By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
Taiwan’s first specialty store for merchandise from 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 premier commercial areas, and mainly sells Studio Ghibli merchandise. The official team also held a press conference on the 30th to give an early look at the store’s environment and layout. In addition to popular dolls and character goods that are a hit in Japan, the most eye-catching displays include a life-sized Totoro and a large Totoro bus at the entrance.
The Acorn Republic Xinyi store officially opened on July 2. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Liao Qiyu)
Among the approximately 40 “Acorn Republic” stores in Japan and 2 in Hong Kong, the newly opened Xinyi branch is the largest in the world (88.8 pyeong). At the store entrance, a “life-sized” Totoro welcomes guests, recreating the bus stop scene where Totoro and Mei first meet. Passing through a forest tunnel into the store, visitors can spot another “life-sized” Totoro taking a nap. Further inside, there is also a giant Catbus. Here, you can enjoy an immersive experience as if lost in the animated world of Studio Ghibli.
The Acorn Republic Xinyi store is the largest in the world and offers many exclusive items. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Liao Qiyu)
The site recreates environments from various Studio Ghibli works, resembling scenes from the animations. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Liao Qiyu)
The giant tree from the Totoro movie, with a life-sized Totoro napping visible through the window. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Liao Qiyu)
Through a tree hole, you can see a super-large Totoro napping and even hear his snoring—it’s very cute. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Liao Qiyu)
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