All tourists and any Ghibli lover who were set to visit the Ghibli Museum some time during this May through July were surely swamped in their own tears when they announced how the museum will be closed down for two whole months.
Though they’ve had a periodical 2-week maintenance every year in May and November, right around the time they usually switch up their exhibitions, this is the first long-term maintenance that takes place ever since they built their forest back in 2001. With one more month left until the re-opening of Ghibli heaven, we cover the new additions that they will be ready to present you with as well as some useful tips for Ghibli first-timers!
A Cat Bus For Adults?
Ghibli films define childhood for many millenials in Japan as well as across the globe — we grew up hoping to find ourselves lost in a forest where we get to take a nap on Totoro‘s belly, dreamed like we could fly like Kiki to do some delivery system of our own if not theirs, and aspired to be courageous and stand up for what we believe i/in and love, like Princess Mononoke. Not only were their films packed with role models we would follow the paths of early on in our lives, their magical and fantastical element (weren’t we scared to turn into pigs after eating food for free?) was what drew us into the world of Ghibli.
For those who have been, you may be familiar with the structure of their exhibitions where they spotlight the process an animator goes through when piecing a Ghibli masterpiece together. You’ll see a pencil lying around on the desk and a number of original sketches you can scour through to relive your favorite scene from that iconic Ghibli movie. It almost makes you feel as though you’re one of the creators taking part in the grand scheme of things. However this time around, they’re making their grand return with an exhibition where they string together all of their previous exhibitions in one. Their upcoming exhibition has been given the title, “Neko Bus ni Notte Ghibli no Mori E (Ride the Cat Bus to the Ghibli Museum)” so if you missed out on any exhibitions or haven’t ever visited the Ghibli Museum before, you’ll get a full glimpse of what they’ve been exhibiting in the past 15 years they’ve been running! That includes all 14 of their exhibition that they’ve held in the past that started off with “Spirited Away” in 2001, and they’ve went to hold ones for “Castle in the Sky” and “Ponyo” ever since. This also means exhibits that won major popularity will readily return, such as the Cat Bus for adults, for those who were wondering! (*Adults had unfortunately been shunned by the cat bus until then, the regular cat bus ride is limited for elementary school kids) Note that you can also spot the bears from “Goldilocks and Three Bears” in full size (picture reference below).
Photo credits: http://powet.tv/
Useful Tips When Visiting the Ghibli Museum
Farewell to Lining Up and Crowded Spaces
Who enjoys a long wait? Not I! Put your hands up in the air to for their progressive idea of incorporating a convenient reservation system to avoid all waits as well as crowded spaces. You can get tickets for four designated times (10:00/12:00/14:00/16:00) and tickets cost ¥1,000 for adults, ¥700 for high school/junior high school students, ¥400 for elementary school kids, and ¥100 for any child that is over 4 but not yet an elementary school student.
Obviously with the excitement rising over the new Ghibli museum that is set to open after two months of renovation, reservations are expected to spike up — which makes it totally understandable that applying for a spot in July/August will be a draft system. Usually you’re able to book your tickets for next month on the 10th of the previous month at Loppi, a ticketing machine in LAWSON. The July applications have come to an end already, but you can apply for a spot in August starting on June 25~30 and you’ll be notified whether you’re the lucky winner or not on July 9th. Click here to open up doors to Ghibli wonderland.
Never Get Lost!
One way to head out to the Ghibli Museum is to take the community bus from Mitaka station (¥210 for adults/¥320 for roundtrip, ¥110 for kids/¥160 for roundtrip) and it’s a 5-min ride. You’ll spot a myriad of illustrations painted in the inside and outside of the bus that’ll get your Ghibli-loving veins pumping from the get-go. If you prefer to fit in some daily exercise, walk 15-min along the “Kazenosampomichi” which goes alongside Tamagawa Jyosui. They’ve got signs with mini Totoros on them that lead the way to the museum, so say goodbye to Google maps and get ready to enjoy the western Tokyo landscapes!
Ghibli Museum
- Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013
- Phone number: 0570-055777 (Operates from 9:00～18:00 / Do not operate on Tuesdays)
- Hours: 10:00～18:00
- Holidays: Closed on Tuesdays
RELATED ENTRIES
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‘Sky’s The Limit’ Music Event to be Held on the Rooftop Club Floor of CÉ LA VI TOKYO in Shibuya, Tokyo! Featuring GREEN ASSASSIN DOLLAR, JOMMY, Kza (FORCE OF NATURE), and More Leading Japanese DJs and Creators
Inspired by the theme of “making Shibuya a world-class tourist destination,” a special music space has been created. Tickets offer accommodations and dinner at a high-class hotel in Tokyo, along with VIP seats and a Meet & Greet opportunity!
