As summer approaches, it’s time to prepare for the accompanying heat wave that – we won’t lie – can sometimes be almost too strong to bear. Luckily, Japan has a great variety of things to help keep you cool in the sunny season (or the sweltering season, as most would probably prefer to call it), such as the ever reliable powerful AC units or the portable pocket-sized electric fans.
Whilst both these pieces of machinery are a god-send in the summer heat, it’s not really possible to lug a whole AC unit around with you, and let's face it...those portable electric fans are not very attractive.

So if you’re looking for something a little more stylish, it’s time to go oldschool and whip out the traditional and simple Japanese folding fan. Not just for keeping cool, these fans are a thing of beauty and are available in a range of designs and patterns that can fit any style.

For the Ghibli fans out there, Donguri Republic has the ultimate line-up when it comes to matching style with practicality, and with summer fast approaching, they’re already teasing us with their newest heat-fighting products – a pair of folding fans and matching handkerchiefs which will be available to purchase from the end of May 2021.

As always, any Ghibli product must reference the company’s most loved character and mascot –Totoro. Also, with 2021 marking the 25th anniversary of the animation company’s most successful film, there is a design dedicated to the beloved characters of Spirited Away.

Price: 3,278 yen (tax included)

Printed onto the cotton body of this folding fan, is a pattern depicting Totoro as he watches the fireflies dancing against an early morning purple sky.
A small polyester resin charm resembling Totoro is attached to the spine of the folding fan.

Spirited Away Folding Fan Hanafuda

Price: 3,278 yen (tax included)

The lovable characters from Spirited Away; No-face, Soot Sprites and Bō in his mouse form, are brought together alongside hanafuda and peony motifs on this traditional fold-away fan.
A small zinc alloy charm featuring No-face on a hanafuda card background is attached to the spine of the folding fan.

These stylish summer prints will also be available to pick up as gauze handkerchief designs for 440 yen each (tax included).