The Toshio Suzuki and Studio Ghibli Exhibition, currently being held at the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum, has surpassed 20,000 visitors since its opening on April 25, 2025. A commemorative ceremony was held on May 6 to mark the milestone.

This traveling exhibition delves into the creative mind of Toshio Suzuki, longtime producer at Studio Ghibli. It features the “Bookshelf of Influence,” a display of around 8,800 books and 10,000 films that shaped Suzuki’s worldview, as well as behind-the-scenes stories of Ghibli film production and his role as a producer. Visitors can also enjoy interactive highlights like Yubaba & Zeniba’s fortune slips and a photo spot with Totoro.

The 20,000th visitors were the Hirabayashi family from Matsumoto City: Masahiko (35), Eri (37), Ritsuki (5), and Suzuka (1). They were welcomed by Yubaba, and Studio Ghibli executive officer Makoto Hashida presented them with commemorative gifts.

The gift set included exhibition-exclusive merchandise featuring Suzuki’s calligraphy of “Zenkoji,” as well as select related items sold at Zenkoji Temple. Weekday visitors also received a limited-edition sticker set.

"We missed the previous Ghibli Park and Ghibli Exhibition in Nagano, so we really wanted to come this time," said Masahiko with a smile. "It felt so personal to know that Suzuki-san watched the same movies as us."

A special gallery talk by Hashida was also held that day, offering insights into Suzuki’s creative inspirations and the deeper themes behind Ghibli works not covered in the exhibits themselves. Attendees listened with rapt attention.

Key Info:

Dates: April 25 – June 29, 2025
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Wednesdays)
Admission: Timed-entry tickets available via Seven Ticket, Lawson Ticket, and more
Weekday Prices: Adults ¥1,600 / Middle & High School Students ¥1,300 / Elementary Students ¥800
Weekends & Holidays: ¥200 additional per category
Free Sticker Gift: Weekday visitors receive a 2-sticker set (4 designs in total, distributed randomly while supplies last)

Upcoming Highlights:

Yubaba Greeting Event:
Held on May 8, 9, and 15 at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM (approx. 30 minutes each), inside the main entrance of the museum

Limited to 50 groups per session (entry ticket and numbered pass required)

Photo opportunity available

Giant Calligraphy Display:
Starting May 15, visitors can view Toshio Suzuki’s massive 5-meter × 6-meter handwritten scroll reading “Makkuro Kurosuke” inside the exhibit hall.

Source : ORICON NEWS