Channel47 (Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo / President: Yusuke Nakagawa), an association created to utilize local resources throughout Japan to empower towns and cities through entertainment, has launched a new series of music events to boost the next generation of Japanese culture. The first ‘Sky’s The Limit’ event (https://channel47.jp/SKYSTHELIMIT) will be held on January 27, 2025 at CÉ LA VI TOKYO in Shibuya, Tokyo. Sky’s The Limit is a series of music events launched to create an immersive experience with one-of-a-kind performances by fusing music with specific worldviews that deviate from the existing environments under the theme of ”making Shibuya a world-leading tourist destination.” The first location was selected to be the rooftop club floor of CÉ LA VI in Tokyo, a brand that began in Singapore. The luxurious space that epitomizes world-class rooftop entertainment is located in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo, and will be transformed into a special music floor for this occasion only.The lineup includes GREEN ASSASSIN DOLLAR, one of the hottest trackmakers in Japan at the moment, who has produced numerous hits including FLOATIN and GOOD DAY for the hip-hop group NAMEDARUMA, which launched in 2019 as DJ DARUMA & JOMMY. The artist is also active in the underground scene as a solo artist. JOMMY will also perform, with the artist known to update his sound with each era, commanding all genres including house, breakbeats, disco, techno, electro, hip-hop, and much more. Kza, from the DJ/production unit FORCE OF NATURE, creates catchy music using a creative approach that could be called ‘naturalistic,’ pursuing his unique sound of dance music and boasting a strong love of sampling/vinyl culture. GReY, a young Japanese DJ, has appeared as a guest DJ in both Japan and many European countries, while SAMO, born in New York and raised in Akashi, made his first appearance at BOILER ROOM in 2023. COCOLY, who is of international descent from Brazil, Italy, and Japan, is active in major clubs in Japan. The lineup includes Japan's top DJs and creators who are popular overseas, as well as up-and-coming young DJs who are leading Tokyo's night scene. GREEN ASSASSIN DOLLAR
JOMMY
Kza（FORCE OF NATURE）
GReY
SAMO
COCOLY
The event will also offer tickets offering accommodation and dinner at a high-class hotel in Tokyo and VIP seats paired with a Meet & Greet, to allow overseas visitors to experience these special experiences. We invite you to experience the chemical reactions created by Japan's leading DJs and creators on the club floor of CÉ LA VI TOKYO, a world-class rooftop club found in the electric area of Shibuya, Tokyo.Information
[Event Information]
Sky’s The Limit
Date: January 27, 2025 / 22:00~midnight
Venue: CÉ LA VI TOKYO (1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo / Tokyu Plaza Shibuya 17F)
Starring: GREEN ASSASSIN DOLLAR, JOMMY, Kza (FORCE OF NATURE), COCOLY, GReY, SAMO
Official Site: https://channel47.jp/SKYSTHELIMIT[Ticket Information]
・GA: ¥5,500 (Tax Included)
・VVIP Seat: Please inquire on the event’s website.
・Travel Package with Lodging (Pair): ¥200,000 (Tax included)
・Luxury Hotel Accomodations in Tokyo + Dinner Package (Limited to 10 People): ¥1,000,000 (Tax Included)
*Tickets for dinner only are also available.[Contact]
■Regarding the Press ReleaseChannel 47
[Address]
3-21-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 〒150-0001 (Inside the ASOBISYSTEM Offices)Mail: info@channel47.jp
[Social Media]
Official Site https://channel47.jp
Twitter https://twitter.com/channel47_jp
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/channel47_jp
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Channel-hk3wd/ -
The 2024 holiday campaign by CASETiFY, the global lifestyle brand that advocates for its customers to embrace their individuality with its customizable smartphone cases and tech accessories, has officially begun. Nagomi has been named an ambassador for this year’s CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide. The key message of the campaign is “You will definitely find the perfect gift for that special someone.” The Holiday Gift Guide features a selection of gifts selected by Nagomi either for yourself or a loved one at CASETiFY's official online store and physical stores. On December 14, Nagomi will hold at event at CASETiFY STUDIO Shibuya PARCO.
