First Studio Ghibli flagship store opens with Totoro welcoming guests — a sneak peek

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
 

Taiwan’s first specialty store for merchandise related to Studio Ghibli works, “Acorn Republic,” officially opened on July 2, 2015, to meet fans in Taiwan. The first outlet is located on the B1 floor of ATT4FUN in Xinyi District, one of Taiwan’s prime commercial areas, and primarily sells Studio Ghibli merchandise. The official team also held a press conference on the 30th, giving an early look at the store's environment and layout. In addition to selling popular dolls and character goods that are a hit in Japan, the most eye-catching items are the life-size Totoro at the entrance and the giant Totoro bus.

Among the approximately 40 “Acorn Republic” stores in Japan and 2 in Hong Kong, the newly opened Xinyi store is the largest branch globally (88.8 pyeong). At the store entrance, a life-size Totoro welcomes guests, recreating the bus stop scene where Totoro and Mei first met. Walking through the forest tunnel into the store, you’ll find another life-size Totoro taking a nap. Further inside, you can see the large Catbus. Here, you can experience what it’s like to be immersed in the animated world of Studio Ghibli.