Studio Ghibli’s Most Beautiful Totoro Design to Date Gets Exclusive Re-Release

Earlier this year, Studio Ghibli unveiled a dazzling original design featuring its iconic mascot, Totoro from the titular My Neighbor Totoro. Now, the company’s official store has revived this design for another piece of exclusive merchandise.

In February 2024, Donguri Sora introduced a kimono-style denim coat to its popular My Neighbor Totoro Craft Style collection. The back of the coat is adorned with an eye-catching scene of Totoro soaring across a firework-filled night sky. The recent addition to the Craft Style collection — Totoro’s “Night Sky Shopping Bag” — features the same design. As detailed on Donguri Sora, the pattern is dyed onto an indigo-colored background with subtle light and dark gradation on the front and back. CBR readers can check it out below.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Totoro Returns With One of the Movie’s Most Iconic Inspired Designs

Unlike most traditional purses or handbags, Totoro’s “Craft Style” shopping bag uses “washed” pieces of fabric, resulting in a texture that resembles “old cotton cloth.” The handles are relatively long, and prospective buyers should also note that the bag does not include a zipper or clasp. While the retail price is modest — 5,280 yen (or ~US$34) — this particular item is highly exclusive and, at this time, only available via Donguri Sora’s online store to registered members residing in Japan. However, according to the website, the bag will eventually receive an overseas release at select Donguri Republic international locations.

Written and directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro (1988) is a lighthearted fantasy tale revolving around two sisters who move out to the countryside after their mother falls ill and is hospitalized outside the city. Soon after arriving in their new home, 10-year-old Satsuki and four-year-old Mei learn about the “soot gremlins” that have been taking shelter in their attic. Soon thereafter, little Mei mistakenly wanders into the home of “Totoro” — a large, furry forest spirit who loves acorns. Despite not believing Mei at first, Satsuki soon ends up meeting Totoro herself. Together, the three share a number of whimsical adventures. Donguri Sora’s Totoro design is likely inspired by the scene where Totoro takes Mei and Satsuki for a fun midnight flight through the sky.

Totoro’s enduring popularity has resulted in countless pieces of themed merchandise. Over the last few weeks alone, Donguri Sora has reintroduced a number of Totoro-themed purses, towels, mugs and beanbag-style plush toys to its online catalog. However, Totoro has also been helping Studio Ghibli prepare for the upcoming New Year. On Nov. 8, Ghibli unveiled its 2025 My Neighbor Totoro Collector’s Plate, which depicts a cute scene of Totoro, Mei and the Kittenbus playing together in a field of flowers. Totoro and his various companions are also the main stars of Ghibli’s official 2025 stamp collection, which quickly sold out after the first round of products were released on Donguri Sora’s website.

Depending on the viewer’s geographical location, Studio Ghibli’s film library, including My Neighbor Totoro, is available to stream via Netflix or Max.

Source: Donguri Sora