Uniqlo Launches New Studio Ghibli Collection in India

Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo announced it will launch a Studio Ghibli-themed collection in India on June 30, featuring designs from eight animated films by the renowned Japanese studio. The collaboration will feature clothing from eight iconic Studio Ghibli movies, including Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, Pom Poko, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and The Boy and the Heron.

The upcoming apparel collection will feature original artwork by Thai artist Kanyada Phatan. "This captivating collection brings the essence of Studio Ghibli's world to life through diverse designs, such as film art, illustrations, and artwork by Thai artist Kanyada," according to Uniqlo's Indian website.

Phatan is a long-time collaborator with Studio Ghibli and has worked on Neppu, a monthly booklet published by the studio. Phatan is also the author of The Tale of Ghibli Museum and has co-authored books like Where Are You Going?, Words of Wisdom I Heard from Ghibli’s Suzuki About Work, and Goro.

Uniqlo has previously launched anime-themed collections in India, including designs featuring Attack on Titan, One Piece, and Pokémon. The Studio Ghibli collection features unisex t-shirts and sweatshirts for adults and children. Uniqlo has not revealed if the new collection is a permanent addition to its catalog or if the apparel will be available for a limited time only.

The Studio Ghibli collection is already available in Thailand, and the prices are similar to the brand’s standard offerings. Uniqlo t-shirts for adults are priced at approximately INR 1,990 to 2,990 ($23 to $36) in India. The kids’ t-shirts are priced at INR 1,490 ($17).

Uniqlo’s new collection launch coincides with India’s growing interest in anime. Studio Ghibli is one of the most critically acclaimed animation studios in the world. Since its inception in 1985, the animation studio has released multiple award-winning movies and has secured two Oscar awards. The studio's success is largely attributed to Japanese film director, producer, screenwriter, and animator Hayao Miyazaki, one of the studio’s co-founders.

There is a growing interest in anime among Indian fans, according to Polaris Market Research. The current market is valued at $1,855 million in 2024 and projected to reach $5,036 million by 2032 million by 2030. Companies like Crunchyroll and Netflix are introducing more content to fans. Indian multiplex chain PVR has also started airing Studio Ghibli movies for Indian fans, with the release of The Boy and the Heron in May 2024 making it to local theaters.