MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO -heart of the peaceful forest-Foldable bag shupatto

This Shupatto foldable bag, ‘In the Heart of the Peaceful Forest’ by Benelic, combines the world of My Neighbour Totoro with the Shupatto compact folding system. Available in size M, it has a capacity of approximately 14.5 litres and can carry a maximum load of 5 kg. When unfolded, it measures approximately 30 x 32 cm, whilst when folded it is only about 6 cm in diameter and 8 cm high.

The design features a pale yellow background evoking a calm, light-filled forest. Totoro and the forest’s tiniest spirits appear discreetly amongst a multitude of leaves, acorns, flowers and small twigs. Hints of orange, green and blue punctuate the pattern, whilst the grey-green handles provide a subtle contrast to the light-coloured fabric. The overall design thus emphasises a botanical aesthetic directly inspired by the film’s rural atmosphere.

The main feature of the Shupatto range is its quick-fold system. After use, simply pull on both ends of the bag and the pre-formed folds automatically come together to form a long strip. This strip is then rolled up and secured by the integrated press-stud tab. The bag can thus be stowed away in a handbag, rucksack or glove compartment without taking up much space.

Its construction, which lacks a rigid gusset, allows the bag to adapt to the shape of the items being carried. The long handles also allow it to be carried over the shoulder, whilst the design of the opening ensures that the weight of the contents helps to draw the top of the bag tighter, thereby limiting the visibility of what is inside.

Technical specifications

Manufacturer: Benelic
Concept / range: Shupatto Compact Bag
Licence: Studio Ghibli
Film: My Neighbour Totoro
Collection / design: In the Heart of the Peaceful Forest / Nodokana Mori no Naka de
Characters and elements featured: Totoro, little forest spirits and plant motifs
Type: foldable bag / reusable bag
Material: polyester
Dimensions when unfolded: approx. 30 x 32 cm
Weight: approx. 80 g
Main colour: pale yellow
Handles: grey-green
Carry: by hand or over the shoulder
Folding mechanism: pleated structure that folds up by pulling on both ends, then rolls up
Closure when folded: tab with press stud
EAN: 4990593483150

Origin and background of the characters (Lore)

My Neighbour Totoro is an animated film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. Released in Japan on 16 April 1988, it follows sisters Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe after they move with their father into an old country house to live closer to the hospital where their mother is staying.

Whilst exploring the surroundings, Mei discovers tiny creatures that lead her to a gigantic spirit living at the heart of a camphor tree. She names him Totoro. Satsuki also eventually encounters this mysterious creature, and the two sisters gradually discover a marvellous world hidden within the forest, accessible only through the eyes of a child.

Totoro is closely associated with the natural world surrounding the Kusakabe family’s home. Trees, acorns, plants and rural landscapes thus play a key role in the film’s visual identity. The little creatures Mei encounters, the great camphor tree and the famous Catbus reinforce this sense of a supernatural world existing discreetly alongside everyday life.

The ‘In the Heart of the Peaceful Forest’ design captures precisely this aspect of the film. Totoro and the little creatures are scattered amongst a botanical backdrop of leaves, flowers and acorns, as if they were hiding in the undergrowth. The bag thus translates the calm, natural atmosphere of My Neighbour Totoro into a functional accessory designed for everyday use.