Aichi, Japan – The celebrated “Toshio Suzuki and Ghibli Exhibition,” which has toured throughout Japan, commenced its eagerly awaited final chapter on July 11, 2025, in Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park, the hometown of esteemed producer Toshio Suzuki. This definitive presentation delves into the mind of the man who was instrumental in Studio Ghibli’s success, showcasing the 8,800 books and 10,000 films that have shaped his vision. For its finale, the exhibition introduces a brand-new section dedicated to “Music,” offering unprecedented insight into the studio’s origins and the creative soul of Toshio Suzuki.
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Producer Toshio Suzuki Reflects on Homecoming
At an opening ceremony held on July 11 at the Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park Gymnasium, Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki took the stage. Reflecting on the exhibition’s return to his roots, Suzuki commented, “Looking back, the first time I spoke with Miya-san (Hayao Miyazaki) was in May 1978. It’s been 47 years. I think I can be a little proud of having maintained a relationship with one person for 47 years.” He also touched upon what he feels is a fateful connection to Miyazaki, noting that he was born in a district of Nagoya whose name contained the character for “miya” and that his maternal grandmother’s name was “Miya.” “There is such a thing as destiny in human life,” he mused.
This marks the 14th and final venue for the exhibition series, which evolved from the “Words of Magic Exhibition.” “We would be delighted if many different people could come and see it,” Suzuki stated, extending a warm invitation to the public.
Aichi Exclusive: A Towering 15-Meter Bathhouse and New “Music Collection”
The centerpiece of the Aichi exhibition is an exclusive, breathtaking installation: a 15-meter-tall recreation of the iconic Bathhouse and surrounding town from Spirited Away. The massive structure, an idea from Suzuki himself, was at one point considered for installation within Ghibli Park. Leveraging the venue’s spaciousness, it offers a fantastically immersive experience, plunging visitors directly into the world of the film.
Furthermore, the exhibition unveils the never-before-seen “Toshio Suzuki’s Music Collection.” Following the sections on the books and films that constitute his creative DNA, this third installment showcases the music that has accompanied him throughout his life. Visitors can see the first records he ever purchased, learn about the radio programs he listened to daily, and discover the songs he sang with friends, all displayed alongside their original album jackets.
Unveiling a Trove of Private Collections, Including a Chunichi Dragons Corner
Visitors can expect a wealth of other fascinating displays:
- Toshio Suzuki’s Bookshelf: The very source of the producer’s ideation, this collection features approximately 8,800 books, some of which visitors can pick up and read.
- Toshio Suzuki’s Film Collection: A glimpse into cinematic history with a display of around 10,000 films, from timeless masterpieces to hidden gems.
- Yubaba and Zeniba’s Love & Fortune Fortunes: A playful, interactive experience where guests draw a fortune slip from the mouths of giant, 3-meter-tall heads of Yubaba and Zeniba.
- Treasured Chunichi Dragons Corner: Featuring private memorabilia from Suzuki, who declares, “The Dragons are the one piece of Nagoya that I have left.” This corner includes the first-ever public display of the original layout art for “Gaburi,” a character created for the Dragons’ official fan club, and reveals the story of its creation with Hayao Miyazaki. Notably, a newspaper clipping from when the Dragons won the championship, carefully preserved by Suzuki, is displayed in its original state.
A Collaboration with Aichi’s Traditional Craftsmanship
The exhibition also features a collaboration with Aichi’s local artisans. The lanterns decorating the “Mysterious Town” area were crafted by Nagoya lantern makers, with calligraphy by the exhibition’s creative director, Toshihiro Komatsu. Exclusive Aichi merchandise is also available, including gauze handkerchiefs made from Mikawa cotton—the birthplace of cotton textiles in Japan—embroidered with Suzuki’s drawings of Chihiro and No-Face. Additionally, chopstick rests produced in Seto, a renowned ceramics center, are available, featuring designs of No-Face, the Soot Sprites, and the iconic “Balse!” calligraphy.
Exhibition Overview
- Dates: Saturday, July 12 – Thursday, September 25, 2025
- Closed: Tuesdays (except for September 23, a public holiday. The exhibition will be closed on Wednesday, September 24 instead).
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
- Venue: Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park Gymnasium
- Organizers: Studio Ghibli, The Chunichi Shimbun, Aichi Expo 20th Anniversary Commemorative Project Executive Committee
- Official Website:
https://static.chunichi.co.jp/chunichi/pages/event/suzukitoshio_ghibli/
The “Toshio Suzuki and Ghibli Exhibition” promises to be an unmissable opportunity, not only for Ghibli fans but for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the singular producer Toshio Suzuki and the creative background from which Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces were born.