Studio Ghibli is such a treasure that it has its very own museum in Japan, filled with artifacts and whimsical homages to some of the greatest animated films ever made. Not only is the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo known for being difficult to get tickets to, but once you’re inside, there’s a strict no-photo policy, which has been enforced since its opening in 2001. Glimpses of the magical place are limited to the gorgeous grounds outside, making the museum a mystery that Hayao Miyazaki fans worldwide have longed to see for themselves.
But now, thanks to the Ghibli Museum itself, we can finally see inside its gorgeous walls.
Dan Casey
The museum is releasing the very first looks inside with a series of YouTube videos that is sure to excite any fan of animation. “Ghibli Museum, MITAKA is now under temporary closure,” they wrote in the description. “Please enjoy our museum by watching our staff’s video journal!”
Each video might be only 30 seconds, but there’s a lot to take in. The Ghibli Museum first teased an all-too-brief look at the outside of the building to finally stepping through the doors. Gorgeous stained glass windows featuring Totoro and Mei, a bright mural with some beloved characters, and more greet lucky visitors.
Next we see a room called “Where a Film Is Born,” packed with ideas for telling an animated story. “The room provides lots of inspiration for what will go on to the blank piece of paper on the desk to become the origin of an actual film,” says the museum.
The third video takes you through the “night museum,” which gives a rare look inside during a time of day when visitors aren’t typically allowed. Even if you’re one of the lucky ones to have been inside the Ghibli Museum, you haven’t seen it like this, with softly illuminated lamps casting colorful shadows.
Visit SoraNews24 for walkthroughs of these incredible videos complete with translations of the subtitles.
Featured Image: Dan Casey
Kelly Knox is a freelance writer in Seattle, WA who writes for Star Wars, DC Comics, and more. Follow her on Twitter.