Studio Ghibli is hoping to cast a spell on fans with a new commercial for Ghibli Park, inspired by the beloved Hayao Miyazaki film Howl’s Moving Castle. The spot features the iconic mech-house trundling along at full steam into the sunrise, and invites patrons to “visit without hurrying.”
Miyazaki himself storyboarded the spot, which also drew on the talents of creatives who worked on the original movie: character designer/animator Akihiko Yamashita directed the commercial, and the film’s art director Noboru Yoshida resumed his role. According to Studio Ghibli co-founder and producer Toshio Suzuki, Hayao Miyzaki’s son Goro Miyazaki requested his father producer the short.
The commercial heralds the opening of Ghibli Park’s newest themed area, Valley of the Witches, which will be accessible to the ticketholders on March 16. According to the Ghibli Park website (ghibli-park.jp), attractions in this zone include The Okino Residence and Guchokipanya Bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Castle and Hatter’s Millinery from Howl’s Moving Castle, and The House of Witches from Earwig and the Witch, as well as a carousel and “Flying Machine” ride.
Ghibli Park’s highly anticipated opening finally arrived in November 2022, and international tickets went on sale in January 2023. Located in Aichi Park on the site of the 2005 World Expo, the 17.5-acre park also include Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, featuring exhibitions, a screening room for short films, shops, eateries and a children’s play area; the Hill of Youth, with attraction inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle, Castle in the Sky, Whisper of the Heart and The Cat Returns; Dondoko Forest, inspired by the world of My Neighbor Totoro; and Mononoke Village, based on Princess Mononoke.
[Source: Anime News Network]
