Day: August 16, 2021

Like Arrietty did, Ghibli fans in Japan have fought for the preservation of the museum.

As Arrietty from The Secret World Of Arrietty told us, “Sometimes you have to fight forthe things worth fighting for,” which is exactly what the city of Mitaka, Japan city council took on earlier this month. The Ghibli Museum faced potential closure due to financial issues, due to COVID-19’s restrictions.

The museum contains a variety of Ghibli souvenirs and other items, including a larger-than-life replica of the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro. It also has a ceilingthat is covered in a painting featuring characters from Kiki’s Delivery Service.

The city of Mitaka, Japan began a crowdfunding campaign July 19, 2021, to raisethe 10 million yenor $91,652 needed for maintenance and repairs to keepthe doors open. Donations were sought in increments of 5,000yen which is equivalent to 45 dollars. The council also announced that it would make use of the “Hometown Tax system”that allows citizens could give donations to any area of the nation and receive goods that are local to that area, such as the production of.

Fans didn’t want Totoro to be left in the elements. Theyquickly got involved and raised the funds within 24 hours. At the time of writing, July 22, the campaign had increased its contribution to more than twice its original goal. The amount raised was more than 24 million Japanese yen which is $217,017. The campaign will remain open until January 31, 2013, so Japan residents have plenty of time to give and receive the tax deduction they deserve for their donations.

It’s not a surprise that fans quickly joined in support of the museum, because Studio Ghibli has always been an inspiration source – particularly in the gaming world. Animal Crossing New Horizons appears to be a perfect way to connect with Ghibli enthusiasts, with people making Ghibli inspired outfits by using codes and one talented player even re-creating scenes from Spirited Away.

“”…the brightest blaze burns the strongest when circumstances are at their most difficult,” Sophie Hatter stated in Howl’s Moving Castle. The Studio Ghibli Museum, and the city of Mitaka are both testimony to this.