Calcifer, the feisty fire demon from 2004’s Howl’s Moving Castle anime, is one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved side characters. As a special treat for Calcifer fans, official online store Donguri Sora has replenished its stock of popular Calcifer-themed household and lifestyle goods.
From collectible light-up figures to adorable bacon-and-egg-themed jewelry, Donguri Sora has utilized Calcifer’s design for its product lines on numerous occasions. This time around, Calcifer has returned to the shop as a cute three-dimensional drink coaster, a 500-ml glass drinking bottle and an orange “die-cut” bag. These products are featured as part of the site’s “kitchen and tablewear” and “lunch” collections, which typically include bags, cups, plates, cutlery and other assorted food-themed goods. Including tax, prices for these three items range between 1,380-3,080 yen (~US$9-$21).
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Howl’s Moving Castle Takes Over Studio Ghibli Store With Adorable Calcifer Collection
Donguri Sora’s die-cut Calcifer bag features a cute grinning image of the fire demon on the front. Notably, this design is made with “sweatshirt” material, giving it a softer texture. The pouch size is similar to that of a traditional mini-backpack, making it ideal for short trips. Calcifer’s “Stylish Blow Bottle” is also good for those on the go. As detailed on the site, the bottle is large enough to store not only liquids but also “fruits and vegetables,” allowing buyers to add additional flavor to their beverages. Inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle‘s humorous cooking scenes, Calcifer’s 3D coaster features a flattened-out version of the character large enough to hold coffee mugs or wide-bodied drinking glasses. It is also made of silicone-resin material, which is heat-resistant for temperatures up to 284°F.
Additionally, Donguri Sora’s has also paired these fun Calcifer re-releases with a special restock of its Howl and Sophie-themed Reed Diffuser — a product that uses thin reeds to disperse pleasant aromas throughout a room. Donguri Sora’s “Skywalk and Love Berry” scent is inspired by Howl and Sophie’s romantic first encounter, during which the two “fly” across balconies and rooftops together. Including tax, this product costs approximately 3,300 yen (~US$22), the priciest item of the above lineup.
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Written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle tells the story of a young woman named Sophie Hatter who gets cursed with the body of a fragile 90-year-old. In search of a cure, Sophie begins working for the infamous Howl, a powerful wizard who is rumored to steal women’s hearts. While traveling with Howl in the film’s titular “castle,” Sophie discovers that he is struggling against a curse of his own that’s slowly turning him into a monster. A delightful blend of comedy, fantasy and adventure, the film has been re-released in North America on several occasions. Last year, it returned to U.S. theaters for Ghibli Fest 2024 — an annual theatrical showcase organized by Fathom Events and Ghibli’s North American distributor GKIDS.
While Donguri Sora does not ship its products overseas, popular items from its catalog often appear on international retail sites such as Meccha Japan and Neokyo, among others. Depending on the viewer’s geographic location, Howl’s Moving Castle is available to stream via Max or Netflix.
Source: Donguri Sora Listings: (Calcifer Coaster, Calcifer Die-Cut Bag, Calcifer Bottle, Reed Diffuser)
