A new collection of detailed and intricately embroidered brooches featuring popular characters from the Studio Ghibli film catalogue is set to released at the end of this month (May 2020) at Donguri Kyowakoku stores in Japan and the shop’s online store Sora no Ue.

¥700 Each (Before Tax)

This is the second collection to be released from the brooch series and includes characters from the films Laputa: Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Spirited Away, and Ponyo. You can attach them to your outfit or even decorate your room with them to show your love of the internationally-beloved films.

Each package contains a random design, so you won’t know which you have until you open it. There’s also a special box you can get with the entire collection of nine!

The official Studio Ghibli merchandise store Donguri Kyowakoku and its online shop Sora no Ue is releasing a new line of seven vintage glasses starting from mid-May this year.

 

The first line was released back in May 2019 and was a huge hit amongst Studio Ghibli fans. The collection is reminiscent of American comics in its designs.

The new second line of seven glasses includes Laputa: Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Whisper of the Heart, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle. This is the first time a Howl’s Moving Castle glass has entered the collection.

The glasses have also been made 1.5 times bigger than those in the first line while still keeping the designs stylish. They will make a great addition to any kitchen cupboard.

The My Neighbor Totoro corn gift set is a hugely popular item sold in Japan for Mother’s Day. It will be released again this April at Donguri Kyowakoku stores across Japan and on the Sora no Ue online shop.

Studio Ghibli’s films never fail to warm the hearts of viewers. One of these feelsy moments is seen in the movie My Neighbor Totoro when Mei picks corn for her mother and treks her way to the hospital to give it to her. This gift set is inspired by that corn inside which is wrapped a lunch bag and handkerchief with illustrations of a lively Totoro and fresh vegetables.

My Neighbor Totoro 2020 Corn Gift Set – ¥2,727 (Before Tax)

The corn set is the same size as a real corn, and is sure to bring a smile to your mother’s face. If she’s yet to see the film, you’ll have to try convincing her to watch it. Pre-orders for the gift are now open.

Kiki’s Delivery Service UV Protection 33 – ¥2,300 (Before Tax)

Whisper of the Heart UV Protection 33 – ¥2,300 (Before Tax)

Protect yourself from UV rays with these new protection creams based on the Studio Ghibli films Kiki’s Delivery Service and Whisper of the Heart. The cream is made with organic plant based ingredients, and it can be used all over your body, whether for your morning and nighttime skin care routines or body when you get out the bath. The cream spreads across the skin easily and so is a recommended base for your make-up too. This is a great gift to get together with the corn set.

Treat mom to a special present this year by heading over to Donguri Kyowakoku.

A photo exhibition will be held at the HMV Museum in Shibuya from March 6, 2020 for a limited time in promotion of the release of Studio Ghibli Museum’s first official photo book, Ghibli Bijutsukan Monogatari (“The Story of the Ghibli Museum”).

“Ghibli Bijutsukan Monogatari” Photo Book – ¥3,800 (Exhibition Pre-Sale: March 6, 2020 / General Release: March 20, 2020)

Photography is strictly forbidden at the Studio Ghibli Museum, but this exhibition gives a rare look inside without having to go inside. There will be panels of photos of both inside and outside the museum, a display of miniature figures of characters like the Robot from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, writings from Studio Ghibli film producer Toshio Suzuki, and more. The museum’s popular photo spots will also make an appearance at the exhibition for taking a photo next to.

Exclusive Desk Calendar (*Limited to 500 people per day, first-come first-served)

Desk calendars will also be available, featuring the photos used at the exhibition.

 

Exclusive Exhibition Merchandise

Tote Bag – ¥2,000 / T-Shirt – ¥2,800 / Hanging Scroll – ¥30,000 / Photos (3 Designs) – ¥8,000 Each

Visitors will be able to get their hands on the photo book early at the exhibition, and those who buy it at HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA will be invited to a signing and talk session on March 7, 2020 on a first-come, first-served basis. The signing will be attended by Kanyada and Toshio Suzuki, who will also be present at the talk event in addition to film director Ryutaro Nakagawa.

 

Exclusive merchandise will be sold at the exhibition. The exhibition itself encourages people to feel like a lost child, and its layout will reflect that without any set paths or routes.

