Halloween Costume Guide: Studio Ghibli Edition
If Disney or something spooky isn’t your thing, then maybe characters from Studio Ghibli could be a fun Halloween costume
While many of us grew up on Disney, others grew up on the deeply philosophical Studio Ghibli. Often known for its hand-drawn art and deep lessons taught through child-friendly plots, Studio Ghibli has created memorable characters. The best part is, a lot of these characters are quite easy to dress up as for Halloween. Here are some ideas for kids and parents if they want to try out a Studio Ghibli Halloween costume:
Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a heartwarming story of a young 13-year-old witch, Kiki, who ventures out to find her place in the world. The whole movie focuses on her finding her identity through her delivery service.
Kiki’s quite easy to cosplay. Her outfit is a simple black, quarter-sleeved, round-necked black dress with her signature big red bow on her head that she wears like a headband. She sports a broom and an orange messenger satchel while doing deliveries. For extra points, a black stuffed toy cat can serve as Jiji.
San from Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke became beloved when it showed female characters not necessarily becoming the main character’s romantic interest. San (otherwise known as Princess Mononoke) was that strong female character. Throughout the movie, she serves as the human champion of the forest.
The furry pelt she wears as a cape may need a little DIY, but everything else can easily be made from essentials. Underneath a white loose tank top or white side-tie top is a navy blue tube dress. As for the accessories, she wears a native necklace filled with fangs and two big white, round earrings, which can be found in most jewelry stores. She also wears a navy blue headband like a circlet.
Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro
One of the most beloved Studio Ghibili characters, Totoro shows up in the movie My Neighbor Totoro. As an animal spirit, he is often seen accompanying the two characters Satsuki and Mei.
Totoro as a Halloween costume is actually pretty simple. While some shops sell Totoro’s costume as a onesie, others sell his ears as a headband and then just wear all grey. The best part about Totoro is that some shops sell his costume as a baby onesie. So even the little ones can have fun!
Kaonashi from Spirited Away
Kaonashi (also known as No-Face) from Spirited Away is one of the most common Studio Ghibli-themed Halloween costumes. Unfortunately, Kaonashi is the villain in the movie—capable of eating other individuals so he can mimic them.
What makes him so common as a Halloween costume is because of the materials needed. All kids need to do is wear black and then paint their mask if needed. Some stores sell it, but parents can make it a bonding activity by buying the materials from their local book and art store so they can paint it themselves.
Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle
Novel turned movie, Howl’s Moving Castle brought to life the charming and intelligent wizard, Howl Jenkins Pendragon. Even those who have not watched many Studio Ghibli movies are familiar with this particular one. As the male lead of the movie, he eventually falls in love with Sophie while helping her regain her original form.
The most costly part, perhaps, of using Howl as a basis for a Halloween costume is the wig and the pink argyle jacket. While some stores sell wigs, it’s not easy to match the color. Although he has navy blue hair, he’s often depicted with light brown-blonde chin-length hair. His pink and blue argyle jacket is usually available in most novelty stores. The rest is easy—all they need is a slightly laced white polo and black jeans.
Ponyo from Ponyo
The movie’s namesake character, Ponyo, is often shown as a little girl. She is energetic and loves to explore. While she is also known as Brunhilde, she prefers to keep the name Ponyo especially after she meets Sosuke.
Ponyo is quite simple for a Halloween costume: a plain puffy red dress with white shorts underneath for little girls. Then, parents just need an orange wig. But there’s also the option of having a red and white onesie for the babies who are joining the trick-or-treat.
Studio Ghibli characters are a fun Halloween costume idea
What makes Studio Ghibli characters so fun to cosplay for a Halloween costume is how simple they are. The best part is, since most of these movies are slice-of-life, they’re not as scary-looking, and the pieces can be recycled again for non-Halloween events. Talk about being practical and getting bang for buck when it comes to these costumes!
So if ever you’re stumped for a Halloween costume idea and not looking forward to investing too much, try these Studio Ghibli characters and see if you or your kids have the pieces. It’ll be a lot easier than scavenging around for a new one!
FAQs: Studio Ghibli Halloween Costumes
Studio Ghibli became popular because of its storytelling and art. Unlike others who have followed technology, most movies under this Japanese studio stayed true to the traditional and classic style of filmmaking.
Most Studio Ghibli fans are millennials who grew up with the 90s anime. A lot of times, these movies were also dubbed in Tagalog.
No one shop in the Philippines specifically sells Studio Ghibli costumes. However, stores like Long Live Play and Perry in Disguise may have some of the pieces you need. Big events like Cosplay Mania usually gather stores like those in one spot, like SMX or SPACE at One Ayala.
That would depend on how much you’re willing to invest. The signature pieces can be at PHP2,000 on average. However, there’s no need to be completely faithful. Casual cosplaying is okay, too!
Of course! With all the movies Studio Ghibli has made, there are so many characters to pick from. Like, dads can dress up as Howl, moms can be Sophie, and the kids can dress up as the flaming fireball, Calcifer.
More Halloween ideas?
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