I have a problem. It's quite a nice problem, but it's problem anyhow. It seem that I no longer know when I leave the house in the morning what I will end up doing during the day.

Today at the end of morning classes, just before lunch, a fellow student asked if I wanted to see the Ghibli museum. I of course said yes and he said that a few people were going this afternoon, had an extra ticket, and wanted to know if I wanted to come. How could I say no? HOW!?!?

A very quick aside for those not in the know. Studio Ghibli is Japan's premiere animation studio. They've made some of the most famous animes ever produced including Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and many others. More here. The Ghibli museum showcases exhibits concerning Studio Ghibli's history and works.

Luckily the station closest to the museum is on the same train line that runs by school. We had tickets for 2:00pm so we had a quick lunch before setting out. (The museum is so popular only advance day tickets are available. You're assigned a time to enter. You can stay as long as you like, however.) When we got the our destination station we got on a bus and took a short ride to the front entrance of the museum. (There's no parking, visitors are encouraged to use mass transit.)

The building itself if quite colorful. It has 2 stories and a roof garden above ground and one lower level.

This is the entrance. When you enter, you go down a flight of stairs and begin on the lower level. On this level are a room which explains the history and basics of how animation works. Here there is a very cool 3d spinning set of models that, then spinning fast and seen in a strobe-light looks like the models are moving. Also on this floor is the theater where you can see one of three Ghibli film not able to be seen anywhere else. Unfortunately you have to pick one of three films (you can only see one per visit.)

On the ground floor are a permanent exhibit with a mockup of Miazaki's (head Ghibli director) work room and a special exhibit. The mockup was really well done and went into more detail as to how Studio Ghibli makes their films. From beginning inspiration to finished film, it was all covered here. Of special note were screenplays for all 13 Ghibli films which you could browse through. The special exhibit on display was about "Heidi" a TV animation from, maybe, the 60's. It was popular in Japan and Germany, but I have heard very little about it. Regardless, it was a nice exhibit.

On the Second floor are the Cat-Bus-Room, a bookstore, and the gift shop. Yes, I said Cat-Bus-Room. The Cat-Bus is from "My Neighbor Totoro" and is a bus that is a cat. (For more info, use the Wiki link above.) In this room there is a large plush cat-bus that children (darn it!) are allowed to climb in, over, and around. I purchased a copy of the Princess Mononoke screenplay in the bookstore and restrained myself (sooo difficult) in the gift shop.

This fellow is in the roof garden. It's a life sized replica of the robot from "Nauzica: Valley of the Wind". It's probably the most famous part of the museum. (Pictured are myself, two of the French students, and the Russian student.)

The back part of the museum is a courtyard with a cafe. We stopped and had a bit to eat. I had a parfet which was quite delicious. Afterwards we headed back to the train and home.

Some interesting notes: like any museum, photogrphy is forbidden inside, so I have no pictures of the interior, even tough it was so cool. The whole building (on a sunny day like today) is lit by sunlight. There are windows in every room. It really gives it a warm feeling.

All in all the museum was completely worth it. It was really nicely done so as to appeal to people of all ages. There's a chance I may get to go again next week with another group of students. Mentioning that you really like Ghibli films seems to have benefits.

Now as to what I'll be doing tomorrow. I surely hope it is what I think it will be... Enough suspence for you?

Ja Mata Ne.