
Unless you’ve got a bitter aversion to the cold, odds are you’ll find early summer to be the least pleasant time of year in Japan, weather-wise. Not only is it hot and muggy, it’s also the country’s rainiest period, and just about any time you’re stepping outside you’ll want to carry an umbrella with you.
Thankfully, there’s a way to make the rainy season a little more enjoyable, as a new line of Studio Ghibli-themed umbrellas means a summer squall is just the beginning of a Totoro hunt as the beloved forest spirit magically appears on the umbrella’s fabric when it gets wet.
Benelic, the operator of the awesome Donguri Kyowakoku chain of stores that are stuffed with Ghibli merchandise, has put out a press release announcing a pair of umbrellas featuring characters from two of the studio’s biggest hits.
First up is the My Neighbor Totoro Mysterious 24-Spoke Umbrella Totoro Clover. Umbrella connoisseurs in Japan generally believe the more spokes the better, and the extra sturdiness does do a lot to justify the 3,500-yen (US$28) price tag.
▼ A cover is also included
But the bigger draw for anime fans is no doubt the embroidered Totoro that accentuates the simple design. Well, actually, the umbrella isn’t quite as understated as it at first appears. Once it gets wet, a whole slew of Totoros, and clovers too, appears on the navy blue portion of the material.
But while Totoro’s status as the most famous (and cuddliest) Ghibli character makes him the company’s de facto mascot, the film that brought the studio its first Academy Award was Spirited Away, which is also getting its own special pattern-changing umbrella in the Spirited Away Mysterious Umbrella No-Face, identically priced at 3,500 yen.
Taking over for Totoro is No-Face, who silently looks to the heavens in anticipation of raindrops. Once they start falling, more copies of the taciturn creature, as well as the Radish Spirit and coal-lugging Susuwatari, reveal themselves on the umbrella’s maroon field.
If you’d prefer something more compact, both patterns will also be available for 3,300 yen in collapsible versions.
Both items go on sale at Donguri Kyowakoku locations in July, and will also likely be available through the chain’s online shop. Should you decide to pick up one of these special umbrellas, though, you’ll want to make doubly sure no one swipes it, and luckily we’ve got a few suggestions on that front.
Related: Donguri Kyowakoku location finder, online shop
Source: Benelic press release
Top image: Benelic press release (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert images: Benelic press release (edited by RocketNews24)






Japan’s magic umbrellas reveal cute patterns in the rain
Totoro and friends come out to play as cute new Studio Ghibli toys
My Neighbor Totoro tie pins and neckties are ready to be presents for your father (or yourself)
My fridge neighbor Totoro – Ghibli’s new line of magnets brings anime magic to your home【Pics】
Studio Ghibli releases art crystal puzzles and folding umbrellas for rainy season in Japan
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Sold-out Studio Ghibli desktop humidifiers are back so Totoro can help you through the dry season
Studio Ghibli umbrellas bring anime joy to Japan’s rainy season
Totoro and No-Face red envelopes are here to help celebrate Lunar New Year in Ghibli style【Pics】
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Traveling with Totoro (and Kiki too)! Official Studio Ghibli suitcases go on sale
Totoro, Spirited Away mamezara dishes ready to grace the tables of Studio Ghibli anime fans【Pics】
Studio Ghibli releases line of coasters, makes us reach for our wallets
New Studio Ghibli tea collection includes tea sourced from Totoro’s real-life forest in Japan!
Studio Ghibli unveils huge new sock collection featuring loads of anime characters
Ghibli schedule books, beautiful inside and out, are here to help plan your whimsical adventures
Ghibli fans for Ghibli fans! Anime studio’s new line of Japanese sensu, uchiwa arrives for summer
My Neighbour Totoro gets its first-ever LeSportsac collection!
Small Totoro Little Room Lamp is back, still the most adorable Ghibli nightlight ever【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases bonsai fountains for your home
Studio Ghibli adds folding fans to its anime specialty store in Japan
My Neighbour Totoro kimono coat sells out as soon as it’s released by Studio Ghibli in Japan