 

Dive into the wonderful world of Studio Ghibli at the Ghibli Bijutsukan Monogatari Photo Exhibition.

 

*Please note that the number of people allowed to enter the exhibition will be restricted due to the ongoing situation surrounding the new coronavirus. This will widen the space between visitors and allow them to enjoy the exhibition in an uncrowded space. More details can be found on the official HMV Museum website.

A number of facilities in Japan have announced temporary closures to help stop any possible spreading of the coronavirus. Please check the following closures if you’re planning a trip to Japan in February or March. New information is rolling out all the time, so for the latest updates, please check the official websites for each establishment listed below.

 

Last Updated: February 28, 2020 at 00:51 (JST)

Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea® 

Closed: February 29 – March 15, 2020

The parks plan to reopen on March 16, 2020, however this will be decided following consultation with concerned administrative agencies and will be announced on their official website. If you have purchased tickets valid during the parks’ closing dates, please refer to the links below.

 

Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/index.html

Tokyo Disney Resort Online Tickets and Reservations: https://reserve.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/top/?language=en

 

 

Snoopy Museum

Closed: February 29 – March 13, 2020

Information on ticket refunds is provided on the museum’s official website.

 

Snoopy Museum Official Website:https://snoopymuseum.tokyo/s/smt/page/english?ima=0000

 

 

Sony Music Roppongi Museum

Closed: February 29 – March 13, 2020

Information on ticket refunds will soon be provided on the museum’s official website. The TYPE-MOON Fate / stay night-15 years of history Exhibition will be extended until April 19, 2020.

 

TYPE-MOON Fate / stay night-15 years of history Exhibition Official Website: https://type-moon-museum.com/

Sony Music Roppongi Museum Official Website: https://smrm.jp/

 

 

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Sanrio Puroland

Closed: February 22, 2020 – March 12, 2020

The park is scheduled to reopen on March 13, 2020, but this is subject to change depending on the circumstances of the coronavirus and news published by the government.

 

▶Refunds

・Pre-booked Tickets

Tickets valid between the dates February 22, 2020 – March 12, 2020 will have their validity period extended to September 30, 2020.

 

・Original Passports

Passport tickets valid between the dates February 22, 2020 – September 29, 2020 will have their validity period extended to September 30, 2020.

 

・Pre-booked PUROPASS

Payments for PUROPASSES bought between the dates February 22, 2020 – March 10, 2020 will be cancelled.

 

・Anniversary Time

Payments for Anniversary Time tickets for the dates February 22, 2020 – March 10, 2020 will be cancelled. Those who paid with cash will be refunded via registered mail.

 

Official Website (English): https://en.puroland.jp/

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.puroland.jp/

 

 

Ghibli Museum

Closed: February 25, 2020 – March 17, 2020

 

▶Refunds

Refunds are applicable for tickets dated between January 22, 2020 – March 30, 2020.

Refunds will be paid in full between February 15, 2020 – March 31, 2020.

 

Official Website (English): http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/

Official Website (Japanese): http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/

 

Toei Animation Museum

Closed: February 26, 2020 – March 18, 2020

The museum’s reopening is subject to consideration depending on the circumstances of the coronavirus. It will be announced via the museum’s official Twitter page and website.

 

Official Website: https://museum.toei-anim.co.jp/

 

 

Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum

Closed: February 22, 2020 until further notice

 

Official Website (English): https://www.asahibeer-oyamazaki.com/english/

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.asahibeer-oyamazaki.com/

 

 

Kyoto National Museum

Closed: February 22, 2020 until further notice

All events, the museum shop Benrido, and the museum cafe Maeda Coffee, have also closed temporarily.

 

Official Website (English): https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/index.html

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/jp/index.html

 

 

ARASHI EXHIBITION “JOURNEY”

Closed: February 22, 2020 – March 9, 2020

Location: Osaka Culturarium at Tempozan

 

Official Website: https://arashiexhibition.jp/

 

Sanrio Harmony Land

Closed: February 22, 2020 – March 12, 2020

 

Official Website (English): https://www.harmonyland.jp/english/harmony/harmony.html

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.harmonyland.jp/welcome.html

 

Universal Studios Japan

Closed: February 29, 2020 – March 15, 2020
The park’s reopening will be determined after serious consideration of the current condition of the coronavirus situation. The announcement of the park’s reopening will be made on the USJ’s official website and social media. Information on handling of tickets during the break period will be posted on the official website on February 28, 2020 at 21:00 (JST).

