An immersive Studio Ghibli exhibition showcasing the art and insights of legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki opened in Shanghai on April 12.

Organizers and guests pose for a photo at the "Studio Ghibli Story Immersive Art Exhibition" opening ceremony in Shanghai, April 9, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Damai]

The "Studio Ghibli Story Immersive Art Exhibition" is the studio's first officially authorized interactive exhibition and will move on to global destinations in the future.

Part of the exhibition was already showcased on March 28 when Miyazaki's new Oscar-winning animated feature, "How Do You Live?" also known as "The Boy and the Heron," premiered in Shanghai. Since its nationwide debut in China on April 3, the film has grossed over 600 million yuan ($84 million), surpassing both Japan and the United States, and making China the top-earning market for the film worldwide.

"Studio Ghibli animations have a profound influence and a massive fan base in China," said He Mi, president of the online ticketing platform Damai and partner of Studio Ghibli, at a launch event held on April 9. "With Studio Ghibli's classic animated works at its core, Damai hopes to fully integrate technology and art, leveraging its extensive experience in the live entertainment field and the strategic advantage of linking movies and live performances. Through the immersive exhibition, it aims to present the world of Studio Ghibli animations in all its aspects."

Studio Ghibli executive and producer Toshio Suzuki poses with The Grey Heron, a character inspired by himself, during an advanced tour of the "Studio Ghibli Story Immersive Art Exhibition" in Shanghai, March 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Damai]

The exhibition, which spans three main venues and 24 areas across 2,800 square meters, was set up over 122 days by Unlimited Art, Damai's new label focusing on curating exhibitions, and Tsukuru, Inc., a Japanese creative design company. Crafted by more than 10 Japanese artisans and featuring 52 digital projectors, it blends physical and digital elements to bring to life scenes from Studio Ghibli's classics such as "Spirited Away," "My Neighbor Totoro," and "Castle in the Sky." Additionally, it showcases unseen still images from "The Boy and the Heron."

Highlights of the exhibition include immersive experiences created with specially designed circular screens, elevators and tunnels, 600 books from Studio Ghibli's collection, and the world's largest six-meter-tall Totoro installation. The "Spirited Away" themed sub-venue further enriches the experience with exclusive merchandise and themed dining options.

Damai's He Mi also noted, "We believe that the positive values and the relentless pursuit of art conveyed by Studio Ghibli animations resonate deeply with Chinese audiences. At the same time, we hope that this immersive art exhibition, along with Studio Ghibli's animated films, will serve as a friendly bond for cultural exchange between China and Japan and a solid bridge for the mutual appreciation and understanding of our civilizations."

Konoe Motohiro, founder of Tsukuru, Inc., emphasized plans to expand Japanese cultural franchises in the Chinese market and enhance their appeal for greater recognition and success in China.

"Through such cultural promotion, we hope to become a bridge for cultural exchange between Japan and China," said Motohiro. "This time, to ensure the full conveyance of Studio Ghibli's artisan spirit, we persistently pursued every detail in the production process. In the exhibition, you will see many brilliant reenactments of classic scenes."

A launch event for the "Studio Ghibli Story Immersive Art Exhibition" is held, featuring a giant Totoro installation at the venue in Shanghai, April 9, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Damai]

Earlier this year, Alibaba Pictures, Damai and Studio Ghibli signed a strategic partnership focusing on animated film collaboration and immersive exhibition development. The exhibition is set to run at the art center of the CMG International Media Port in Shanghai from April 12 to Oct. 31, 2024, as "The Boy and the Heron" continues to soar in the Chinese film market.