Arab News Japan

Ghibli Park has long been in the works and is set to open as scheduled, despite fears of the coronavirus outbreak being a setback.

Aichi Prefecture Governor Hideaki Omura announced that they “are still on track and are planning to open the park in Fall 2022.”

The park will bring to life the fantastical worlds seen in ‘Spirited Away,’ ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ and ‘Princess Mononoke,’ among other Studio Ghibli films. 

Drawing inspiration from the settings and characters in these stories, the park will be divided in five different zones: Hill of Youth, Ghibli’s Large Warehouse, Mononoke’s Village, Valley of Witches and Dondoko Forest. Construction on only three of the five will start this July, situated in Aichi Expo Commemorative Park.

Ghibli’s Giant Warehouse will include a children’s playground, shops, a theatre and a food court inspired by ‘Spirited Away.’

In contrast, zones like Dondoko Forest will employ a rural setting to mimic that seen in ‘My Neighbor Totoro.’ Visitors will also find Mei and Satsuki’s house amidst the green, ensuring visitors feel fully immersed.

Visitors can also venture to Valley of Witches, where Howl’s castle can be spotted. From there, they can embark on another journey to Mononoke’s mystical village, where figures of mystical creatures inspired by characters from the film can be seen.

Guests have to wait to visit the park but an official ceremony will take place on July 28, which will be attended by chairman Kiyofumi Nakajima.