A Beloved Studio Faces an Unexpected Challenge
Studio Ghibli, the iconic Japanese animation studio celebrated for masterpieces like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke, has enchanted audiences worldwide with its imaginative storytelling and breathtaking visuals. For fans traveling to Japan, a visit to one of its official merchandise shops, “Donguri Republic,” is often a highlight. These stores, brimming with Ghibli-themed treasures like plush toys, apparel, and home goods, offer a tangible connection to the studio’s magical worlds. However, on July 23, 2025, the “Donguri Republic” shop located in Tokyo Station’s underground shopping district, Tokyo Character Street, announced a temporary closure starting July 26 due to extreme heat. This unprecedented move has sparked a wave of reactions online, blending disappointment with widespread support for the decision.
Temporary Closure Announcement: Prioritizing Safety Over Sales
On July 23, the official Donguri Republic website posted a notice titled “Temporary Closure of Tokyo Station Shop.” The statement read:
“We regret to inform you that ‘Ghibli Galore Donguri Republic Tokyo Station Shop’ will be temporarily closed from Saturday, July 26, 2025, until further notice. Due to consecutive days of extreme heat, it has become difficult to manage the facility’s temperature, preventing us from providing the ‘space of relaxation and warmth without a smile’ that we cherish. We apologize for the inconvenience to all who were looking forward to visiting and kindly ask for your understanding.”
The closure stems from a heatwave so intense that maintaining a comfortable indoor environment has become unfeasible. The shop’s management emphasized that this decision prioritizes the safety and well-being of employees and customers—a stance that has earned praise in a country where enduring tough conditions is often the norm.
The announcement didn’t specify a reopening date, instead directing fans to check the official Donguri Republic website and social media channels (X and Instagram) for updates. Meanwhile, other Tokyo locations—like the Ikebukuro, Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza stores—remain open, with the company encouraging fans to visit those outlets instead.
Fan Reactions: Disappointment Meets Empathy
The Tokyo Station shop is a fan favorite, thanks to its prime location in one of Japan’s busiest transportation hubs. Naturally, the closure news triggered a flood of responses on social media. Some fans expressed frustration:
- “That was my favorite shop!”
- “I was just about to visit soon!”
Yet, the majority voiced understanding and even admiration for the company’s choice:
- “It’s indeed too hot this year.”
- “This is a wise decision.”
- “They’re such a caring company—almost too white-collar!”
The term “white-collar” here reflects a perception that Donguri Republic is going above and beyond to protect its staff, a move that contrasts with Japan’s traditional work culture, where perseverance often trumps personal comfort. Fans also acknowledged the practical challenges: “It’s always crowded there,” one wrote, “and it must be tough for both the staff and shoppers in this heat.”
This mix of sentiments highlights the shop’s popularity and the unusual severity of the weather, which has pushed even a beloved retailer to take drastic action.
The Heatwave: Tokyo’s Scorching Summer of 2025
To understand why a shop would close over heat, we need to look at Tokyo’s current climate crisis. The summer of 2025 has brought record-breaking temperatures, consistently exceeding 35°C (95°F)—well above the city’s already steamy summer average. Humidity levels, often hovering near 80%, amplify the discomfort, creating a stifling atmosphere that feels closer to 40°C (104°F) or more.
For Tokyoites, hot summers are nothing new, but this year’s intensity is exceptional. Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued heatstroke alerts, urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor activity. Urban areas like Tokyo Station, surrounded by concrete and bustling with people, trap heat, making cooling efforts even harder. The underground shopping district, typically a respite from surface temperatures, is struggling as warm air seeps in from above, compounded by the body heat of countless visitors.
This heatwave isn’t just a local inconvenience—it’s part of a global trend of rising temperatures linked to climate change. For businesses like Donguri Republic, adapting to these extremes means rethinking operations, even if it disappoints loyal customers.
