Howl's Moving Castle: Love, War and Identity in Miyazaki's Enchanted World

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Howl's Moving Castle: Love, War and Identity in Miyazaki's Enchanted World
A complete guide to Howl's Moving Castle: themes, characters, Calcifer and the best official merchandise from one of Ghibli's most magical and romantic films.

Kiki's Delivery Service: Miyazaki's Ode to Independence and Growing Up

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Kiki's Delivery Service: Miyazaki's Ode to Independence and Growing Up
A complete guide to Kiki's Delivery Service: themes of independence, craft and identity, and the best official Kiki merchandise including Jiji plushies, socks and water bottles.

Spirited Away: A Deep Dive into Miyazaki's Spirit World

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Spirited Away: A Deep Dive into Miyazaki's Spirit World
Explore the spirit world of Spirited Away: its themes, characters, symbolism and the best official merchandise from the Academy Award-winning Ghibli masterpiece.

My Neighbor Totoro: The Complete Guide to Miyazaki's Forest Masterpiece

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My Neighbor Totoro: The Complete Guide to Miyazaki's Forest Masterpiece
Discover the magic of My Neighbor Totoro: the story, characters, music and the best official Ghibli merchandise including plushies, puzzles and home decor.

The Origin of Princess Mononoke

Posted by FABIEN GANDRILLON

The Origin of Princess Mononoke

In short Film: Princess Mononoke (1997), directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Japanese title: もののけ姫 (Mononoke Hime). Meaning of mononoke: A supernatural spirit or vengeful force in Japanese folklore. Core theme: Conflict between nature and human civilisation. Inspiration: Japan's Muromachi period, Shinto mythology, and ecological concerns. What Does "Mononoke" Mean? The Origin of Princess Mononoke Princess Mononoke is one of Studio Ghibli's most powerful and complex films. Released in 1997, it marked a turning point in Ghibli's history with its darker tone, mature themes, and unflinching exploration of the relationship between humans and the natural world. What does "Mononoke" actually mean? The...

The Planes of Porco Rosso

Posted by FABIEN GANDRILLON

The Planes of Porco Rosso

In short Film: Porco Rosso (1992), directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Main aircraft: The Savoia S.21 — Porco's iconic red seaplane. Inspiration: Real Italian racing seaplanes from the 1920s–1930s. Rival plane: Curtis's American racer — speed versus soul. Theme: Freedom, honour, and the romance of flight. The Planes of Porco Rosso: Aviation History in Miyazaki's 1992 Masterpiece Porco Rosso is one of Studio Ghibli's most visually distinctive films, celebrated not only for its poetic storytelling but also for its deep love of aviation. Set above the Adriatic Sea in the years between the World Wars, the film showcases beautifully designed seaplanes...

How to Write the Real Name of Totoro in Japanese

Posted by FABIEN GANDRILLON

How to Write the Real Name of Totoro in Japanese

In short Character: Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro. Japanese name: トトロ (Katakana). Meaning: A child's mispronunciation of "troll". Official usage: Always written as トトロ on licensed products. Script: Katakana — used for foreign words and fictional creatures. How to Write Totoro's Real Name in Japanese: トトロ Many Studio Ghibli fans want to know how to write Totoro's name in Japanese. The answer is simpler than you might think — and understanding it reveals something beautiful about the character's origin. Totoro's official Japanese name: トトロ Totoro's name in Japanese is written as トトロ. This uses katakana, one of Japan's three writing...

The Story Behind the Magic

Posted by FABIEN GANDRILLON

The Story Behind the Magic

In short Studio: Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 in Tokyo. Creators: Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki. Themes: Nature, childhood, flight, empathy, and balance. Icon: Totoro, now the official studio mascot. Award: Spirited Away won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Legacy: Films and licensed goods loved by all generations. Studio Ghibli: The Story Behind the Magic For more than three decades, Studio Ghibli has shaped the imagination of audiences worldwide. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki, the studio chose a unique path focused on craftsmanship, emotion, and creative freedom rather than mass...

A Touch of Ghibli Magic on Your Wrist

Posted by FABIEN GANDRILLON

Discover More Studio Ghibli Watches

In short Product: Totoro Alba by Seiko watch (official Studio Ghibli design). Design: Features the beloved Totoro character in a subtle, elegant style. Movement: Reliable quartz movement for accurate everyday timekeeping. Materials: Brass case paired with a soft brown calf leather strap. Size: Compact case (approx. 32 × 26 mm), comfortable for daily wear. Ideal for: Studio Ghibli fans, collectors, and a charming gift idea. We are delighted to introduce one of our newest arrivals: the Totoro Alba by Seiko watch, a charming timepiece that beautifully blends Japanese watchmaking expertise with the gentle, nostalgic world of Studio Ghibli. Perfect for...

New Paper Theatre collection

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New Ghibli Paper Theatre collection

PAPER THEATER is a beautifully crafted paper art series created by Ensky, a Japanese company known for turning beloved anime and character franchises into collectible works of art. Each kit transforms simple layers of colored paper into an eye-catching 3D scene , no machine, no complicated tools, just precision and creativity. What makes PAPER THEATER special? Every piece is made from laser-cut paper and fine wood elements, capturing even the subtlest facial expressions and backgrounds from iconic characters. The final result feels less like a paper craft and more like a miniature diorama, perfect for display on a desk, shelf,...

jigsaw puzzles are good for you!

Posted by FABIEN GANDRILLON

jigsaw puzzles are good for you!

in short Brain benefits: Boosts memory, problem-solving, and spatial skills. Stress relief: A calming, mindful activity to relax and unwind. Social fun: Great for spending time with family and friends. Mood booster: Completing a puzzle brings joy and satisfaction. Affordable hobby: Hours of entertainment at a low cost. Ghibli magic: Our puzzles feature iconic scenes from Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke. High quality: Durable pieces, stunning artwork, and frame-worthy results. Jigsaw puzzles can be beneficial for the brain and mental health as they can improve cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and memory, as well as provide a...

Why Studio Ghibli has been named like this?

Posted by FABIEN GANDRILLON

Why Studio Ghibli has been named like this?

in short Founded in 1985: By Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki. Name origin: "Ghibli" means "hot desert wind" in Arabic — chosen to blow fresh air through anime. Renowned films: Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl's Moving Castle. Signature style: Hand-drawn animation, rich soundtracks, and deep storytelling. Global influence: Synonymous with creativity, imagination, and animation excellence. One of the most famous Japanese studios in the world Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese animation studio that has captivated audiences worldwide with its imaginative and visually stunning films. Founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and...