It has been about three years now since plans about opening a Studio Ghibli Park have been laid out. The actual construction of the theme park started early 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a two-week suspension on this.
The good news is, despite the suspension, it was announced that the theme park will be completed as scheduled. Aichi Prefecture governor Hideaki Omura said, “We are still on track and are planning to open the park in Fall 2022.”
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held later this month— huge progress regarding the park’s development.
The Ghibli Park is located at the Aichi Expo Commemorative Park. It will offer five different zones— some are inspired by specific Ghibli anime shows while others will feature themes that have influenced the studio.
Building the park is set to officially push through on July 28. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on that same day. Studio Ghibli chairman Kiyofumi Nakajima is expected to attend the ceremony.
Although it may still take a couple more years so Studio Ghibli fans can marvel at the park, the Studio Ghibli Museum is expected to reopen this July. Therefore, fans can visit Totoro there while waiting for the park to be completed.
Moreover, there is going to be a Not-Big Ghibli Exhibition in Nagoya happening this July too. So, keep your eyes peeled for that!
Photos from: Aichi Prefectural Government
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