Studio Ghibli’s Legacy: Why This Shop Matters
Studio Ghibli isn’t just a film studio—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, it redefined animation with its focus on nature, human connection, and intricate narratives. Films like Spirited Away, which won an Academy Award in 2003, and My Neighbor Totoro, with its iconic Catbus, have left an indelible mark on global pop culture.
The Donguri Republic shops are an extension of this legacy, offering fans a chance to own a piece of Ghibli’s magic. From Totoro plushies to Kiki’s Delivery Service-themed bags, the merchandise celebrates the studio’s whimsical charm. The Tokyo Station location, nestled in Tokyo Character Street, is especially significant. As part of a vibrant underground mall with over 30 character-themed stores, it draws tourists and locals alike, many of whom pass through the station daily—over 400,000 people on average. Its accessibility and the allure of Ghibli’s brand make it a pilgrimage site for international visitors, who often leave with bags full of souvenirs.
Closing this shop, even temporarily, disrupts that experience, underscoring how deeply the heatwave is affecting everyday life in Tokyo.
Tokyo Character Street: Battling the Heat Underground
Tokyo Character Street, where the Donguri Republic shop resides, is a haven for fans of Japanese pop culture. Spanning a corridor in Tokyo Station’s First Avenue underground complex, it’s home to stores dedicated to Pokémon, Hello Kitty, and more. Typically, its subterranean setting keeps it cooler than the streets above, but this summer’s heat has overwhelmed that advantage.
Tokyo Station Development, the entity managing the area, told us this is the first time a shop has closed due to heat-related issues. While other tenants haven’t followed suit, the situation is far from normal. The underground layout includes multiple openings to the surface, designed for ventilation and access, but these now channel hot air downward. Add the crowds—thousands of shoppers daily—and the temperature spikes.
To counter this, management has taken action:
- Closed Openings: Shuttered some entry points to block hot air infiltration.
- Enhanced Cooling: Increased the use of fans and air conditioners, supplementing standard systems with temporary units.
Despite these efforts, the Donguri Republic shop couldn’t maintain its usual standards, highlighting the heatwave’s exceptional toll. Tokyo Station Development plans to continue refining these measures, but for now, the closure stands as a rare concession to nature’s power.
What This Closure Says About Japan and Beyond
This isn’t just a story about a shop closing—it’s a window into broader themes. In Japan, where resilience and duty often define work culture, Donguri Republic’s decision to prioritize safety over profit is striking. It’s earned the “white-collar” label not as a critique but as a compliment, suggesting a shift toward more humane business practices. For a brand tied to Studio Ghibli, whose films often champion harmony with nature, there’s a poetic irony in succumbing to environmental extremes.
Globally, this event mirrors the growing impact of climate change. From Europe’s heatwaves to America’s wildfires, extreme weather is forcing adaptations everywhere. For tourists planning a Tokyo trip, it’s a reminder to check weather forecasts and pack accordingly—light clothing, hats, and hydration are musts in this heat.
For Ghibli fans, it’s a bittersweet moment. The Tokyo Station shop’s closure is a loss, but it’s also a testament to the studio’s ethos of care, reflected in both its stories and its real-world actions.
Conclusion: Safety First in a Warming World
The temporary closure of the Donguri Republic shop in Tokyo Station, starting July 26, 2025, is more than a logistical hiccup—it’s a sign of the times. As Tokyo grapples with an unrelenting heatwave, this beloved Ghibli outpost has chosen safety over sales, earning applause from fans and onlookers alike. While it’s a disappointment for those eager to browse its shelves, the decision reinforces a universal truth: no amount of fandom should come at the cost of well-being.
For now, fans can turn to other Donguri Republic locations in Tokyo, like Ikebukuro or Skytree Town, to get their Ghibli fix. As the heatwave persists, staying cool and safe remains the priority—for shoppers, workers, and businesses alike. Check the official Donguri Republic channels for updates, and in the meantime, let’s hope for cooler days ahead, when Totoro and friends can welcome us back to Tokyo Station.
