A Studio Ghibli theme park, which has been in the works for some time now, is picking up pace in its planning. The animation mogul, Studio Ghibli, has revealed some design pictures of the upcoming park that remind fans of their favourite Japanese animated films. The visual gems inside the park honour some of the most successful productions by Ghibli, such as Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and many more.
Although pictures can be misleading, but in this case, fans don’t have to be concerned about the visuals being exaggerated, because Hayao Miyazaki is overlooking the project. Yes, that’s right. The film extraordinaire and the leading director of Studio Ghibli is supervising the park’s designs. So the chances of flaws are slim to none.
Located in Aichi Prefecture, the theme park will be in close proximity with the already existing Totoro house in the Aichi Commemorative Park. Ever since the Ghibli Films enthusiasts found out about the park, they have been speculating how the looks of the place would turn out. With the newly released concept images, fans can get some peace of mind while their excitement levels reach the sky.
According to the concept photos, Ghibli Park will be divided into different sections. And each section will bring a different Ghibli picture to life. Some of the divisions include a colossal Ghibli’s Giant warehouse, a forest, a Totoro themed Donoko Forest, and a Spirited Away dining hall. The Warehouse will be housing a play area for kids, a theatre and some cafes. The forest will be featuring all things ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ while the dining hall will showcase bits and pieces from the Ghibli classic, ‘Spirited Away.’
If the concept designs are anything to go by, then Ghibli fans will get the ultimate destination for all their anime fantasies. They will get to enjoy the eerie experiences of Chihiro and her parents from Spirited away. They’ll get to enjoy the interesting aspects of Totoro’s life up close.
The Ghibli Park was supposed to finish by 2020, but that seemed unlikely, so the Studio has changed the inauguration year from 2020 to 2022. Two more zones are also in the works for the park which are expected to open in 2023. Those two sections will replicate the sets of Emishi Village from Princess Mononoke and Howl’s Moving Castle.
The best part about the highly anticipated park is that apart from being a treat for animation fans, it’s a reason for celebration for the environmentalists. Since the producers of ‘The Secret World of Arriety,’ are hardcore environmentalists themselves, the park is not going to cause any harm to the natural plantation during construction. There will be no water rides or rollercoasters in the park as well, but the park will have rides inspired by Ghibli’s most famous animated films.
Studio Ghibli is known for its extraordinarily original and nuanced art films; if they continue their legacy this too-good-to-be-true amusement park as well, then the fans don’t have to worry about a thing. Ghibli Park will undoubtedly become a marvel of the world of animation and tourism.
