The Oscar-winning studio known for films like “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro” will be opening up a theme park consisting of five themed areas. Called Ghibli Park, the upcoming attraction will be located on a 200-hectare plot of land near Nagoya, Japan. It is the same land that hosted the 2005 World’s Fair, so there is already has a fully-built replica of Satsuki and Mei’s house from the film “My Neighbor Totoro” that was constructed for that event. The house as well as the footpaths in the forest behind it will be maintained for the new park.
The project was originally slated for completion in 2020, but due delays, the park is now expected to open in 2022. Despite the setbacks, the studio is hard at work, coming up with new concept drawings and plans to complete the park.
Elements from Hayao Miyazaki’s films will be found all over the theme park. Released details reveal that upon entering the nearly 500-acre area, there will be buildings reminiscent of “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Whisper of the Heart’s” antique shop. There will also be a Big Ghibli Warehouse, which will have themed play areas in addition to exhibition galleries and cinemas. Instead of rollercoasters — although there will be some rides — current Ghibli Park plans will focus on nature trails from Miyazaki’s other popular films.
By: Maytinee Kramer
