Studio Ghibli Fantasy Masterpiece Officially Returns With a 10-Dollar Release
A familiar forest spirit returns
More than 38 years after My Neighbor Totoro opened in Japan, its central forest spirit remains a popular character. The film follows sisters Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside and encounter mysterious spirits near a huge camphor tree.
Donguri Kyowakoku, Studio Ghibli’s official merchandise network, has introduced a four-stamp collection featuring Totoro. The release connects the character with Japanese New Year traditions, even though 2027 is still 2.5 months away, according to the article.
Four stamps, seasonal themes
Two stamps are designed for general New Year use and feature Totoro and the Catbus. A third refers to the Chinese Zodiac calendar and identifies 2027 as the Year of the Sheep.
The fourth stamp combines Totoro imagery with gourds, spinning tops and fans. The four collectibles are each priced below $10.
A film with lasting appeal
Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed My Neighbor Totoro, which was released in Japan on April 16, 1988. Its story centers on the sisters’ move to the countryside and their encounters with the spirits around the camphor tree. The new collection brings the film’s characters into seasonal designs, with each stamp carrying a distinct New Year association.
Key points
- Donguri Kyowakoku released four stamps featuring Totoro and related imagery.
- Two designs feature Totoro and the Catbus for general New Year use.
- Another stamp marks 2027 as the Year of the Sheep.
- All four collectibles cost less than $10.