Information
Nagomi Holiday Gift Event
Date: December 14, 2024, 12:00~
Venue: CASETiFY STUDiO Shibuya PARCO (Tokyo)
*Times are subject to change.[Content]
・Autographs by Nagomi on product displays in the store
・Holiday Gift Selection advice from Nagomi
・Polaroid photo shoot with select fans
・Special gift giving from Nagomi[How to Participate]
Make any purchase at participating stores between November 25 and December 13
*Participating Stores: Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, Shinjuku Marui[Participation Details]
From November 25 to December 13, keep any receipts from purchases made at Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, or Shinjuku Marui and bring them to CASETiFY STUDIO. On December 14, CASETiFY STUDiO will distribute 30 numbered tickets at the store on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11:00 AM when the store opens. Numbered tickets will be distributed until they are gone.Holiday Gift Guide Official Site
https://www.casetify.com/collection/holiday-gift-guide -
[Channel47] Inbound Travel Product Allowing Visitors to Experience the “Real Japanese Countryside” in Iida, Nagano Prefecture Now on Sale
As part of the ongoing Channel47 project, which uses the power of local resources and entertainment to share Japan and its local culture with the world, a new travel experience titled ‘DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-’ is now on sale, taking visitors to Iida, Nagano Prefecture. Iida City in Nagano Prefecture will be the location for the tour, with the city selected by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2024 for its ‘Project to Promote Expansion and Quality of Inbound Tourism by Providing Special Experiences for Visitors.’ The Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau helped to create the tour for inbound travelers to experience the “real” Japanese countryside found in the Tenryu Gorge area of Iida City by funding farmhouse homestays in the area. By creating a travel experience that takes advantage of the local resources of Tenryu Gorge in Iida City, we aim to promote sustainable tourism activities by communicating the charm of the region to people in both Japan and abroad, revitalizing local production, passing on traditional culture, and strengthening cooperation between local communities.Information
■Tour Name
DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-■Tour Summary
This is a special tour that allows inbound visitors to experience the traditional culture and beautiful landscapes of Minami-Shinshu. By participating, guests can leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, appreciating the true essence of Japan by spending time in the quiet region of Tenryukyo, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.◼︎Main Points
・A Three-day, two-night all-inclusive tour departing from JR Toyohashi Station with time spent in the Tenryukyo area in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture
・An exclusive train car on the JR Iida Line
・Special snacks and drinks supervised by Yukimoto, a famous restaurant in Iida that was awarded Gold on Tabelog.
・Various experiences in nature in each of the four seasons (such as rafting on the Tenryu River, scenic sky walk, agriculture and livestock farming experiences, etc.)
・Experience traditional Japanese culture (mochi pounding, Fire Festival, Wayuraku, Ningyo Joururi, etc.)
・Stay in a farmhouse homestay to experience real life in the Japanese countryside◼︎Dates
① January 10-12, 2025
② January 12-14, 2025
③ January 17-19, 2025
④ January 19-21, 2025
⑤ January 24-26, 2025◼︎Optional Menu
Dinner at ‘Yukimoto’
*Courses and drinks are not included in the tour price.◼︎Details/Contact
Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau Sales Page: https://www.mstb.jp/gentei/deepexperience_the_inaka/
Official Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaka_tenryukyo/ -
On October 4th (Friday), an event featuring a collaborative stage with ASOBISYSTEM was held at the nightclub "The Stranger,” operated by Outside The Box Amusements (OTBA), in New York City. The Stranger is a vibrant nightclub known for its lively atmosphere and unique events. At the event, performers MONSTER GIRL from "KAWAII MONSTER CAFE" and DELIC GIRL from New York's "SUSHIDELIC" took the stage, both brands produced by artist Sebastian Masuda. Sebastian Masuda himself also made an appearance as a guest DJ, captivating the audience with unique and energetic performances alongside the performers from The Stranger. This stage marks the first collaboration between ASOBISYSTEM and The Stranger, with plans for further collaborative content in New York and Japan in the future. Through this global exchange, we will promote Japan's proud KAWAII culture to the world.
