In a world captivated by the enchanting animations of Studio Ghibli, one element often sparks universal delight among fans: the food. From the hearty bacon and eggs in Howl's Moving Castle to the mysterious treats of Spirited Away, Ghibli's culinary creations have long fueled appetites and imaginations. Now, for the first time, fans can experience this magic firsthand.
A celebration of shared imagination, UNIQLO teams up once again with beloved animation studio Studio Ghibli for the My Dear UT collection—its third collaboration since 2022. Launching July 10, the collection is brought to life by acclaimed Thai illustrator Kanyada Phatan, featuring the studio’s most acclaimed films, such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro, and The Boy and The Heron.
To celebrate the highly anticipated launch, UNIQLO USA hosted an exclusive dinner and live performance for friends and family at the Brooklyn Japanese restaurant Rule of Thirds on July 11th. This was no ordinary event; it was a deeply immersive journey into the heart of Ghibli's cinematic feasts. The atmosphere was meticulously crafted to transport guests, blending the whimsical charm of the films with an elegant dining experience.
In true Ghibli style, guests were treated to traditional Japanese dishes—including Gem Salad, Tonkatsu, and Yakizakana—while listening to a live performance of Ghibli songs, a truly surreal experience that blurred the lines between screen and reality. It was a rare opportunity to taste the magic, feel the nostalgia, and live, if only for an evening, within the beloved worlds of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.
But the true showstopper was the Ghibli-inspired centerpieces, crafted by talented culinary artist Thu Pham Buser, in collaboration with Rule of Thirds. The spread looked as if it had leaped directly from the screen, with creations like towering stacked fruits and dumplings, gigantic whole roasted meat reminiscent of what Chihiro's parents greedily devour, delicious sushi trays that No-Face couldn't stop eating, and so on.
The vision channeled Spirited Away, but true Ghibli aficionados would quickly spot the iconic fish pie from Kiki’s Delivery Service tucked among the delights. Bamboo steamer baskets, delicately arranged, lent a dreamy, almost magical touch, while humble toothpicks and skewers quietly held together whimsical towers of fruit and vegetables. Each plate was a testament to Buser's skill, meticulously recreating the surreal and often mouth-watering aesthetics that Ghibli fans adore.
Unfortunately, as tempting as they looked, these centerpieces were strictly hands-off—lest anyone risk the same fate as Chihiro’s parents. After the event, the dishes were respectfully redistributed to staff, donated, or composted.
In the end, the evening wasn’t just about food or fashion—it was about honoring the spirit of storytelling that Studio Ghibli has always championed: where everyday objects hold magic, and shared moments become lasting memories. Through thoughtful design, culinary artistry, and a deep love for the films, UNIQLO’s celebration reminded guests that the worlds we dream of can, with a little care and imagination, become real—even just for one enchanted night.