The pandemic has resulted in a stay-at-home order, but it is not as restrictive as might be expected. Thanks to the possibilities of the Internet, cultural institutions open their doors virtually, and one of them is the Ghibli Museum in Japan.
Ghibli is one of the most famous labels in the anime market. Who of us does not recognize the charming Totoro, standing like a guard next to its logo? The full-length titles coming from this studio’s wings have a special kind of charm that makes it impossible not to smile while watching them. The stories are full of positive messages and can move to tears, not to mention the characters we love from the very first minutes of the screening. This romance, which Miyazaki sees even in the smallest elements of everyday life, means that titles such as My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) and Spirited Away (2001) stay with us for a long time.
Most stationary cultural institutions are currently struggling with the huge problem of the COVID-19 pandemic. Potential guests encouraged to stay at home do not visit places such as cinemas, theaters or museums, as exemplified by the Ghibli Museum in Japan. However, the owners manage as much as they can, and the 21st century technology gives them great opportunities in this field.
From May 2020, fans around the world have access to a series of short clips presenting the interior of the museum. This is an important development especially in the context of how seriously the Ghibli Museum has always taken the prohibition of recording and photographing. On the YouTube channel belonging to the Museum, we can see corridors, places such as a cafe or a cinema room, gardens and those characteristic, beautiful stained glass windows with our favorite characters.
Have fun exploring!
