TAIPEI (Taiwan News)—Animage Magazine and Ghibli Exhibition will start its overseas show on Jan. 8 at Taipei’s Huashan 1914 Creative Park, exploring the origins of Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli.
As the exhibition's first overseas stop, Taipei will debut life-sized character photo zones with beloved Ghibli characters such as Ohmu from “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind,” Totoro from “My Neighbor Totoro,” and Jiji from “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” Presale tickets go on sale Thursday (Nov. 14).
Co-organized by Studio Ghibli and the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, the exhibition will delve into the journey of “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” from manga to film. It will trace the film’s evolution from the original manga, through planning stages and a pilot short film, to the final 117-minute animated feature.
Suzuki Toshio, producer behind most of Studio Ghibli's works including “Laputa: Castle in the Sky,” “Spirited Away,” and “The Boy and the Heron,” once said that without “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind,” Studio Ghibli would not exist.
The exhibition will delve into Studio Ghibli's origins with a 1981 magazine featuring Japanese animator Miyazaki Hayao. It will journey through Miyazaki’s career, from his early television work to his feature film directorial debut.
Animage magazine spreads, original artwork, character designs, and 3D models for iconic films such as “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind,” “Laputa: Castle in the Sky,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service” will be featured.
For the first time in Taiwan, fans will have the chance to see the iconic “Toxic Jungle” outfit worn by Nausicaa and a life-sized replica of the Giant Warrior from “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.” Additionally, a 2-meter-long flying machine designed by Miyazaki himself will be on display.
Established in 1978, Animage was Japan's first commercial anime magazine. It gave birth to the legendary Studio Ghibli and was a vital connection between fans and creators.
By organizing special features, events, and publications, Animage contributed to the growth of the Japanese anime industry. This exhibition celebrates the magazine's legacy, showcasing original artwork, posters, and models from iconic series like “Space Battleship Yamato” and “Mobile Suit Gundam.”
