What is Studio Ghibli, Japan's leading animation studio?
Studio Ghibli is very popular with both Japanese and foreigners. I'm sure many of you have seen it at least once.
In this article, we will once again explain what Studio Ghibli is. I will tell you where the sacred places are.
What is Studio Ghibli?
Studio Ghibli is a pioneering animation studio that introduced Japanese animated films to the world. Since its founding in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, it has released many masterpieces into the world. The work's rich story, beautiful animation, and charming music are loved by a wide range of generations.
What are your major works?
Studio Ghibli's representative works include “My Neighbor Totoro'”, “Princess Mononoke”, and “Spirited Away”. I'm sure many of you have seen these works in the past.
Ghibli films are highly acclaimed around the world for their unique world view that depicts Japanese culture, landscapes, and people's feelings, and “Spirited Away” in particular is one of the best Japanese animated films. It won the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.
If you come to Japan...why not take a pilgrimage to the sacred places?
The charm of Studio Ghibli is not limited to its works. There are many places in Japan that can be considered holy places for fans, such as the Ghibli Museum, which was directed by Miyazaki, and the towns and buildings that are the settings for Ghibli films.
You can also see valuable original paintings at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka City, Tokyo. Special exhibitions are also held from time to time, and are a valuable experience for those interested in animation.
Ghibli Museum official website
Princess Mononoke's sacred place ~ Shiratani Unsuikyo ~
The first sacred place to be mentioned is Shiratani Unsuikyo in Yakushima, which was the setting for Princess Mononoke. Princess Mononoke is set in the Muromachi period, and the work realistically recreates the life and scenery of that time. In particular, the large trees and rivers that appear in the work closely resemble those that actually exist, so if you visit Yakushima, you will feel as if you have stepped into the work.
Yakushima is also a registered world heritage site, so you will be able to experience an extraordinary experience that will cleanse your soul in the midst of magnificent nature.
*Yakushima is located in a mountainous area, so getting there requires a flight or boat. We recommend that you plan your visit well in advance and make hotel reservations.
Yakushima Tourism Association Official Website
Holy Land of Spirited Away ~Sekizenkan~
Sekizenkan, an inn located in Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, is the setting for one of the most popular Ghibli films, Spirited Away.
This inn is the model for the bathhouse that appears in the work, and the surrounding scenery at night is especially popular as a spot where you can fully experience the worldview of the work.
Shima Onsen Sekizenkan
Ghibli Park, the official Ghibli original world
The last Ghibli sacred place we will introduce is Ghibli Park in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, which was opened by Studio Ghibli in 2022. There are many places within the park that faithfully recreate the worlds of many Ghibli works, making it a must-see for fans.
New spots are currently being created, and we can expect further development in the future.
Ghibli Park official website
summary
The Japanese cityscapes and natural scenery depicted in Ghibli films give viewers a strangely nostalgic feeling. If you visit Japan after watching a Ghibli movie that has such mysterious power, you will surely understand the story even more deeply, and you may even be able to see the ordinary scenery and customs of Japan from an interesting perspective.