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Donguri Republic: Find Charming Studio Ghibli Character-Themed Goods!

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DONGURI REPUBLIC specializes in character-themed merchandise based on the animated films of Studio Ghibli, the leading Japanese animation studio helmed by the world renowned directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata.

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A nomad traveler, teacher and translator. Speaks English, Japanese, basic Chinese and some Russian.

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Are you a fan of Studio Ghibli films? Their animation works are loved in Japan and enjoy popularity all around the world. TOTORO, the character from "My neighbor Totoro", is a name that surely anyone has surely heard of.

In fact, some of the films created by Studio Ghibli including "Spirited Away", "Howl's Moving Castle", "The Wind Rises", "The Tale of The Princess Kaguya" and “When Marnie Was There” have received nominations for the Academy Awards, with "Spirited Away" having won the Academy Award for the Best Animated Feature in 2002.

The enchanting world of the Studio Ghibli films has introduced us to many fascinating characters that never cease to inspire us. If you are looking for merchandise related to your favorite Ghibli characters, you should go to DONGURI REPUBLIC ("Donguri Kyowakoku" in Japanese), a store specializing in character-themed merchandise based on the animated films of Studio Ghibli.

In this article we will introduce the Donguri Republic store located in Minato Mirai Landmark Plaza, Yokohama. Their amazing variety of goods inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli will bring up warm childhood memories to anyone.

Explore the World of Studio Ghibli at Donguri Republic

Do you recognize these Ghibli characters?

At Donguri Republic stores you can find plush toys and other variety goods inspired by Studio Ghibli films. There are so many wonderful items on display that once you enter a Donguri Republic store you will be lost in excitement and nostalgia.

There are Donguri Republic stores all around Japan, and several are located in the Tokyo area. Today we will focus on the store located within Landmark Plaza in Minato Mirai, Yokohama, which is a collaboration store between Donguri Republic and MOE Garden, a popular shop selling picture books and animation character items.

Totoro Planters

At Donguri Republic you will be welcomed by figurines of various characters, as well as toys and daily use items with Ghibli motives. From photo frames to stationery and travel bags, there are so many attractive items that even adults will be able to enjoy their time here.

A part of this series is a set of objects modelled after Totoro, such as planters or other gardening tools. Each figure is made of polyresin and is sold individually. These figurines are so beautiful that some customers buy sets of 16 different "roaring Totoro" to grace their homes.

From dishware to hair accessories

In the stationery goods area you will find cute calendars, pencil and color pen sets, folders, wallets, Totoro ties for casual wear, coin purses and more! This store is a treasury of kawaii items.

The variety of bento boxes, cups and cute tableware, along with the hair and ear accessories for ladies, make this store particularly popular among customers in their twenties and thirties. In fact, this store is loved by customers with ages between 5 and 65, who visit the store on regular basis and cannot hide the sheer joy it brings to them.

Unique Ghibli Items You Shouldn't Miss Out

You will be amazed to find all kinds of daily use items with a Ghibli inspired design at Donguri Republic. From baby bibs and teethers to baking trays, pin badges, watering cans and dishware, you can find any goods you might need in your household. Even bath rugs, slippers and towels are available in cute patterns, colors and shapes that will remind you of your favorite characters.

On the other hand, there are also fascinating objects that mimic the ones in the Ghibli films. For instance, this music box shaped as Baron, the cat figurine from “Whisper of the Heart”, is a most beautiful and precious item. Its mesmerizing eyes will surely cast a spell on you.

One more wonderful item is the levitation stone with voice recognition modelled after the magic stone in "Castle in the Sky". This amulet lights up and strobes whenever the wearer utters the word "Balse" - the spell which Pazu and Sheeta invoked to fend off the villain in the film. Quite exciting, isn’t it?

Ghibli Inspired Japanese Souvenirs

Towels with a fashionable Ghibli design

The reason we highly recommend this store is that their items are good quality, affordable and make great souvenirs from Japan. Among the many character figurines, toys, gardening and household items, stationery, puzzles and books, you will surely find the perfect item to remind you of Japan.

We will introduce here five items that are especially recommended as gifts and souvenirs.

1. Finger Puppets

These adorable finger puppets have a detailed design and look just like your favorite Ghibli characters. They are great to play with and would inspire children to create their own versions of the stories from the film.

2. Key Holders

These key holders can become small and practical gifts that would bring joy to anyone. Besides their fun design, some of them have incorporated devices that make noise or light, making them even more entertaining.

3. Souvenir Stones

Besides being a wonderful reminder of the Ghibli world, these gorgeously packaged mineral stones are said to bring good luck. They will surely please the receiver.

4. Stationery Items

Stationery items like calendars, gift cards, post cards, pen sets, masking tape and others are really worth checking out. They are a reasonable and very thoughtful souvenir.

5. Music Boxes shaped as Ghibli characters

Find Your Favorite Ghibli Character Items at Donguri Kyowakoku!

The music boxes shaped as characters from "Whisper of the Heart" play a nostalgic tune that will soothe you. They are both beautiful to look at and great to listen to.

New Ghibli Items Every Season!

Every season is special in Japan and so is Donguri Republic. New products and designs are introduced every season, and even the store theme and the decorations get a makeover which makes the atmosphere fresh and lively. For example, in winter you will find Totoro inspired blankets and wind protection jackets.

For Halloween, besides the seasonal decoration, the staff also dressed up as Ghibli characters. This is surely something one of a kind! Can you guess who are the Ghibli characters in the picture?

No matter when you visit, Donguri Republic will amaze you with their wonderful items inspired by the world of Studio Ghibli!

In Conclusion

Donguri Republic offers everything a fan could possibly dream of. Moreover, the price of all the items is reasonable and anyone would feel satisfied with their purchase.

A visit to this store will surely bring up sweet childhood memories and the creative amazement that one feels at the encounter with the world of Studio Ghibli.

Oh yes! And don’t forget to take a picture of yourself with the giant Totoro at the entrance. It's really fun!

© Studio Ghibli © 1989 Eiko Kadono – Studio Ghibli – N
© 1995 Aoi Hiiragi / Shueisha – Studio Ghibli -NH

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Written by

Allie

A nomad traveler, teacher and translator. Speaks English, Japanese, basic Chinese and some Russian.

more
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