My affection towards Studio Ghibli films started in my early childhood and still continues up to this day, yet, to be honest, not quite as strong as one used to love. The spirit and style he reflected within the films of Studio Ghibli, became a strong inspiration throughout my life. However, probably the news of this year could certainly make those who loved Ghibli for such long years glow with enthusiasm: the world’s first-ever Ghibli theme park is officially announced to be opened in the Aichi Commemorative Park near Nagoya on November 1st, 2022!
Visually capturing and reproducing the scenes of the Ghibli films, the Ghibli theme park is expected to be divided into five different areas: Hill of Youth, Mononoke’s Village, Ghibli Large Warehouse, Witches’ Valley, and Dondoko Forest. Each area will feature the landscapes and buildings of various films. For example, Hill of Youth will be the theme park presenting the multiple landscapes of the Ghibli films starting from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Howl’s Moving Castle, Whisper of the Heart, and The Cat Returns, etc.
My biggest expectation goes for Valley of Witches, where it will reproduce the European townscape of ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’. It is additionally informed that it is possible to purchase bread from the bakery where Kiki worked in the film! Unfortunately, it will take another year to be able to enjoy the entire area of the Ghibli theme park. Only three out of five areas in total including Youth Hill, Dondoko Forest, and Ghibli Warehouse are expected to be seen on the opening day of November 1st, 2022. The remains are planned to be opened a year later in 2023. But it is still worthwhile for Ghibli fans who have long awaited the opening of the theme park which, in my assumption, started more than two years ago. Anyone who is interested in further details about the Ghibli theme park opening this year, please click the URL below!