Adored by animation fans all over the world, Ghibli Studio’s anime films have captured the imagination of both children and adults alike with its captivating stories and endearing characters.

The Ghibli Museum, located in Mitaka, Tokyo is a wonderful extension of these films. The brainchild of director Miyazaki Hayao, the museum’s slogan is “Let’s get lost together” ( 迷子になろうよ、いっしょに ), derived from the man’s vision for visitors to immerse themselves in his imagination and film work.

This soft cover Roman album is a nifty guide book that provides a great overview of the museum, with plenty of photographs showcasing the interior and the many delightful exhibits as well as the exterior areas of the museum. The book was published back in 2010, but it remains relevant today as the key exhibits at the museum ( like the zoetropes and the Saturn Theater ) are permanent and do not change.

This book is a digest version of the bigger Ghibli Museum catalog which can only be purchased at the museum ( save for some limited copies on Amazon Japan ).

(above & below) Visitors to the museum are treated to one of these short animated films that can only be seen at the Saturn Theater and no where else in the world. During my years of stay in Tokyo I’ve managed to see quite a few like House Searching, Mei And The Kitten Bus and The Day I Bought A Star. All of them are wonderful.

( below ) The zoetropes, which utilize figures in slightly different poses that comes to life magically when spun on a wheel and then illuminated with a special flashing light.

(below) The interior of the Saturn Theater, where the special animated short films are screened.

(above) This book is an excellent memento and souvenir for those who have visited the museum before and want to re-live their memories of it, as well as a great preview for those who have yet to visit it.

I also recommend the Ghibli Museum Photography Book, which captures more artistic photographs of the museum, including the gorgeous stained glass windows.

“Ghibli Museum, Mitaka Guide Book” details :

Dimensions – 14 x 20 x 1.5 cm
Soft cover, 95 pages
Full color, In Japanese

Buy From Amazon.com | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Amazon DE | Amazon ES

You might also be interested in these items :