Finished with a Totoro netsuke that combines anime charm with centuries of Japanese tradition.
Whenever you think of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro, the titular grey giant will likely come looming into your mind’s eye. However, this forest-dwelling character isn’t the only Totoro to appear in the movie, as it’s often joined by two others – a blue “Medium Totoro” and a white “Small Totoro“. While each one has its own unique charms, their personalities truly shine when they come together, and to prove that point is a trio of bags fromthe studio’s Donguri Kyowakoku specialty retail chain.
▼ Leading the charge in this fluffy bag collection is the Large Totoro Fluffy Tote Bag (5,280 yen [US$33.27]).
Though the Large Totoro appears here in a more fashion-friendly shade of taupe, which is actually a blend of dark brown and grey, the character is easily distinguished by its whiskers, which aren’t seen on any of the other Totoros.
The whiskers here are as soft as the bag, which is made from a warm and fluffy fabric, making it ideal for outings in the chillier seasons of autumn and winter.
▼ Stay warm with Totoro bag cuddles.
Everything you put in the bag will stay warm and cosy too, with an inner pocket for storing small items…
▼ …and a concealed magnet closure.
Another nice feature is the way you can spot Totoro’s belly markings every time you reach into your bag.
With a body that measures around 25 by 32 centimetres (9.8 × 12.6 inches), the bag is well-sized to carry a lot of items during your travels.
And the more you put inside Totoro the better, as its belly will take on a cute, rounded shape.
▼ Moving down a size, we have the Medium Totoro Fluffy Drawstring Pouch (3,135 yen).
This sweet rendering of the mid-sized Totoro is true to form in terms of features, as it has a nose but no whiskers.
Measuring 18 by 19 x 15 centimetres, the pouch is made from a warm and cosy boa fabric, and has a brown lining.
▼ The climbing rope cord handles are a striking design feature.
These handles also work to close up the drawstring pouch, so when it’s filled with items it creates a cute, rotund shape.
▼ You’ll just have to make sure it doesn’t run off into the forest with your belongings inside it.
▼ Small Totoro Outing Reel Mascot (2,200 yen)
Rounding out the cute bag collection, and the cute character trio, is the Small Totoro, who differs from the others by having no mouth, whiskers or nose.
▼ In this collection, it alsodiffers by not being a bag or pouch, instead stepping in as a handy keychain.
The retractable reel makes this a practical item for attaching small items like keys…
▼ …and you can also attach it to the Large Totoro bag for extra cuteness.
▼ The family is complete!
If you’d like to add even more charm to your bag, you can attach another Totoro, this time in the form of a Netsuke strap. While the bags above have been restocked at the chain, the strap is a new addition to the lineup.
▼ The My Neighbour Totoro Kororin Netsuke Strap (Large Totoro & Small Totoro) – 1,540 yen
Netsuke have centuries of history behind them, as they started out as small, carved items to attach personal items like tobacco pouches and medicine boxes to kimono sashes during the Edo period (1603–1867).
The Totoro netsuke blends modern anime with Japanese tradition, and it comes in two new varieties.
▼…and Pink.
While the blue version can be purchased now, Donguri Kyowakoku says the pink version will be available soon, from mid-to-late October.
All items can be purchased at Donguri Kyowakoku stores and in Japan (links below) while stocks last.