 

Official Website (English): https://www.usj.co.jp/e/

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.usj.co.jp/

 

Hirakata Park

Closed: February 29, 2020 – March 18, 2020
All planned events during the park’s closure have been cancelled and/or postponed until further notice. The park plans to reopen on March 19, 2020 subject to the current condition of the coronavirus situation. Updates will be posted on the official website. Refunds for winter season tickets will be announced at a later date.

 

Official Website (English): http://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/en/

Official Website (Japanese): http://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/

 

Numerous other sports and cultural events will also close for two weeks commencing February 26, 2020. If you’re travelling to Japan in February and March, please check the websites of any places you plan to visit during your trip to see if they are open.

Chofu Cinema Festival 2020 is set to take place next year from February 14 to March 8 in Chofu, Tokyo, and it’s been announced that Studio Ghibli’s monumental work Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, will feature as a special screening.

At this year’s festival, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), another of Studio Ghibli’s classic and internationally-lauded films was screened at AEON Cinema THEATUS Chofu across a nine-day period from March 2 to 10. When the credits rolled, there was a huge round of applause from the audience, and subsequent public demand arose for more of the studio’s filmography to be shown at the festival.

Laputa: Castle in the Sky will also be screened for nine days at AEON Cinema THEATUS Chofu. It will be shown at Screen 10 which seats 526, has a 20 metre screen with superior picture quality, and the 4-way ULTIRA sound system. If you’re in Tokyo while it’s screening, don’t miss this chance to see one of Studio Ghibli’s most celebrated works on the big screen.

 

©1986 Studio Ghibli

Giovanni Mirabassi is a Paris-based Italian jazz pianist who is an icon in the world of European jazz. The self-taught piano master has announced that he will release an album featuring covers of famous songs from the Studio Ghibli filmography.

Born in Italy, Mirabassi has been a fan of Japanese animation since he was young, and was particularly fond of films made by internationally renowned and beloved Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli. He released Animessi ~Tenku No Shiro No Laputa Hoka~ in 2015, a cover album centred on movies in the Ghibli franchise. He performed a concert in Japan in the same year which was attended by Ghibli’s legendary director Hayao Miyazaki who had already been a fan of Mirabassi for a long time. After that, Mirabassi continued to keep in touch with the studio, leading the release of yet another cover album.

The album is entitled MITAKA CALLING, and features a skilled ensemble trio who breathe life into the classic hits. The album artwork was designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself, who said: “I enjoy hearing Mirabassi’s piano playing. He embodies freedom and zeal.”

 

The album will be released in a digipak format with a sleeve case and is coupled with a foldout poster. It will be released on December 18, 2019 and Mirabassi will support its release with a Japan tour in spring 2020. If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli and the films’ enchanting music, then you won’t want to miss this when it drops.

GBL is an American casual clothing brand that decorates its items in all things Studio Ghibli. They are set to release a new sukajan (a type of Japanese jacket inspired by baseball jackets) with an original Princess Mononoke design on the Donguri Kyowakoku Sora no Ue online store on August 31 from 11am (JST).

This marks the release of the brand’s second sukajan. It includes a reversible design. The outside layer is velveteen and features black colouring with the Forest Spirit on the back. The inside layer of the coat is made from rayon and comes in autumntime colours.

Both includes beautiful original motifs and illustrations of the film’s various characters.

The velveteen layer also has embroidery of the cursing Tatarigami demon.

 

Look stylish this autumn while showing off your love for Studio Ghibli with this new sukajan

Japanese singer-songwriter Keina Suda’s new song MOIL will be used the main theme for the upcoming animated film Ni no Kuni which is set for release on August 23, 2019.

 

A video containing clips from the film was released on the official YouTube channel for Warner Bros. Japan and also features the song. The track itself was also released simultaneously for digital download.

The film is being directed by Yoshiyuki Momose (Storyboarder for Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday) and written by Akihiro Hino who wrote the story for both Ni no Kuni video games. Long-time Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisashi (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro) is also returning from the video game series to compose the music.

The movie will feature an original story and follow Yū (Kento Yamazaki), Haru (Mackenyu) and Kotona (Mei Nagano). The three friends are able to travel back and forth between reality and Ni no Kuni―another world.

