In January, the first Studio Ghibli exhibition in Tokyo for 3 years was announced to open in April. It’s a collaboration between the powerhouse animation studio, and anime producer Toshio Suzuki, who is one of their co-founders and former presidents.

The exhibition itself will touch on Toshio Suzuki’s contribution to the magical worlds of Studio Ghibli, with a special focus on his ‘words’, including some original illustrations and calligraphy.

But an exhibition in Japan would not be complete without a cafe with themed food to placate the eyes and stomachs of super fans. As such, the organisers have announced a collaboration cafe to be held at the venue.

The menu contains items inspired by motifs from the films, as well as a recreation of the food from a famous scene of Spirited Away.

The ‘Jet Black Sesame Seed Rice Ball and Tea’ set resembles the adorable soot sprites seen in both Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro, complete with a sprinkling of the little star shaped sweets, called konpeito, that they collect in Kamaji’s boiler room. The frothy matcha looks like it would go perfectly with this treat.

Another menu item is the faithfully recreated white rice balls that Haku gives Chihiro to make her feel better. Like Haku’s snack in the movie, they even come in bamboo wraps for the authentic Ghibli aesthetic. They come in a set of three with tea included.

A cute play on the movie name, ‘My Neighbour Shaved Ice’, is obviously inspired by My Neighbour Totoro. Made in the image of Totoro’s ancient forest, the shaved ice is topped with matcha syrup and sweet beans, it also has a single leaf at its peak, like the one Totoro sometimes wears on his head.

Apart from the cafe and exhibition, there will also be exclusive merchandise available to buy.

The exhibition is being held at EDOCCO (Edo Culture Complex), a 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu station, or a 7-minute walk from Akihabara station. Tickets can be bought at some convenience stores in advance, or on the day.

If you love Ghibli themed consumables, check out these original tea blends by Lupicia inspired by the movies themselves!

The exhibition opens on 20th April and closes on 12th May 2019

Exhibition Website

Venue Website (English)

Address: 2-16-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021


By - grape Japan editorial staff.