pre-Tax)

This is the second denim series in the line following the Kiki’s Delivery Service run of embroidered denim items. There are four pieces in total: a tote bag, lunch tote bag, mini pouch and a pouch with a gusset.

If you’re a Totoro fan then be sure to check out this delicately crafted series.

Studio Ghibli’s animated features are loved the world over, with classic titles such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totori and Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Plans for a Ghibli theme park are now in place and it is scheduled to open in Aichi Prefecture in 2022. The exact location will be Ai-Chikyu Haku Kinen Koen, also known as Moricoro Park, which is where the Expo 2005 World’s Fair took place.

Let’s take a little look at some of the park’s areas that are currently under construction.

Seishun no Oka Area

The ‘Hill of Youth Area.’ Right at the entrance is the main gate’s elevator tower, which is being established as a landmark. It takes inspiration from Howl’s Moving Castle, incorporating a design based on late-19^th century sci-fi elements. It plans to be a symbolic structure of the main gate.

Next to the elevator tower will be the antique shop as seen in Whisper of the Heart.

Ghibli no Daisouko Area

The ‘Ghibli’s Great Storehouse Area.’ The warm water pool currently being managed at Moricoro Park will close in September 2018 and undergo renovation to be turned into the new Ghibli storehouse area. This area will be a collection of storehouses littered with lots of exciting Studio Ghibli displays.

Everything here will be indoors, so it won’t be affected by the weather, allowing people to enjoy their time seeing all there is to see. Lots of planned for this area including item exhibition rooms, video exhibition rooms, a play area for children, and more.

Mononoke no Sato Area

The ‘Mononoke Village Area.’ To harmonize with the Japanese landscape, places like the Aichi Satorabo fields at Moricoro Park will take inspiration from the international sensation Princess Mononoke, with the construction of the Tatara factory and more. There will also be art displays of the Tatari Gami demon, Lord Okkoto boar god and others from the film. The entire area will be turned into a Princess Mononoke village.

Majo no Tani Area

The ‘Witch Valley Area.’ This area will take on the theme of two films imbued with magic: Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Expect to see Howl’s Castle and a play area based on Kiki’s house amongst other attractions.

The colourful streetscape will be as if you’ve been sucked right into the films themselves!

Dondoko Mori Area

The ‘Dondoko Forest Area’ is Totoro themed. Satsuki and Mei’s house is already built here. A reception area will be built and the path in the forest behind the mountain will be renovated to enhance the surrounding area of the house even more.

The area’s name comes from the ‘dondoko dance’ that Satsuki and Mei do with Totoro to make the seeds they planed grow even quicker.

We can hardly wait for the opening of the official Studio Ghibli theme park in 2022!

At the end of April, Donguri Kyowakoku will sell three different folding fan designs at stores across Japan and on their online shop Sora no Ue. The designs include My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Spirited Away.

‘My Neighbour Totoro’ Folding Fan – ¥2,980 (pre-tax)
This folding fan has a refreshing design inspired by kiriko glass, a traditional type of craftwork from Kyoto. The calm, beautiful indigo blue colour is perfect for guys too.

Folding Fan Bag – ¥900 (pre-tax)
The new folding fan bag can be used as a set with your folding fan. By sliding this into your bag, you’ll be able to keep cool every day.

Cat Bus Wind Chime – ¥3,800 (pre-tax)
Hear the cool weather with the Cat Bus wind chime too. This together with the folding fan make for perfect seasonal gifts.

Cool yourself down in the Japanese summer with the original folding fan and wind chime from Donguri Kyowakoku.

Illustrations used in the Nisshin Shokuhin Cup Noodle TV commercial illustrated by the illustrator, Eisaku Kubonouchi will be exhibited in Tokyo, Fukuoka and Taiwan.

【Nisshin Cup Noodle CM “HUNGRY DAYS Heidi version】

【Nisshin Cup Noodle CM “HUNGRY DAYS kiki’s delivery service version】

At the exhibition venue in Japan, related illustrations and panels which show the “making” process based on the original illustrations will be exhibited. The exhibition will consist of two periods, the first period and second period. The content of the exhibitions will be changed.

They will sell goods using the motifs of Eisaku Kubonouchi’s illustrations. Plus, they will hand out an illustrated poster or clear file (both items are not for sale) to visitors who spend more than 3,000 yen.

・Poster design

・Clear file design

Don’t miss this chance to see these original illustrations.