Though construction briefly paused due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Studio Ghibli theme park is back on schedule.
Hideaki Omura, the governor of the Japanese prefecture set to house the park, told Sora News 24 construction has resumed and the park should still open in Fall 2022.
The Studio Ghibli park won’t be an amusement park in the traditional sense. Rather than thrilling rides, the park will focus on recreating scenes from the films to immerse fans in the Ghibli world.
The 2022 proposed opening date reflects when the park expects three out of five main areas to be complete. The park sections people can visit at the first opening include Springtime of Life Hill, Ghibli Warehouse, and Dondoko Forest. Check out more park details below.
The park sections
Springtime of Life Hill (or Youth Hill): This section draws inspiration from Howl’s Moving Castle and Whisper of the Heart. Its centerpiece will be a giant steampunk-style elevator, which will take guests up in the air to catch a glimpse of the whole park. The area features 19th century-inspired accents and shop buildings.
Dondoko Forest Area: Inspired by My Neighbor Totoro, guests can check out a replica of Mei and Satsuki’s house before heading into the lush rural landscape for a nature walk.
Ghibli Large Warehouse Area: The indoor warehouse area provides rain-or-shine cover hosting a number of shops, play areas, and exhibition spaces. It will include a dining area inspired by Spirited Away.
Mononoke’s Village Area: The recreation of Princess Mononoke’s Irontown will evoke the Muromachi period (1336-1573) that inspired the film. It will also host giant sculptures of the movie’s iconic creatures.
Witches’ Valley Area: This section draws on witchy elements from both Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle. It will have replicas of Kiki’s parents’ house as well as Howl’s castle. It will also include a small amusement park – so far, the only area of the park to include rides.
Ghibli closer to home
If 2022 (and Japan) feels too far away, you can get your dose of Ghibli at home now.
Studio Ghibli films are streaming for the first time in the US on HBO Max.
If you prefer to have your own physical copy, the limited edition SteelBook Blu-rays of My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke can be preordered now.
Be sure to check back with That Hashtag Show for more Studio Ghibli news.
Source: ComicBook
