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Fans of Studio Ghibli will know of Donguri Republic, the chain of stores selling officially licensed Studio Ghibli merchandise. Their parent company, BENELIC Co., Ltd., has released themed yukata featuring two of Ghibli’s most beloved characters: Jiji from Kiki’s Delivery Service and Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro.
Here’s all you need to know about the beautiful summer yukata!
What is a yukata?
Yukata, a traditional type of Japanese clothing, originally came about to be worn just after a trip to an onsen (hot spring), but has come to be used these days as a light and summery take on kimono.
Kimono can be quite heavy, which is perfect for staying warm in winter, but can get you a bit sweaty in summer! So yukata are typically made of light cotton fabric with no inner lining.
Although yukata were originally worn around onsen, and later at summer festivals, now you’ll see them being used in place of kimono in summer, especially around traditional towns where you can rent kimono.
The new Studio Ghibli yukata designs
My Neighbor Totoro Yukata
The My Neighbor Totoro yukata comes in a gorgeous night-sky navy, with colorful yet tasteful fireworks bursting to life all over, and little Totoros floating around on leaves in between.
The name of this Totoro design is “Tonari no Totoro Yukata Hanabimi” which means “My Neighbor Totoro Fireworks Viewing Yukata.” On it, Totoro flies around casually playing his iconic ocarina while taking in the fireworks.
This is the perfect yukata to wear to your next summer fireworks festival!
Kiki’s Delivery Service Yukata
The Kiki’s Delivery Service yukata, on the other hand, is a much brighter and lighter design, more suited to a day in the sun.
The design features a sunflower-like blossom called the clematis florida, with the adorable Jiji in various poses throughout the design. You’ll find him tiptoeing around, looking out at the flowers, or having a snooze in the sun.
The fresh summer vibes of this yukata seem like a great way to start the summer right.
Accessories
Although the yukata don’t come with an obi (sash), you can buy yourself a cute matching purse to go with your yukata of choice.
The My Neighbor Totoro bag features the same colors used in its matching yukata, a deep blue, and a light purple, with a fun Totoro on the front playing his ocarina.
The Kiki’s Delivery Service bag is a lighter purple and yellow, with a little Jiji and yellow flower to match.
Product information and where to buy
Of course, it would be good to know a bit about the items before you buy them, so here are the basics and where to find your new yukata.
Product name: となりのトトロ 浴衣 花火見 ・Romaji: Tonari no Totoro Yukata Hanabimi ・Price: 13,200 yen (tax included) ・Size: Height 154-168 cm / Length 163 / Sleeve length 67 cm ・Material: 100% Cotton
Product name: 魔女の宅急便 浴衣 鉄線花 ・Romaji: Majō no Takkyūbin Yukata Tessen Hana ・Price: 13,200 yen (tax included) ・Size: Height 154-168 cm / Length 163 / Sleeve length 67 cm ・Material: 100% Cotton
Product name: となりのトトロ 巾着 花火見 ・Romaji: Tonari no Totoro Kinchaku Hanabimi ・Price: 2,200 yen (tax included) ・Size: W300 x H200 x D160mm ・Material: Body (65% cotton, 35% rayon), inner fabric (polyester), string (nylon)
Product name: 魔女の宅急便 巾着 鉄線花 ・Romaji: Majō no Takkyūbin Kinchaku Tessen Hana ・Price: 2,200 yen (tax included) ・Size: W300 x H200 x D160mm ・Material: Body (65% cotton, 35% rayon), inner fabric (polyester), string (nylon)
You can buy them on BENELIC’s official online shop for Donguri Republic (in Japanese; shipping available only in Japan).
There are plans to release them in physical stores too, but this is subject to availability. Remember that these are only available while stocks last, so if you want one, just go for it!
Source: PR Times
Via Live Japan
