
So a friend and I have a debate about what happens at the end of the Studio Ghibli anime movie Castle in the Sky Laputa. As the credits roll, the floating island is seen drifting into space, which I, as is my simple-minded nature, take literally. On the other hand, my friend argues that the visuals are at least partly metaphoric, and that the mysterious landmass didn’t really escape Earth’s orbit (he also contends that my proposed Laputa/Space Dandy crossover/sequel is too silly to ever get made).
But while it’s likely Laputa director and creator Hayao Miyazai purposely chose to craft an ambiguous ending to the film, we do now know what happened to the island: it became this awesome hanging planter from anime retailer Benelic.
If the name Benelic doesn’t ring any bells, you might be more familiar with Donguri Kyowakoku, the company’s chain of stores stocked with an amazing variety of Ghibli merchandise. Going on sale later this month is the Castle in the Sky Laputa Hanging Planter Laputa Castle, which is far more elegant in appearance than its unwieldy name might have you imagining.
Since Laputa is located in the sky, at the center of a swirling, storming cloud cocoon, the planter isn’t designed to sit dully on your kitchen counter or garden footpath. Instead, the reconstruction of the castle, made of resin, stainless steel, and brass, hangs by three chains, allowing for it to be properly positioned in midair.
However, fans of the film know that only half of Laputa’s mystic atmosphere comes from its deserted, crumbling castle. Just as important is the way the structure is being overrun by vines and other vegetation as nature takes back the fortress. Thankfully, just add some soil and seeds to the planter, and soon enough you’ll have the same effect to admire in your home.
The Laputa hanging planter is priced at 4,000 yen (US$33) and goes on sale later this month at Donguri Kyowakoku locations and the chain’s online shop.
Related: Donguri Kyowakoku location list, online shop
Source, images: Benelic press release



Studio Ghibli releases new merchandise to celebrate Laputa: Castle in the Sky anniversary
Studio Ghibli’s new Laputa: Castle in the Sky timer is as dramatic as the anime movie
Ghibli releases free-to-use artwork from Castle in the Sky Laputa, comes with standard disclaimer
Beautiful new Levistone from Ghibli’s Laputa anime going on sale soon, so order yours ASAP【Video】
Studio Ghibli adds anime aircraft from Laputa: Castle in the Sky to its merchandise shop in Japan
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
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
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
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
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
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
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
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]
Beautiful Ghibli sealing wax kits let you create accessories and elegant letter decorations【Pics】
Love Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky? Check out these real Laputa-like locations!
Studio Ghibli’s first anime heroine (no, not Nausicaa) gets an awesome new figure【Photos】
Mt. Fuji becomes Studio Ghibli’s Laputa following recent typhoon 【Photos】
Castle in the Sky sukajan jacket combines the old-school art of Ghibli and Yokosuka【Photos】
Park your backside on a Princess Mononoke face mask cushion
Night sky Studio Ghibli greeting cards are a beautiful reason to put pen to paper【Photos】
Those awesome voice-activated Laputa pendants that just hit stores? They’re already sold out
Beautiful Studio Ghibli anime sake flask and cup set lets you get liquored up the Laputa way
Studio Ghibli releases new plush characters that turn into eco-friendly reusable shopping bags
Studio Ghibli sunglasses let you channel anime film characters from Laputa: Castle in the Sky
Fill your home with the scent of Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky seemingly appears over real-world China【Video】
Field testing the magic, voice-operated pendant from Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky 【Video】
Embroidered Laputa: Castle in the Sky clock catches the attention of Studio Ghibli