The Acorn Republic Taiwan Store is the World’s Largest – Asia-Exclusive Clothing and Stationery Go on Sale First

▲ Upon entering, you’ll see the Catbus right away.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan, Taipei

The Studio Ghibli merchandise specialty store "Acorn Republic" is set to open on July 2nd at the basement level of ATT 4 FUN in Taipei’s Xinyi District. This Acorn Republic is not only the first in Taiwan but also the largest branch in the world, spanning 88.8 pyeong (approximately 294 square meters). In addition to offering a wide range of Studio Ghibli merchandise, it will also be the first to sell Asia-exclusive clothing and stationery. Acorn Republic President Ichiro Ando stated that this is one of the five major features of the Taiwan Acorn Republic.

Aside from being the first to sell Asia-exclusive clothing and stationery, the other four features of the Taiwan Acorn Republic branch include being the largest branch in the world, having life-sized "Rainy Day" and "Napping" Totoros, a large Catbus, and a comprehensive books and DVDs section. Ichiro Ando mentioned that Acorn Republic has been operating in Japan for 23 years, and many Taiwanese have traveled there to purchase Studio Ghibli merchandise. The first overseas store opened in Hong Kong in 2013, and many Taiwanese have been asking when a branch would come to Taiwan — now, it’s finally happening. Fans of Studio Ghibli works can now buy merchandise without leaving the country. Ando also expressed gratitude for the support from Studio Ghibli in releasing exclusive clothing and stationery items for Taiwan.

Acorn Republic – Video &



▲ Life-sized "Sleepy" Totoro.



▲ Photo at the entrance.


▲ Various plush dolls.


▲ Various hanging ornaments.

In terms of product pricing, due to factors such as tariffs and exchange rates, prices in Taiwan are about 20% higher than in Japan. The cheapest item is a finger puppet at NT$80, while the most expensive is a large Totoro extra-large plush doll priced at NT$32,400. However, Andō Ichirō said that prices are reviewed every six months, and if logistics costs decrease in the future, prices will gradually come down. He hopes they can eventually match Japanese prices. As for the number of products, Andō mentioned that the original plan was to offer about 1,200 items in-store, but due to operational issues, there are currently around 900 items on display. At the same time, one-third of the products are updated every year.

The entrance of "Acorn Republic" greets customers with a life-sized "Rainy Day" Totoro, recreating the scene from the movie where Totoro first meets Little Mei. Upon entering the store, you can immediately see a giant Totoro bus and a life-sized "Sleepy" Totoro, and pressing the red button even lets you hear Totoro’s snoring. The store sells various merchandise, including popular Japanese items like "Go Go Totoro Bus" (NT$1,350) and Totoro electric fan (NT$490). To celebrate the opening, for the first 15 days starting July 2, the first 150 customers each day receive one Dust Sprite badge (color not selectable). Additionally, purchases over NT$1,000 come with an original Cat Bus finger puppet from "Acorn Republic Xinyi Store" (not for sale), while supplies last.


▲ Chairman of Acorn Republic, Andō Ichirō.


▲ %Copyright infringement? Risky. Zone. © 1988 Nibariki-G



▲ "Go Go Totoro Bus" (NT$1,350). © 1988 Nibariki-G


▲ Totoro electric fan (NT$490). © 1988 Nibariki-G


▲ First 150 customers each day receive one Dust Sprite badge (color not selectable).


▲ Stationery section

Acorn Republic Xinyi Store
Address: ATT 4 FUN, B1F, No. 12, Songshou Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-7736-1005
Business hours: 11:00–22:00