Two Halloween Parties Held at SUSHIDELIC
In celebration of its first anniversary, SUSHIDELIC NY, a sushi restaurant in New York's SoHo district, hosted Halloween parties on October 25 and October 26. The vibrant restaurant transformed into a dark-themed space for a limited time, creating a thrilling and immersive experience with a unique atmosphere and special performances. The restaurant is also offering a Halloween menu through October 31. Enjoy the pure imagination of Halloween with SUSHIDELIC’s exclusive menu, available for a limited time.Information
＜SUSHIDELIC NY＞
住所：177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013
定休日：月曜日Website：https://www.sushidelic.net
Instagram：@sushidelic.nyc
予約：https://resy.com/cities/new-york-ny/venues/sushidelic?seats＜KAWAII MONSTER CAFE＞
Instagram：@kawaiimonstercafe
TikTok：@kawaiimonstercafe
Online Shop：https://kawaiimonstercafe.shop/＜The Stranger＞
Instagram：@thestrangernyc
Website：https://www.thestrangernyc.com/
運営会社：https://otba.com/ -
On November 27, Toua will release her first EP, I am I, both physically and digitally. The lead track on the EP, I am I, became a hot topic following its July release, with over 10,000 TikTok videos in just three weeks. Also included is Young -MINE remix-, TREKKIE TRAX’s Afro-pop rearrangement of the popular 2022 song highlighting the emotions and struggles that teens face. The EP includes four songs in total, from MY Routine, a reggaeton bop with lyrics by up-and-coming rapper Minami Nakamura, and MEmories, a Y2K-inspired song composed by ‘Carpainter’ from MEZZ and TREKKIE TRAX CREW. With the message of “I, MY, ME, MINE” in each song title, the EP expresses the importance of loving yourself as you are and embracing self-expression. The cover artwork was created by Keisuke Shimizu once again, who has worked as creative director for THE FIRST TAKE and NHK's music documentary Okaeri Ongakushitsu. “To extract Toua’s character, I decided to highlight her most impactful parts,” Shimizu said. “Even if you only look at the hands, feet, nose, lips, or other body parts, you can easily recognize that it is Toua. That's proof that she is truly iconic!” The EP will be available in two forms: a Limited First Edition including a 12-inch record-size paper jacket with a CD, a B2-size poster, and a lyrics card, and a Standard Edition including a paper jacket with a CD and an 8-page booklet. Listeners are invited to enjoy the Gen Z icon’s music and visuals together. In addition, select CD shops and online stores will hand out special purchase bonuses while supplies last. Release events will also be held in various locations, with details scheduled to be revealed soon.
Information
I am I – Toua (1st EP)
Release Date: November 27, 2024Limited First Edition
12-inch Paper Jacket
CD+B2-size Poster / Lyrics card
AMT-10001 / ¥2,750 (Tax Included)Standard Edition
Paper Jacket
CD+8-page Booklet
AMT-10002 / ¥1,650 (Tax Included)Pre-order here
https://lnk.to/EP_IamI_CD[Tracklist]
1. I am I
2. MY Routine
3. MEmories
4. Young – MINE remix-[Purchase Bonuses by Store]
■Amazon.co.jp
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Mega Jacket (JKT Photo)■Rakuten Books
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Acrylic Keychain (JKT Photo)■Seven Net Shopping
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Pin (JKT Photo)<Release Event Information>
Date: November 26, 2024
Venue: Tower Records Shibuya Store B1F CUTUP STUDIODate: November 27, 2024
Venue: Asunal Kanayama Event SpaceDate: December 1, 2024
Venue: Abeno Q’s MALL 3F Sky Court*More details will be announced at a later date. Please do not contact the venues.
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On November 15, MANON released her new song Growing Pains. MANON often appears on Spotify’s ‘hyperpop’ playlist and has performed with many popular artists, such as six impala and Alice Longyu Gao. The artist continues to captivate audiences with her blend of hyperpop and gal culture paired with iconic visuals and recently modeled for SHIBUYA109’s 45th-anniversary campaign. While working on her side project bala and collaborating with edhiii boi, RAU DEF, and others, MANON has completed her new song, marking her first solo release in over a year. The new track was produced by popular trackmaker KOTONOHOUSE, who collaborated with MANON on Friday night彡☆ in 2023. Four years after moving to Tokyo from Fukuoka, the 22-year-old singer expresses her frustrations and struggles straightforwardly through her lyrics. MANON sings over an emotional rock mix, making this the most anthemic song in MANON's career. Additionally, a new artist photo was released alongside the track.
Information
Growing Pains – MANON (Digital Single)
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Streaming URL: https://orcd.co/manon_growing_pains
Available on all major music download and streaming sites.