Highlights
The release of a Studio Ghibli-themed collection of clothing by UNIQLO has taken an unconventional route, bypassing its home countries of Japan and the USA. Instead, the collection made its exclusive debut in Thailand and Singapore, serving as a special tribute to Thai designer Kanyada Phatan. Known for her contributions to the Studio Ghibli magazine Neppu, Phatan collaborated on the unique designs for this collection.
This anime collection from UNIQLO is one of their largest releases to date. It showcases iconic graphic shirts in Phatan's bright and colorful art style. The collection includes various shirt styles, such as shirts and long-sleeved shirts, along with exclusive button-up shirts, mini shoulder bags, and socks. Each item draws inspiration from beloved Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke.
Initially available online in Thailand and Singapore, this collection is expected to be released in Japan, the USA, and other countries due to the immense popularity of Studio Ghibli films. UNIQLO aims to use this collection as a stepping stone for future collaborations, creating even more unique items in the world of anime.
UNIQLO, the well-known Japanese fashion brand, has recently launched an impressive range of anime-themed clothing. This has delighted not only fans in Japan but also those overseas, as the brand continues to offer affordable otaku clothes. While it is not surprising that UNIQLO is finally introducing a collection inspired by Studio Ghibli, the delay in doing so is unexpected. However, what truly astonishes is that this collection will not debut in Japan or even the USA. Instead, it has made its exclusive debut in Thailand and Singapore. This decision is not without cause, as each of UNIQLO's unique t-shirts is typically designed by a specific artist. For the Studio Ghibli collection, it was Thai designer Kanyada Phatan who contributed her skills. Phatan is a regular contributor to Neppu, the Studio Ghibli magazine, and launching the collection first in Thailand pays tribute to her homeland.
The Phatan collection at UNIQLO is a massive anime collection, one of the largest they have ever released. Typically, the collection only consists of t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts that are not particularly unique. However, this collection also features UNIQLO's iconic graphic shirts, all designed in Phatan's bright and colorful art style. Some of the shirts in the collection showcase popular Ghibli movies such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, which are two of the most well-known titles.
The Studio Ghibli collection stands out from the rest and includes a few exclusive products that are not typically found in UNIQLO's collaborations. These exclusive items consist of three button-up shirts: one with a motif of the catbus from My Neighbor Totoro, another showcasing the adorable soot sprites from Spirited Away, and the third featuring the Kodama, the forest spirits, from Princess Mononoke.
In addition, there are three adorable mini shoulder bags showcasing the beloved characters from My Neighbor Totoro - the catbus and Totoro himself, as well as the mischievous soot sprites from Spirited Away. Moreover, our collection includes two pairs of irresistibly cute socks featuring the lovable soot sprites! For fans of Castle in the Sky, we have a fantastic t-shirt adorned with the iconic robot that will surely impress. Let's not forget about Kiki's Delivery Service enthusiasts, who can indulge in a delightful pink pocketed t-shirt featuring a tiny Jiji peeking out of the pocket.
The UNIQLO Studio Ghibli collection is expected to expand its reach beyond Japan, including the US and other countries due to the films' immense popularity both domestically and globally. However, if you are eager to own these items before they arrive in your country, you can already place orders online through the Thai or Singapore online stores. We anticipate that the Studio Ghibli collection's distinctive items will open doors for future UNIQLO anime collaborations, extending beyond just t-shirts.