One of the most anticipated events for this year is the Studio Ghibli Theme Park! Ghibli Fans from all across the globe are waiting for the new developments and the opening of the Park. Recently, the Park has released some new pictures of their areas. Studio Ghibli has gained a massive fan base primarily due to the works of Hayao Miyazaki. These wholesome, cheerful & elegant stories with strong women and kind men have moved the hearts of millions worldwide. So it came as great news to fans when there was an announcement about the Ghibli Theme Park. Now, let’s dive into it.
Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki founded Studio Ghibli in 1985. The mascot of the Studio is the character Totoro from its production, “My Neighbour Totoro.” Under Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata Studio, Ghibli has produced some of the best-selling anime movies of all time. Five films from Ghibli were also nominated for the Academy Awards. Miyazaki retired in 2014.
Therefore, the Studio has temporarily suspended its activities. However, in 2017, Miyazaki decided to direct one more film. The Studio joined hands with Aichi Prefecture and Chunichi Shimbun Newspaper to build the Studio Ghibli Theme Park in 2019. The construction is still going on as news comes by.
Ghibli Theme Park: What To Expect?
As per the official update, the Ghibli Theme Park will have five distinct areas. Each area is based on one Ghibli movie. The movies used for inspiration, from what we know so far are, “My Neighbor Totoro”, “Spirited Away”, “Howl’s Moving Castle”, and “Kiki’s Delivery Service”. These areas are opening to the public one by one. There is a great focus on using the natural areas as is, so the Park is also expected to have hiking trails. This is because Hayao Miyazaki gave an edict to not cut trees. The Park will be opening in Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park.
Some of the major attractions are the Grand Warehouse from “Spirited Away”, Dondoko Forest from “My Neighbor Totoro” and the Hill of Youth from “Whisper of the Heart”. The Forest also has a replica of Satsuki and Mei’s House. The areas of “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Princess Mononoke” are not complete yet. The construction is still ongoing so they will probably be ready by the end of next year. There is a lot to look forward to with the Park.
Also Read: Best Anime Films By Studio Ghibli That Should Be On Your Watch List!
Opening Day Details
The “My Neighbor Totoro” area with the Dondoko Forest, the Hill of Youth, and the Grand Warehouse will open on November 1, 2022. The other attractions, including the Mononoke Area, will probably be completed by 2023 Fall. However, Ghibli Theme Park already expects up to 1 million visitors per day when the Park opens. The Park stands out from other anime attractions because it aims to replicate the works of Ghibli across the years. What attraction are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comment section. So, keep an eye on this space for more news on the same.