Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Princess Mononoke (Page 6)
Studio Ghibli fans in South Korea can finally rejoice, because a special exhibition dedicated to the beloved animation studio is now open to the public in Seoul. The exhibit features a variety of three-dimensional replicas from famous Studio Ghibli film scenes, among other surprises sure to delight long-time fans. Now’s a better chance than ever to actually experience the world of a Studio Ghibli film firsthand!
The move from animation to live-action can be a challenge, especially in fan-made works. Animation necessarily requires us as viewers to suspend our disbelief, and so there’s more space for imagination. Compared to a richly drawn visual world, then, a live-action remake can look a bit flat – especially if the anime on everyone’s mind is a much-loved Studio Ghibli classic.
Although some fan-made material manages both to pay homage to the original and to stand up as a piece of work in its own right – this year’s Assassin’s Fist remake being a good example – more often than not, there’s something just, well, a bit “off” about most fan-films. Like this Princess Mononoke prequel, for instance…
It’s been an emotional week for fans around the world after news broke about the possible closure of Studio Ghibli’s production department. Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki thankfully cleared up some of the misconceptions out there, and while we’re still left with many unanswered questions, his words left us with a glimmer of hope that even the great Hayao Miyazaki himself may be back to make a short animated film in the near future.
Miyazaki himself has publicly stated that last year’s The Wind Rises would be his final feature-length film, even if he continues making short films after retirement. So how do you pay tribute to a man whose career spans decades and who created some of the most beloved movies around the world? Well, one fan’s idea to build Lego models of his famous characters and a bust of the master himself seems like a good start!
It’s only September, but 2013 has already been quite the year for Studio Ghibli news. What with the critical success of Kaze Tachinu, jaw-dropping theatre adaptations, incoming movie Kaguya Hime no Monogatari and the last week’s announcement of Hayao Miyazaki’s retirement, we can’t remember a year like it. And now, just when we thought we couldn’t possibly squeeze in any more Ghibli goodness, we’ve received word that a new live-action fan film inspired by Princess Mononoke is in the works!
The British stage production of Studio Ghibli’s 1997 animated classic Princess Mononoke, originally only intended for audiences at London’s Diorama Theatre this April, will be brought to Japan, it was announced earlier today.
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramenTokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summerIchiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly FestivalHundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwichesStudio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feetTokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of JapanIchiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visaJapan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
“Disaster”: 2018 Kanji of the Year unveiled by Buddhist monk at Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Saltiest ramen in Japan? Ikebukuro White goes viral for crazy salt levels
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
7-Eleven Japan upsizes popular products like egg sando and pork ramen but how big are they really?