MOIL will be included on Keina Suda’s upcoming second EP porte. The 5-track EP will also feature veil which is the ending theme for the ongoing anime series Fire Force. The music video for veil has over 1.7 million views on YouTube.

First Press Limited Edition copies of the EP include a 40-page lookbook designed by Avogado 6 as well as a slipcase. It also comes with a DVD featuring the music videos for MOIL and veil as well as a porte concept movie created by Avogado 6.

 

Additionally, those who purchase a copy of the CD at the cinema when the film is released can get their hands on some collaborative merchandise―first come, first served!

 

©2019 “Ni no Kuni” Production Committee

The second run of the Toshio Suzuki & Studio Ghibli Exhibition is set to take place at Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki from July 13 to September 23. The event is focused on longtime Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki and centres on specific “words” he wishes to convey through this work.

 

The exhibition had its first run in Tokyo back in April this year. We covered that event in detail so be sure to give it a read.

The enormous 3-meter tall Yubaba & Zeniba centrepiece will return at the Nagasaki exhibition. Visitors can draw omikuji fortunes from the display which have Suzuki’s keywords written on them along with his explanation of them. You can take these home with you―a perfect addition for your Studio Ghibli collection!

An extremely special merchandise shop will also open at the site with exclusive items and products on sale and decor and decorations that will have you feeling you have stepped right into an enchanting world woven by Studio Ghibli.

Fan: ¥702 (Tax Included)

Get your hands on an official Spirited Away fan to cool yourself down at the event this summer. On one side is an illustration of Yubaba and on the other some powerful words from Suzuki.

Tote Bag: ¥1,620 (Tax Included)

Express your love for Studio Ghibli everyday with this tote bag featuring the same illustration of Yubaba―which is the main visual for the exhibition―on the side. It’s big enough to be worn on your shoulder making it a convenient day-to-day item.

Tea-Towel: ¥1,296 (Tax Included)

This beautiful tea towel is made in collaboration with dyed goods company Chikusen who have been around since the Edo period. It has a traditional indigo blue colour and is made from high quality material. A perfect gift and souvenir for any fan of Studio Ghibli.

 

We can’t forget the themed food menu either. You’ll find it on the first floor of Huis Ten Bosch at the Tea Salon.

Bath House Dessert: ¥850 (Tax Included)

A fitting dessert for any guest of the Spirited Away bath house, look forward to a bamboo charcoal-black chocolate-sprayed vanilla ice cream, colourful sugar candy and a cookie. It’s also served with iced corn tea.

Toast For Adventure Lovers: ¥650 (Tax Included)

Served with a glass of iced corn tea is a delicious egg-topped slice of toasted baked in the hotel bakery. Like you see in anime series, it makes you want to grab it, shove it between your teeth and run outside on an adventure.

Any fans of Studio Ghibli’s work aren’t going to want to miss out on this very special event. If you’re in Japan this summer be sure you get to go.

 

©️TS ©️Studio Ghibli

Walt Disney Japan have announced they will release a collection of all short films by Studio Ghibli spanning 1992-2016 on DVD, Blu-ray and for DVD rental in Japan on July 17, 2019.

 

A collection of Ghibli shorts was first released in 2005 and featured everything from the studio’s their ever animated short Sora Iro no Tane (1992) to the latest animated PV at the time. The new collection will feature all of those plus another eleven for a total of 33 shorts. This is also the first time they will be released on Blu-ray.

The line-up features films worked on by Studio Ghibli animators and directors including  Hayao Miyazaki, Yoshifumi Kondō, Yoshiyuki Momose, Takeshi Inamura, Osamu Tanabe, Shinji Hashimoto, Shinji Ootsuka, Katsuya Kondō, and Gorō Miyazaki.

 

The first trailer for the collection was released on the official Disney Studios Japan YouTube channel. It begins with a message from Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki which reads: “Long films aren’t Ghibli’s only thing. This and that too are authentically Ghibli.”

In the video we see a whole range of short animations, including various collaborative ads made for Lawson, the Studio Ghibli Museum and more. We also see a music clip for Sora Tobu Machi Keikaku by Yasutaka Nakata (Capsule).

