Miyazaki Directs Studio Ghibli Museum’s Ghost Tower Special Exhibition

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 

As a fan of Studio Ghibli animation, besides visiting Taiwan’s first-ever Studio Ghibli studio in Xinyi District recently, you shouldn’t miss the “Welcome to the Ghost Tower” special exhibition at the Mitaka Forest Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, which has been running since the end of May 2015 and was planned and executed by animation master Hayao Miyazaki himself. The exhibition is expected to run for a year until May 2016.

The full name of the “Welcome to the Ghost Tower” special exhibition is “Welcome to the Ghost Tower Exhibition – The Classic Path of Pop Culture.” From planning to execution, the entire exhibition was personally overseen by Director Hayao Miyazaki. During this period, visitors who make a reservation can view the exhibition at the Mitaka Forest Ghibli Museum. The idea for the exhibition dates back to when Miyazaki was in middle school and was deeply influenced by reading the famous writer Edogawa Ranpo’s novel “The Ghost Tower.” He still remembers the emotion brought about by that work, so he personally planned the “Welcome to the Ghost Tower Exhibition – The Classic Path of Pop Culture” to bring the exhibition to fans. In addition, elements of the novel can also be seen in Miyazaki’s first directorial work, “Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro,” where the highly symbolic “Clock Tower” is an important scene in the animated film.

In the museum exhibition hall, you can see the huge clock tower personally designed by Director Miyazaki. Inside the tower is a spiral staircase. Ascending the staircase leads to the display area, as well as a “maze” that is only open to elementary school students and younger. Inside the maze, in addition to seeing a three-dimensional diorama exhibit related to “Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro,” there are also dozens of original sketches by Director Miyazaki. Fans can see the process of how the master sketches out his characters, and can also feel Miyazaki’s admiration for “The Ghost Tower.” Additionally, please note that the “Welcome to the Ghost Tower Exhibition – The Classic Path of Pop Culture” is an exhibition within the Mitaka Forest Ghibli Museum, and reservations are required to visit.