Fans of Studio Ghibli and its classic film Howl's Moving Castle can now purchase a collection of rings that feature fan-favorite character Calcifer.
According to SoraNews24, the new Kazaring (from the word "kazaru," which means "to decorate") series functions as both jewelry and mini-figurines. There are six Calcifer rings in total and each features a different side of the fire spirit's colorful personality; one sees him cooking bacon and eggs, another shows him wildly gesturing about and a third depicts him desperately climbing on a log in order to avoid being extinguished. The rings can be purchased individually through blind boxes that retail for 1,100 yen, or as an entire collection of 6,600 yen.
Based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, Howl's Moving Castle was written and directed by animation icon Hayao Miyazaki and was first released in September 2004. It tells the story of Sophie, a young milliner who is transformed into an old woman by the wicked Witch of the Wastes. She eventually crosses paths with a flamboyant wizard named Howl and finds herself working as his cleaning lady.
The original Japanese version of Howl's Moving Castle stars Chieko Baisho (Weathering With You) as Sophie, Takuya Kimura (Doraemon: Nobita's New Dinosaur) as Howl and Tatsuya Gashuin (Spirited Away) as Calcifer; in the English dub, Christian Bale plays Howl, Jean Simmons and Emily Mortimer voice Sophie and Billy Crystal plays Calcifer. Howl's Moving Castle was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006 and won Animation of the Year and Best Director at the Tokyo Anime Awards in 2005.
These Calcifer rings aren't the only new things from Studio Ghibli for fans to spend their money on: the Ghibli Park attraction will soon be open. The theme park will recreate several locations from beloved films like Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. Moreover, Shuna's Journey, the one-volume watercolor illustrated graphic novel by Miyazaki, is finally receiving an English release and will be available for purchase starting Nov. 1.
The lineup for this year's Studio Ghibli Fest has also been revealed. Princess Mononoke, Ponyo, The Cat Returns, Kiki's Delivery Service, Only Yesterday, Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away will play in theaters across the United States throughout the year, starting in April.
The Calcifer rings are available for purchase online and at Donguri Kyowakoku stores in Japan. Many classic movies from Studi Ghibli, including Howl's Moving Castle, are available to stream on HBO Max.
Source: SoraNews24