 

This is sure to be a must-have collector’s item for any Studio Ghibli fan.

 

©2019 Studio Ghibli

The Toshio Suzuki & Studio Ghibli Exhibition is currently taking place at EDOCCO Edo Culture Complex at Kanda Shrine from April 20 to May 12. This is the first official large-scale Studio Ghibli exhibition in Tokyo in three years.

This exhibition is focused on the “words” of Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki. It features writings and illustrations by Suzuki as well as the first ever showcasing of the “Yubaba & Zeniba’s Love and Fortune Omikuji,” a model of the Aburaya bathhouse from Spirited Away and much, much more.

On the initial opening day of the exhibition attendees were met by Toshio Suzuki himself as well as Mari Natsuki, the voice actress of Yubaba from Spirited Away. Suzuki expressed his gratitude in being able to hold the event at Kanda Shrine. “I visited here with my mother 2 years ago before she passed away,” he explained.

The two of them took no time at all in getting involved with the event as they drew from the new Yubaba and Zeniba omikuji fortunes.

 

Mari Natsuki’s read, “Live in the here and now.” Some kind of power dwells in this statement. It’s powerful, and feels graceful. I definitely want to get that fortune myself too!

The host speaker asked Suzuki what he has been working on recently to which he replied he has been storyboarding for a new film for the past three years. From his reply it seems that the storyboarding should be finished sometime soon. This is the framework for the film that we’ll get to see in probably around three years or so. I cannot wait for the day to arrive where we get to see a brand new Ghibli movie.

 

The exhibition begins at the red entrance where illustrated lamps are strung up. Toshio Suzuki’s writing lines the event. Inside, the main area is divided into ten chapters. It begins with Suzuki’s childhood and progresses through to today. The written explanations are accompanied by numerous artwork displays.

The words Suzuki has written are done so in a variety of ways including title lettering, slogans, and calligraphy he has done in recent years. There are many different words to read, such as “Balse” from Laputa: Castle in the Sky. I encourage people to stand in front of their favourite words and picture their deeper meaning.

The exhibition also includes an area displaying Suzuki’s favourite films from the Showa era, magazines he is associated with from his time worknig at Tokuma Shoten, and more. Seeing the things that Suzuki loved and was passionate about when he was younger adds a deeper layer to his collection of words―words which have come into fruition through a multitude of experiences.

Set up in the next area are scenes taken from several Studio Ghibli films with famous lines from each work overlaying them. Standing in front of these has you reliving those iconic scenes.

Reading the words and lines throughout the exhibition makes you feel the same feelings as the person who wrote them does: everything from strength to kindness, sadness, serenity. Looking at them, I too feel as Suzuki does.

These are the Yubaba and Zeniba omikuji fortunes that was shown at the beginning of the exhibition. You pull a string, check what number is given to you, and pull out that fortune from inside the mouth. You even get a divine message from Yubaba herself! If you’re at the exhibition and have time be sure to give it a go.

If you don’t have time then there’s some “quick fortunes” available as well.

The final display is a model of the Aburaya bathhouse from Spirited Away. Surrounding it are famous lines said in the movie. This too is a spectacular area.

When you exit the exhibition you will come to a souvenir corner. It has lots of items you can’t gt anywhere else, so be sure to take your time to enjoy everything they have on display.

We bought a wooden ema plaque which is used for writing prayers and wishes on. We wrote on it our hope for MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON to become the number one website in the world!

Tonari no Kakigori Shaved Ice: ¥648

Haku White Rice Onigiri w/ Tea: ¥864

There is also a cafe on the first floor selling food inspired by Studio Ghibli films too. There’s also limited-time food available on certain days for one day only, so if there’s something you want to try I recommend getting there nice and early.

 

The fortune I drew was “excellent luck” and it read, “Live in the here and now.” These words are featured a lot in the exhibition.

 

Live not in the past, but in the here and now. Treasuring what you have now will tie into the future. The now has also determined who I am up to now and will determine who I will become in the future. The exhibition made me realise again that I can be forgetful if I live too busily.

The exhibition is littered with the magical power of Toshio Suzuki’s words. Pay a visit and try finding the words which ring close to you. You never know, you might even find a hint as to how to move forward and live with your head held high.

 

©TS ©Studio Ghibli

Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MMN Editorial Department)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga