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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
40 years on: the wonderful world of Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli films have always had a special place in the childhoods of those who grew up watching them. Whether it was hopping on a Catbus on a rainy day (My Neighbour Totoro, 1988), soaring above the clouds on a broom to deliver freshly baked goods (Kiki's Delivery Service, 1989), or warily eyeing the pigs outside a bathhouse (Spirited Away, 2001) — these are the images that stay with you long after the screen goes dark. The animation studio, which recently turned 40, continues to be in the spotlight. Recently, Studio Ghibli's popularity has skyrocketed and, like most animated styles, it has progressed into mainstream media — with people flaunting its merchandise, available in stores and on the pavements of most Indian metros. Ghibli films are regularly screened in these cities, too. Most recently, AI can now mimic the style with unsettling accuracy. The irony — that every Studio Ghibli film takes years to bring to life, with each frame painstakingly hand-drawn, and that Hayao Miyazaki himself is famously anti-AI — seems to be lost on users as they upload their photos for a Ghibli-style render. Behind the longevity But what is it about Studio Ghibli's creations that captures public imagination? Is it the animated worlds that are simple and uncomplicated; the protagonists who are easy to empathise with; intricate depictions of sweeping mountains, mechanical castles, and lush green forests; or the unmistakable expressions of joy, sadness, anger, frustration, and disappointment etched into the expressive faces of its characters? There is no black and white in Ghibli's worlds — the villains have their reasons and are always redeemable. Maybe it's the feeling of nostalgia, the sense of familiarity, the childhood memories stored deep in the recesses of your mind, and the emotions they evoke. All of this contributes to Studio Ghibli's universal appeal. Of course, one could take a more cynical view and attribute the recent burst in popularity and interest to the aesthetic churned out by algorithms. Either way, there's something about Studio Ghibli that clings to your mind like a particularly stubborn soot sprite. Perhaps it's because beneath the deceptively simple narratives lie deeper themes that offer profound philosophical food for thought. Miyazaki and modernisation Miyazaki's disdain for technology and modernisation is evident throughout his films. He has famously stated that 'modern life is so thin and shallow and fake — I look forward to when developers go bankrupt, Japan gets poorer and wild grasses take over'. While this vision may not reflect reality, he weaves this imagery into his films, particularly in Princess Mononoke, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and My Neighbour Totoro, where forests abound and grasslands stretch endlessly. Princess Mononoke centres on environmentalism, portraying it in a way that forces the viewer to confront the inevitability of industrialisation. As much as one may not want it to happen, it must — and finding a middle ground becomes the only viable solution. Nausicaä, meanwhile, navigates a world transformed into a toxic wasteland, as she searches for a solution. Both San (Princess Mononoke) and Nausicaä inhabit worlds scarred by war. While San, the wolf princess, fights to protect her beloved home from further deforestation and industrialisation, Nausicaä takes a more peaceful approach. In Howl's Moving Castle, themes of pacifism are more explicit, set against the constant echoes of war that linger throughout the film. Despite Howl's abhorrence of war, the wizard is forced to become a tool of destruction, even at the cost of losing his humanity. The image of Sophie, the protagonist, standing in a meadow of flowers while war rages around her highlights the stark contrast between the ugliness of war and the fragile beauty of nature. Strong, fearless women Most of Ghibli's films feature female protagonists — whether children like Satsuki and Mei (My Neighbour Totoro), Kiki (Kiki's Delivery Service), and Chihiro (Spirited Away); young women like Nausicaä and San; or even Sophie (Howl's Moving Castle), who ages and then returns to youth. Unlike Disney's princesses, they are their own knights in shining armour, facing the world head on. All of them demonstrate resilience, courage, and an unyielding hope. No matter how daunting the task or how bleak the future, they either find a silver lining or create one themselves. The younger protagonists especially show wisdom beyond their years, yet paradoxically retain their innocence and wide-eyed wonder. It is not that Ghibli lacks male protagonists, but rather that they inevitably fall short in comparison. Drawing from life Miyazaki, like many artists, often draws inspiration from real-life experiences. For instance, he travelled to Alsace, France, to study European architecture and aesthetics for Howl's Moving Castle. He also sent his animators to the vet to observe how to give medicine to a dog, which they then translated into animating a dragon in Spirited Away. There's a recurring theme of chronic illness in several of Miyazaki's films. In The Wind Rises, we meet Naoko, who suffers from tuberculosis. In My Neighbour Totoro, Satsuki and Mei's mother is hospitalised while the sisters explore Totoro's forest. This mirrors Miyazaki's own childhood experience, when his mother was hospitalised due to spinal tuberculosis. Despite theories about the underlying symbolism in his films, Miyazaki's stance is clear: 'I don't have much patience for calculating and intellectualising anymore. It has to do with the times. Nobody knows everything. Nobody knows what's going to happen. So, my conclusion is, don't try to be too smart and wise. Why does anybody feel the way they do? Why is somebody depressed? Or angry? Even if you have a therapist, you're never going to figure it out. You're not going to solve it.' Contrary to rumours of his imminent retirement after The Boy and the Heron, Miyazaki, now 84, shows no sign of slowing down. Since his films are hand-drawn, it's understandable that they take years to complete. If Clint Eastwood can continue directing films at 95, then what's stopping Miyazaki? The writer and journalist is based in Mumbai.
Time Out
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Iconic Ghibli films come to life in 3D at the studio's sculpture exhibition in Tokyo
From the dreamlike forests of My Neighbor Totoro to the bustling bathhouse of Spirited Away, Studio Ghibli has enchanted audiences around the world with unforgettable visuals as much as with its acclaimed poetic storytelling. Over the four decades since Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki co-founded the studio back in 1985, Ghibli has cultivated an imagery so recognisable that it's come to be considered a style all unto its own – as the recent brouhaha over AI-generated Ghibli art proved. This summer, Miyazaki and co's magical universe takes physical form at Tennozu Isle, where Warehouse Terrada B&C Hall is hosting the Studio Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition until September 23. Both a meticulous exploration of iconic Ghibli scenes and a celebration of the international bonds that have carried the studio's stories far beyond Japan's shores, the show offers an unmissable opportunity to see, feel and experience some of your favourite Ghibli moments in an all-new format. A new dimension of animation The centrepiece of the exhibition is an extraordinary collection of three-dimensional models and sculptures, each capturing a key scene from some of Ghibli's most iconic films. Titles such as Kiki's Delivery Service, Castle in the Sky, Pom Poko and My Neighbor Totoro come alive in everything from miniature landscapes to life-sized recreations, allowing you to step into spaces once confined to the two-dimensional screen. By entering these sculpted tableaux, viewers gain fresh appreciation for the artistic detail and emotive atmosphere that define Ghibli's storytelling. The exhibition is a bigger and bolder version of Studio Ghibli's first-ever art exhibition, held in Tokyo back in 2003, and features plenty of updates and surprises. Among them is a majestic full-size model of the Savoia S-21 'flying boat' from Porco Rosso. Fashioned from wood as an art piece rather than a replica, the vessel sits docked in the venue's canalside location, evoking the spirit of the fictional Piccolo S.P.A. company and turning Warehouse Terrada into a cinematic port of call. How Ghibli reached the world Themed 'The Wind That Crossed the Sea', the display also reflects on Ghibli's global reach. While the studio's films are now celebrated worldwide, there was a time when Ghibli was little known outside Japan. The exhibition pays tribute to the many devoted overseas partners – distributors, translators, curators – who believed in these works and laboured for years to introduce them to audiences across North America, Europe, China and the broader Asian region. Through personal anecdotes and visual documentation, the exhibit spotlights these unsung heroes who helped Ghibli cross borders and touch millions of hearts. This human-driven narrative, emphasising passion over promotion and connection over commerce, is a fitting tribute to a studio that has always prioritised artistry and authenticity over profitable trends. The stories of these cultural emissaries run parallel to the physical reconstructions of Ghibli's fantastical worlds, grounding the magic in very real acts of dedication and cultural exchange. A short screening In addition to its sculptural displays, the exhibition includes a special screening of the short film Imaginary Flying Machines, originally created by Hayao Miyazaki for the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. The six-minute film, narrated by Miyazaki himself, offers a whimsical survey of imaginary 19th-century aircraft, presented with hand-drawn charm and a wry sense of humour. Scored by long-time Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi, the short serves as a thematic complement to the flying sequences in Porco Rosso and underscores the studio's enduring fascination with flight, invention and fantasy. Hotels and ham ramen Visitors seeking an even more immersive Ghibli experience can take advantage of exclusive hotel packages that include admission to the exhibition. The Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa and the Shinagawa Prince Hotel both offer plans with flexible entry during the stay. For a more unconventional escape, the floating hotel Petals Tokyo provides a special blend of urban lodging and waterfront tranquillity. Meanwhile, ramen fiends – and Ponyo fans – may want to score one of the special tickets that include a bowl of the much-loved 'That Ham Ramen', inspired by a Ghibli scene and crafted by the noodle connoisseurs at Nippon Television. This hearty dish can be enjoyed at T-Lotus M, the scenic boat café in front of B&C Hall. A fresh look at familiar scenes Upon leaving the exhibition, we were hit with an overwhelming desire to revisit the films we had just seen from a new perspective. That's because reproducing Ghibli's work in three dimensions reveals hidden layers of texture, craftsmanship and spatial storytelling that might otherwise go unnoticed. So whether you're a long-time fan or a novice to the world of Totoro, Chihiro and Porco, the Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition is sure to inspire. It's a worthy tribute to the artistry of its creators – and to the community of dreamers from around the world who have enabled the genius of Ghibli to span oceans and cultures. The Studio Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition runs until September 23.
