With eight out of the 15 highest-grossing animation films made in Japan coming from Studio Ghibli’s works, it’s not at all a surprise that Japanese consumers list Ghibli ahead of Toyota or Sony when listing their favorite Japanese exports. From “My Neighbor Totoro” to the phenomenal “Princess Mononoke,” it goes without saying that Ghibli has become a crucial nostalgic element for Gen Y and Gen Z, while also touching the souls of those in Japan and beyond, regardless of age.

Now onto an illustrious 31st year since the creation of Studio Ghibli in its Koganei location, a Studio Ghibli Exhibition now unfolds at Roppongi’s Tokyo City View, the observation deck that positions itself on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower. MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON had the honor of visiting the exhibition shortly before its opening so we’re here to give away some tid bits that’ll give you the urge to pay a visit yourself!

The exhibit is a concoction of several mini exhibition spaces that hold varying themes, allowing visitors to immerse into the world of Ghibli while viewing the mystical and fascinating world of Ghibli from various different angles.

Upon entering, we were greeted by a mass of posters including “Nausicaä of the Wind of the Valley” from 1984, which was the sole film that was produced and released before Studio Ghibli was created, all the way to “Red Turtle,” their latest creation of which Japanese fans currently patiently await for its Sept. 17 release.

Red Turtle Exhibit

The first exhibit space is dedicated solely to Ghibli’s latest and first international collaboration, “Red Turtle,” which was highly acclaimed in its initial showing at the Cannes Film Festival, and was just released in France this past June. Fans can take a look at paintings by Paul Gaugin, as well as other drawings and photographs that influenced the making of the film.

Totoro’s cafe

We were then led to a cafe/bar-themed space fittingly run by the widely-loved Totoro, with him standing inside the bar counter, possibly about to serve us some coffee brewed from acorns. Our eyes wander into the very Ghibli surroundings, such as Jiji in his cage from “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and even dust bunnies if you take a peek in the back. Take this as a challenge and cast your eyes to examine the area to discover as many pieces of Ghibli as possible! (Challenge. Accepted.)

Posters and print media

The third space sheds light on the posters of each Ghibli film, while also focusing on the unforgettable taglines that go hand in hand with poster presentation. The most memorable tag lines that perfectly capture a sentiment the movie generates, were crafted chiefly by Shigesato Itoi.

It was back when “Kiki’s Delivery Service” came out when Ghibli producer, Toshio Suzuki, was told from Toei films that Ghibli was dipping into a descent. With much anger and frustration towards this thoughtless remark, he quickly took to his hands to find way to promote the works of Ghibli. With that said, visitors get to take a look at how Toshio Suzuki used print media as a powerful promotional tool to boost the impact of their films back in the day.

A Day in the Life of a Producer

Ghibli maniacs have got to admit that they’re curious creatures, hungry for anything that was involved in the creation process of the films. You’re bound to wonder what dates location hunting took place for, say, “Princess Mononoke,” or what the draft of that iconic tune “My Neighbor Totoro” looked like, or the comforts in which Toshio Suzuki brainstormed his brilliant promotional ideas that was all together a huge factor that supported the uprise of Ghibli. All of these can be found in one space named “A day in the life of a producer” which is pretty much heaven for anyone aspiring to dedicate their lives to film. They’ve also replicated Studio Ghibli office’s bulletin board, and we’ve got to mention that they’ve quite possibly got the best BBQ event poster up there.

The Ghibli Storage

Any item that was previously sold and is now mostly unavailable to the public is neatly coordinated in the “Ghibli Storage.” From film tickets that are pretty much mini-posters, to film pamphlets and flyers, and even wristwatches that were made specifically for the crew coinciding with each film release, this is the room that every Ghibli fan would die to claim as their own bedroom.

Hi Cat Bus!

Say hello to what may easily be deemed as the best part – the Cat Bus from Totoro! Whilst the cat bus in the Ghibli museum in Mitaka had been limited to elementary school kids, this one was big enough to house grown adults who un-ashamedly love Totoro to this day.

Aircrafts Exhibit

The exhibit closes with their “Exhibit of Aircrafts Soaring Through the Sky.” With “Ghibli” pointing at Caproni Ca.309 Ghibli, an Italian aircraft used in World War II as well as being defined “Mediterranean wind” in Libyan-Arabic, Hayao Miyazaki chose the word to group their creations in hopes of “blowing a new wind through the anime industry” and we can’t stress enough that his hope has catapulted to wild success. Flying has been a crucial element to many Ghibli films, whether it be “Castle in the Sky,” “Porco Rosso” or even “Kiki’s Delivery Service” you’re bound to find the characters in their aircrafts (or brooms) heading off to their next adventure.

Nearly every child goes through a phase of being wildly fascinated with flying, and perhaps those who grew up watching Ghibli films are somewhat indebted to Ghibli for these aviation yearnings. This particular exhibit takes visitors through the history of realizing aviation with aircrafts, while also exhibiting a replica of the airship that made an appearance in “Castle in the Sky.” For any of you thinking of visiting at night time, this particular airship will be lighting up – and with the view of Tokyo through the glass windows in the back, the airship will appear as though it’s actually floating in the sky.

A Ghibli-menu-makeover at the “Museum Cafe & Restaurant THE SUN & THE MOON”

Ever attempted to replicate the egg toast as seen on “Castle in the Sky”? If you’ve been too lazy to make it yourself but always had a good drool over it, come and pretend as though you’re Sheeta and Pazu at the “Museum Cafe & Restaurant THE SUN & THE MOON.” They’ve also got a great selection of Ghibli-themed food items (a dustbunny burger, anyone?) that’ll keep you taste buds satisfied. Get some of that Ghibli in your tummy after you’ve visually soaked every Ghibli detail down to the T!

Don’t wait — make the run. The Studio Ghibli exhibit runs until Sept. 11.

◼︎ Exhibit Details

Studio Ghibli Exhibit ~From Nausicaä to Red Turtle~

Dates: Jul. 7 (Thurs)-Sept. 11 (Sun)

Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Last entry 21:30) Hours may change

Venue: Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Observation Deck

Entry fee: Adults 1,800 / College, high school students: 1,200 / 4 y/o~middle school students: 600 yen / 65+: 1,500

URL: http://www.roppongihills.com/tcv/jp/ghibli-expo (Japanese only)