Carrying Your Own Studio Ghibli Character on Your Shoulder Can Now Be Good for the Environment

Studio Ghibli’s official merch store in Japan has a special treat for eco-friendly fans.

Donguri Republic (Donguri Kyowakoku), which has created a variety of merchandise based on characters from the famed animation studio, has released some adorable Studio Ghibli tote bags.

The store can be found in multiple locations in Japan and is teeming with products based on Studio Ghibli characters from films including “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and “Spirited Away,” according to Kanpai Japan.

Donguri Republic’s totes even come with a stuffed Studio Ghibli animal that appears to be perched on your shoulder when you’re carrying it.

For now, fans may choose from the mouse form of Boh from “Spirited Away” and the “Fox Squirrel” from “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” and in “Laputa: Castle in the Sky.”

There’s no word on the company using more characters in the future.

The Studio Ghibli tote bags arrived just in time. Reusable bags are becoming quite popular in Japan due to the country’s commitment to reduce plastic waste, reports Grapee.

Many have shifted to eco-friendly tote bags when shopping as local stores have started charging a small fee for single-use plastic bags at the beginning of this month.

Japan produced 9 million tons of waste annually, with some 4 million of those being disposable items, such as packaging materials and containers, according to Kyodo News.

Plastic bags themselves have a 2% contribution to the tons of wastes Japan produces annually.

The Studio Ghibli eco-friendly tote bags are now available for 2,800 yen ($26) at all Donguri Kyowakoku locations.

Feature Image via Donguri Sora

Share this Article