GMA Network
04-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Uniqlo, Studio Ghibli launch new collab collection ‘My Dear'
Uniqlo and Studio Ghibli have released their latest collaboration collection dubbed 'My Dear.' This UT collaboration collection, which has 14 designs, features art that expresses emblematic Ghibli works, along with works by Thai artist Kanyada Phatan and Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki. The collection is inspired by eight Studio Ghibli films, including the latest release, 'The Boy and the Heron,' 'My Neighbor Totoro,' 'Kiki's Delivery Service,' 'Howl's Moving Castle,' 'Spirited Away,' 'Princess Mononoke,' 'The Tale of The Princess Kaguya,' and 'Pom Poko.' It's set to be released in the Philippines on July 4 in all Uniqlo stores and online. —Hermes Joy Tunac/CDC, GMA Integrated News
Hypebeast
04-06-2025
- Business
- Hypebeast
A Whimsical Studio Ghibli x UNIQLO UT Collaboration Is on the Way
Summary UNIQLOis set to launch a magical newStudio GhibliUT (Uniqlo T-shirt) collection, bringing the enchanting worlds ofHayao Miyazakiand Isao Takahata to wearable art. This collaboration, teased recently and appearing on various Uniqlo international sites, is generating significant excitement among fans worldwide. The collection features designs inspired by eight beloved Studio Ghibli films, including the latest release,The Boy and the Heron, alongside classics likeMy Neighbor Totoro,Kiki's Delivery Service,Howl's Moving Castle,Spirited Away,Princess Mononoke,The Tale of The Princess KaguyaandPom Poko. What makes this collaboration particularly unique is the inclusion of original character illustrations and artwork by Thai artist Kanyada Phatan, known for her contributions to Studio Ghibli's monthly publication 'Neppu.' These fresh artistic interpretations, alongside direct film stills, offer diverse designs for fans. The collection will include a range of items such as unisex T-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as kids' sizes. Pricing is set at approximaely $24.90 USD for adult shirts and $29.90 USD for sweatshirts. While the collection has started appearing on some international Uniqlo sites (like Thailand), the official global release is anticipated in mid-July 2025online. This collaboration promises to be a captivating way for fans to carry a piece of Ghibli's magic with them.
Leaders
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Ithra Celebrates Eid Al-Adha with 31 Festivities
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is set to celebrate Eid Al-Adha through 31 events over three days, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Ithra will provide visitors of all ages with a vast array of entertaining and cultural activities such as music, storytelling, games and workshops. Several activities will be in Arabic but are accessible to all people under the theme of 'Ribbons of Giving.' Ithra Interestingly, the center will host a concert at Ithra Theater by Egyptian oud virtuoso Islam Al-Qasabgy, who is known for mixing classical Arabic music with modern styles. Meanwhile, Ithra Cinema will display the Japanese manga character Chibi Maruko-chan and the Japanese animated fantasy movie 'Kiki's Delivery Service' with Arabic subtitles. Moreover, visitors will have an unmissable opportunity to visit various stunning exhibitions at Ithra Museum, which focus on handicrafts and align with the 'Year of Handicrafts'. Ithra Other festive offerings involve a 96 km trek along the historic Hajj trail that shares many stories about persistence and generosity across generations. Visitors can also enjoy an interactive show titled 'A Melody from Every Land' which celebrates the cultural diversity of the Islamic world and reflects the different traditions of Eid Al-Adha. Guests can enter Ithra from 4 to 11 p.m. during the Eid celebrations for free. Only certain events are ticketed. Related Topics: Ithra Celebrates Gargee'an with Fun and Festivities Eid Al-Adha 2025: Saudi Arabia Announces 4-Day Holiday for Private Sector Ithra Showcases Magnificent Artworks at Art Week Riyadh Short link : Post Views: 33 Related Stories
