Studio Ghibli die-hards across the Los Angeles area are about to get a new home base. The first-ever U.S. outpost of Donguri Republic, the official chain of Studio Ghibli shops from Japan, is set to open next Tuesday at Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance. The pop-up-style storefront is scheduled to run through the end of the year, bringing Totoro, Kiki, Spirited Away and other Ghibli icons into the heart of the South Bay. Inside, shoppers can expect wood-inspired interiors, whimsical displays and a giant Totoro posed at a bus stop as a nod to the Catbus, plus limited-edition items and the kind of opening-day crowds that test your love of cute things.
According to IGN Nordic, the Torrance Donguri Republic will open Tuesday at shop no. 179 inside Del Amo Fashion Center (3525 W. Carson St.) and is slated to remain on site through December 31, 2026. Hours are expected to run Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. PT and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT. IGN reports that more than 400 officially licensed Studio Ghibli products will line the shelves, framed by custom storefront artwork of Mei and a Little Totoro plus the same wood-heavy, whimsical interior design the brand is known for. The outlet also notes promotional tie-ins, including film-style bookmarks for qualifying Studio Ghibli Fest purchases and a limited Donguri Republic Los Angeles tote for guests who spend $100 or more.
What Fans Can Expect Inside
As Kanpai-Japan explains, Donguri Republic (どんぐり共和国) is Studio Ghibli’s official retail brand in Japan, known for combining plushes, stationery, home goods and exclusive items inside immersive, music-filled shops. The chain operates dozens of locations across Japan and has experimented with pop-ups overseas, but a U.S. storefront marks a notable expansion into North America. That track record suggests the Torrance outpost will lean into both collectible exclusives and practical Ghibli household items that fans can actually use every day.
Where Local Shoppers Can Look
The Del Amo debut arrives as Ghibli access across Los Angeles is quietly leveling up. In late May, Kinokuniya storms back into Little Tokyo with plans for a much larger flagship that will feature a dedicated Studio Ghibli zone. Between that expanded Kinokuniya concept and the new Donguri Republic opening in Torrance, Southern California collectors are staring down multiple hubs for official Ghibli merchandise this summer. That local momentum, plus stronger in-person access for fans, helps explain why a major mall like Del Amo ended up with the first U.S. Donguri location.
Shoppers hunting for exclusives should treat opening day like a convention drop: expect lines, quick sell-through on certain items in the first weeks and a real need to watch official store channels for restock notices and updated hours. Per IGN Nordic, guests who spend $100 or more will pick up a limited Donguri Republic Los Angeles tote, while qualifying Studio Ghibli Fest purchases will earn film-style bookmarks. The store’s scheduled run through December gives fans months to make the trip, but the earliest weeks are likely when the rarest drops hit the shelves.
