In anticipation of the "Zen and Ghibli" Kyoto exhibition, a project and production by Studio Ghibli, opening on October 3rd at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art, Higashiyama Cube (Sakyo-ku, Kyoto), four special videos have been released on YouTube. In the videos, Yuriko Ishida, who voiced San in "Princess Mononoke" and is serving as the exhibition's cheerleading captain, and producer Toshio Suzuki explore the relationship between Studio Ghibli works and Zen through a dialogue with Shinsuke Hosokawa, the head priest of Ryounji Temple (Setagaya-ku, Tokyo).
The video includes footage of Ishida being asked about his favorite Studio Ghibli film and giving a surprising answer. Several works by Hakuin Ekaku, a Zen monk from the Edo period, are also featured. Producer Suzuki, who openly declares his love for Hakuin's work, has copied many of Hakuin's Zen paintings. "Zen and Ghibli" will also feature works by Producer Suzuki, such as a painting of Daruma.
"Zen and Ghibli" is an immersive exhibition that allows visitors to experience a "Zen-like perspective" through the works of Studio Ghibli. The exhibition area is centered around the worldview of Hayao Miyazaki's latest film, "The Boy and the Heron?". In addition to three-dimensional objects reminiscent of famous scenes from Ghibli works, the venue also features exhibits that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of Director Miyazaki and Producer Suzuki, as well as Zen paintings and calligraphy handwritten by Producer Suzuki. The exhibition runs from October 3rd to December 6th.
