Studio Ghibli Launches Line of Handmade Collectibles
Studio Ghibli and the Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten artisans have come together to make this collection of adorable Ghibli gifts.
Is there a collector of Studio Ghibli goods in your life? Are you the collector of Studio Ghibli goods in your life? Well, the animation giant is launching a line of handcrafted collectibles inspired by the studio’s most popular films. But really, these pieces might be more honestly considered art.
Studio Ghibli and Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten
Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten is a company of artisans founded in 1716 who is well known for creating high-quality, handmade items for over three hundred years. And Studio Ghibli has partnered with them to create a collection of gifts and goods.
Included in this collection are things like small treasure boxes (¥5,5005,940 or $44.09 each), tiny flower vases (¥4,180 or $31.03 each), and children’s shirts (¥5,500 or $40.82 each). But the star of the show is the hand-carved statue of Ghibli mascot himself, our friendly neighbor Totoro. This piece costs an impressive ¥330,000 or $2,449.93. Because when it comes to hand-crafted art, a high level of skill means a (well-deserved) high price tag. For example, the Kusunoki Totoro statue is crafted by a single artisan, Takaaki Tanka, using a process that requires fifty different chisels.
The Ghibli and Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten collection will go on sale at noon JST on March first. But the Kusunoki Totoro statue will be sold by lottery. The lottery acceptance period begins at 10 am JST on March first and runs through the fifteenth. For more information about where to buy these items, how to enter the lottery, or just to look at some gorgeous Studio Ghibli gifts, visit the Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten website here.
About Studio Ghibli
Artisan, Takaaki Tanka with Kusunoki Totoro statues.
Founded in 1985 Studio Ghibli is best known for fluid animation, adorable characters, surprisingly deep stories, and co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki. My Neighbor Totoro is perhaps the studio’s most famous movie (and mascot), but they are also responsible for Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, Grave of the Fireflies, and Spirited Away. Their distinct style of art and storytelling makes any Ghibli project recognizable immediately and they are almost always enthusiastically received by critics and audiences alike.
This year Studio Ghibli’s next film, How Do You Live? is scheduled for a July 14th Japanese release. The movie will be loosely based on the 1937 novel of the same name by Genzaburo Yoshino, but won’t be a direct adaptation. There is no word on when a North American release can be expected.
Studio Ghibli has also recently opened up its own theme park in Nagakute, Japan. Ghibli Park includes Dondoko Forest complete with Satsuki and Mei’s house, World Emporium from Whisper of the Heart with Mononoke Village and the Valley of Witches coming soon.
Will you be getting any of the items from the Ghibli and Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten collaboration? What about entering the lottery for the Kusunoki Totoro statue? Which Studio Ghibli film is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Ja ne, adventurers!
