Japan is one of the world’s leading countries in the production of animated works. Although Dreamworks and Disney will no doubt come to mind when someone mentions animation, the Japanese company Studio Ghibli is renowned internationally for its feature films and other animated works such as short films and commercials. With their stunning art style…
This spring and summer the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum has been holding a special art exhibit on Gustav Klimt, a famous Austrian symbolist painter. I love going to art museums and was not going to pass up an opportunity to see this special exhibit. While I’ve been to plenty of art museums in my life, going…
Yakul dashing through a lush ancient forest with Ashitaka on his back. Kodamas watch surreptitiously from mossy rocks as Moro approaches, with San, the Princess Mononoke, riding tall and ready to protect her forest. These images came easily to mind as my ferry, Yaku 2, pulled into Port Miyanoura one misty morning. I’d been dreaming…
Good news for all Studio Ghibli fans out there! Japan has a new attraction coming up that is surely going to be one of the must-visit places in the country soon. A new theme park completely dedicated to Ghibli animation is in the works, ready to be public in a few years. Finally, what fans…
In August 2015, a Japanese animation studio called “Studio Ponoc” was founded by former Studio Ghibli lead firm producer, Yoshiaki Nishimura. The studio is supported by former animators who worked under Studio Ghibli. Many of the former employees also worked together in order to come up with Studio Ponoc’s first feature film entitled Mary and…
Watching movies in a theater rather than on a TV is something every one of us would like to do once in a while to ensure the best experience! In a country which produces wonderful anime such as Your Name, and interesting live fantasies such as Tokyo Ghoul, you are missing out on a lot…
Although many great movies have come from American superpower businesses such as Hollywood, Warner Brothers, and Disney, Japan has its fair share of cinematic masterpieces that should not be skipped over by movie enthusiasts. If you are interested in learning the Japanese language, watching TV shows is a great way to improve your listening skill.…
Are you a huge fan of Studio Ghibli animations? If you are, then you must have come across the 1989 fantasy animation, Kiki’s Delivery Service. Interestingly, there’s a real-life Kiki’s Bakery located in a small hamlet called Yufuin Floral Village in Japan. Not much is known about the place other than having a whimsical and…
The name Miyazaki Hayao (宮崎駿) is no longer a stranger to the ears of many people. This highly prolific director, producer, screenwriter, animator, author, and manga artist had announced his retirement in September 2013. Back then, the director who had on and off retirements even said, “This time is for real.” However, in February 2017,…
Are you a fan of Studio Ghibli’s (スタジオジブリ) animated movies? If so, you will soon be able to purchase Studio Ghibli merchandise at Donguri Republic’s (どんぐり共和国) chain of official stores! Though this event is not directly managed by Studio Ghibli, it is still a perfect place to look for Ghibli items. It is operated by…
