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Due to the global pandemic, tourist destinations all around the world have closed their doors for visitors. However, many museums are now finding new ways to reach out to people. One such place is the infamous Studio Ghibli museum in Tokyo, Japan. By Upasana Singh
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Anime lovers and Studio Ghibli fans are in for a treat as the museum located in Mitaka, Tokyo is now offering virtual tours via YouTube. Like most public places, the Ghibli museum was shut down in February to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, the museum has recently released several videos, offering a virtual experience to people all around the world. As the Ghibli Museum has a strict no-photography policy and is known for limited bookings and opening times, a rare sneak-peek given by these videos make this tour all the more special.
Established in 2001, the museum showcases the work of the Japanese animation studio— Studio Ghibli and so, it is dedicated to the art and technique of animation. Studio Ghibli’s director Hayao Miyazaki designed the museum that features unique architectural elements such as internal and external spiral staircases built from iron, interior bridges, and balconies stretching throughout the building’s height.
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The museum has been described as a “portal to a storybook world.” There are five videos of the virtual tour that take viewers around a specific exhibit or feature. This includes the beautiful mural in the Space of Wonder room and its colourful stained-glass windows with designs featuring one of the studio’s biggest stars— the forest spirit Totoro.
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In the beginning, fans are given a moment to observe the beautiful pink and yellow walls of the building. As the camera pans from one room to the next, one can witness the stunning murals of a smiling sun surrounded by green leaves and a blue sky. Famous characters such as Princess Nausicaä on her jet glider and Kiki the witch with her pet cat can be seen among the paintings of flowers and birds.
The museum’s permanent exhibit— Where a Film is Born– is showcased on the tour. Not only this, but you can also explore the iconic Straw Hat cafe with its Ghibli-themes tableware and the beautiful restroom that is decorated with murals of fluffy clouds and hot air balloons.
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In this lockdown, the virtual tour of Studio Ghibli will offer you a chance to escape to the whimsical world of your favourite anime characters. So, do not miss out on this opportunity and get transported into the magical world of Ghibli.
Related: Watch These 5 Movies To Virtually Travel To Japan During Self-Quarantine
