During the spring of 2021, Studio Ghibli and Japanese animation magazine Animage jointly organized and curated a Nausicaa exhibition (アニメージュとジブリ展) to celebration the 40th anniversary of the manga’s serialization. Studio Ghibli collaborated with famed Japanese sculptor Takayuki Takeya (竹谷隆之) to create a life-sized model of the Giant Ohmu, elaborate dioramas of the Sea Of Decay and it’s massive insect inhabitants as well as Nausicaa’s iconic blue costume.

The process and creation of these models are detailed and documented in this art book The Making Of The Toxic Jungle – Modeling Process In Pictures. On top of the many photographs of Takayuki and his team of artists at work assembling the Ohmu and the various dioramas, there are also character and creature designs sketches by Takayuki during his pre-production for the creation of his models.

Just like any of Studio Ghibli’s major art exhibitions held during the spring/summer period, this Nausicaa Animage exhibition would have been incredible to see in person, but we only have the pandemic to thank for making travel to Japan (nigh) impossible. Thankfully, this very well presented and documented art book offers us a most insightful look behind the creation of the exhibition and is the next best thing. Very highly recommended, especially for fans of Nausicaa and also Takayuki Takeya’s amazing sculpture and model work.

“The Making Of The Toxic Jungle – Takayuki Takeya 腐海創造 竹谷隆之 写真で見る造形プロセス” book details :

Dimensions – 21 x 21 x 1.4 cm
Soft cover, 152 pages
Full color, in Japanese/English

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