Iconic Ghibli films come to life in 3D at the studio's sculpture exhibition in Tokyo
From the dreamlike forests of My Neighbor Totoro to the bustling bathhouse of Spirited Away, Studio Ghibli has enchanted audiences around the world with unforgettable visuals as much as with its acclaimed poetic storytelling.
Over the four decades since Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki co-founded the studio back in 1985, Ghibli has cultivated an imagery so recognisable that it's come to be considered a style all unto its own – as the recent brouhaha over AI-generated Ghibli art proved.
This summer, Miyazaki and co's magical universe takes physical form at Tennozu Isle, where Warehouse Terrada B&C Hall is hosting the Studio Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition until September 23. Both a meticulous exploration of iconic Ghibli scenes and a celebration of the international bonds that have carried the studio's stories far beyond Japan's shores, the show offers an unmissable opportunity to see, feel and experience some of your favourite Ghibli moments in an all-new format.
A new dimension of animation
The centrepiece of the exhibition is an extraordinary collection of three-dimensional models and sculptures, each capturing a key scene from some of Ghibli's most iconic films. Titles such as Kiki's Delivery Service, Castle in the Sky, Pom Poko and My Neighbor Totoro come alive in everything from miniature landscapes to life-sized recreations, allowing you to step into spaces once confined to the two-dimensional screen. By entering these sculpted tableaux, viewers gain fresh appreciation for the artistic detail and emotive atmosphere that define Ghibli's storytelling.
The exhibition is a bigger and bolder version of Studio Ghibli's first-ever art exhibition, held in Tokyo back in 2003, and features plenty of updates and surprises. Among them is a majestic full-size model of the Savoia S-21 'flying boat' from Porco Rosso. Fashioned from wood as an art piece rather than a replica, the vessel sits docked in the venue's canalside location, evoking the spirit of the fictional Piccolo S.P.A. company and turning Warehouse Terrada into a cinematic port of call.
How Ghibli reached the world
Themed 'The Wind That Crossed the Sea', the display also reflects on Ghibli's global reach. While the studio's films are now celebrated worldwide, there was a time when Ghibli was little known outside Japan.
The exhibition pays tribute to the many devoted overseas partners – distributors, translators, curators – who believed in these works and laboured for years to introduce them to audiences across North America, Europe, China and the broader Asian region.
Through personal anecdotes and visual documentation, the exhibit spotlights these unsung heroes who helped Ghibli cross borders and touch millions of hearts.
This human-driven narrative, emphasising passion over promotion and connection over commerce, is a fitting tribute to a studio that has always prioritised artistry and authenticity over profitable trends. The stories of these cultural emissaries run parallel to the physical reconstructions of Ghibli's fantastical worlds, grounding the magic in very real acts of dedication and cultural exchange.
A short screening
In addition to its sculptural displays, the exhibition includes a special screening of the short film Imaginary Flying Machines, originally created by Hayao Miyazaki for the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. The six-minute film, narrated by Miyazaki himself, offers a whimsical survey of imaginary 19th-century aircraft, presented with hand-drawn charm and a wry sense of humour.
Scored by long-time Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi, the short serves as a thematic complement to the flying sequences in Porco Rosso and underscores the studio's enduring fascination with flight, invention and fantasy.
Hotels and ham ramen
Visitors seeking an even more immersive Ghibli experience can take advantage of exclusive hotel packages that include admission to the exhibition. The Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa and the Shinagawa Prince Hotel both offer plans with flexible entry during the stay. For a more unconventional escape, the floating hotel Petals Tokyo provides a special blend of urban lodging and waterfront tranquillity.
Meanwhile, ramen fiends – and Ponyo fans – may want to score one of the special tickets that include a bowl of the much-loved 'That Ham Ramen', inspired by a Ghibli scene and crafted by the noodle connoisseurs at Nippon Television. This hearty dish can be enjoyed at T-Lotus M, the scenic boat café in front of B&C Hall.
A fresh look at familiar scenes
Upon leaving the exhibition, we were hit with an overwhelming desire to revisit the films we had just seen from a new perspective. That's because reproducing Ghibli's work in three dimensions reveals hidden layers of texture, craftsmanship and spatial storytelling that might otherwise go unnoticed.
So whether you're a long-time fan or a novice to the world of Totoro, Chihiro and Porco, the Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition is sure to inspire. It's a worthy tribute to the artistry of its creators – and to the community of dreamers from around the world who have enabled the genius of Ghibli to span oceans and cultures.
The Studio Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition runs until September 23.
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