G'day! How is it going?
Have you ever watched a Japanese animated movie?
As you may know, Studio Ghibli is Japan's leading animation production company, producing many globally famous films.
Originally, 'Ghibli' refers to a hot wind blowing in the Sahara Desert, but during World War II, it became the name of an Italian reconnaissance aircraft. One of the founders of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki, an aviation enthusiast, named the studio with the desire to 'stir up a whirlwind in the Japanese animation world'.
Seven of Ghibli's films are ranked among the world's 50 highest-grossing hand-animated films. Therefore, I would like to introduce you to Ghibli this time.
1) Movies
●Spirited Away:
Depicts the story of a young girl named Chihiro who wanders into a mysterious world. After Chihiro's parents consume enchanted food and transform into pigs, she finds herself in a strange bathhouse town. There, she is forced to work in the bathhouse and encounters its enigmatic owner and various spiritual beings as she embarks on a journey to restore her parents to their human forms. Throughout her adventure, Chihiro grows, discovers herself, and builds trust with others.
●My Neighbor Totoro:
Follows the daily life of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to a rural old house with their father. They explore around the house and encounter mysterious events in nature. They become friends with forest spirits called Totoro and enjoy various adventures with them. This story delivers heartwarming messages about family bonds and the beauty of nature.
2) Tourist attractions
●Ghibli Park:
A park where you can experience the world of Ghibli movies, opened in November 2022. It features five areas:
-Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse: A large exposition facility filled with all kinds of Ghibli items, including a video exhibition room.
-Hill of Youth: An area that features some constructions from Whisper of the Heart and The Cat Returns.
-Dondoko Forest: Recreates Satsuki and Mei's house from Tonari no Totoro.
-Mononoke Village: Inspired by the Japanese-style satoyama landscape in Princess Mononoke.
-Valley of Witches: Inspired by Kiki's Delivery Service and Howl's Moving Castle.
Ghibli Park is a facility enjoyed not only by children but also adults and foreign visitors to Japan.
●Ghibli Museum, Mitaka:
An animation museum of Studio Ghibli located in Mitaka, Tokyo. Director Hayao Miyazaki, involved in many Studio Ghibli films, owns the museum. It was opened in 2001 and houses many Ghibli-related exhibits. Some Disney characters, such as from Toy Story and Finding Nemo, are also hidden inside the museum. However, taking photos inside the museum is prohibited, so enjoy the sights with your own eyes!
3) Goods
●Acorn Republic (Dongri-Kyowakoku):
An official Ghibli shop with approximately 40 stores across Japan. It sells character goods from Studio Ghibli works, including key chains, stationery, tableware, and towels, among other items exclusive to Japan.
●Shirahige's Cream Puff Factory:
The only Studio Ghibli official shop where you can eat Totoro's Cream Puffs. Additionally, you can purchase Totoro's cookies and cakes.
You can enjoy not only movies but also sightseeing and goods related to Ghibli. Please stop by when you come to Japan.
Japanese Phrases Related to "Anime"
- 何のアニメが好きですか？（Nanno animega sukidesuka?）：What kind of anime do you like?
- 子供のころどんなアニメを見ましたか？どれくらいの頻度で見ましたか? (Kodomonokoro donna animewo mimashitaka? Dorekuraino hindode mimashitaka?）：What kind of anime did you watch when you were a kid? How often did you watch?
- 私は●●が好きです。なぜなら▲▲だからです。（Watashiwa ●●ga sukidesu. Nazenara ▲▲dakaradesu.）：I like ●● because ▲▲.
- アニメを見るだけでなく、漫画を読むことも好きです。(Animewo mirudakedenaku mangawoyomukotomo sukidesu.)：I like not only watching animes but also reading mangas.
- ジブリパークに行ったことはありますか。（Ghibli Park ni ittakotowa arimasuka?）：Have you been to Ghibli park?