Crowdfunding campaign prevents closure of Japan’s Studio Ghibli museum

The Ghibli Museum - a museum showcasing the work of the Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli and located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka, Japan - launched a crowdfunding campaign on 16th July to save the Studio Ghibli attraction with the goal amount set at US $90,000.

ANN reported that in the first 24 hours, the US $90,000 goal was easily met with the campaign crowdfunding site – which is only for residents of Japan - having to date raised more than $200,000 and with this amount anticipated to increase as the campaign continues through to 31st January, 2022.

The crowdfunding drive was aimed at saving the museum from permanent closure with the attraction in Mitaka forced to close between February and July last year due to COVID-19 and close again this year between April and June, losing more revenue.

Funds raised from The Ghibli Museum’s crowdfunding drive will go towards repairs and maintenance.

The museum, which opened back in 2001, had already received a grant from the city of Mitaka, but it wasn’t enough to cover the necessary repairs and maintenance.

The Today Art Museum in Beijing recently launched an exhibition exploring the work of Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. The exhibit displays scripts, sketches, installations and immersive scenes.

The exhibit is the result of a partnership between Today Art Museum and Tianyu Culture Group.

Tianyu Culture Group Chairman, Song Peiran notes “Ghibli’s works, especially those of Mr Miyazaki, have been watched and favoured all over Asia.”

Blooloop reports that Studio Ghibli is also opening a theme park in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture in 2022. Ghibli Park comprises five themed lands, inspired by films such as Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle and Castle in the Sky.

Image: Studio Ghibli