Danica Davidson
February 10, 2023 
Ghibli Park has been open since late last year, but there is still more fun to come. The Aichi Prefectural Government, the government in the prefecture that holds the park, has revealed some of what we can expect at the upcoming Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches areas.
First, at Mononoke Village, the boar god Okkoto-nushi is going to be turned into playground equipment. He’s described as being 3.4 meters high (a little over eleven feet) and his back will be a slide that kids can use. There will also be a statue of the curse god Tatari-gami nearby, standing at 2.8-meters (a little over nine feet tall). All of this should become available to the public in autumn 2023.
Next, at Valley of Witches, there will be Sophie’s two-story wooden hat store. You’ll be able to see her workshop in it. Valley of Witches will open in spring 2024, as long as things go according to plan.
Also, vehicles “inspired” by Catbus are going to be in the area for tourists. The design isn’t finished yet.
GKIDS gave this description for Princess Mononoke:
“Inflicted with a deadly curse, the young warrior Ashitaka heads west in search of a cure. There, he stumbles into a bitter conflict between Lady Eboshi, the proud people of Iron Town, and the enigmatic Princess Mononoke, a young girl raised by wolves, who will stop at nothing to prevent the humans from destroying her home and the forest spirits and animal gods who live there. Featuring the voice talents of Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Billy Bob Thornton.”
GKIDS gave this description for Howl’s Moving Castle:
“Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. The vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a curse on Sophie and turns her into a 90-year-old woman. On a quest to break the spell, Sophie climbs aboard Howl’s magnificent moving castle and into a new life of wonder and adventure. But as the true power of Howl’s wizardry is revealed, Sophie finds herself fighting to protect them both from a dangerous war of sorcery that threatens their world. Featuring the voice talents of Lauren Bacall, Christian Bale, Billy Crystal, Blythe Danner, Emily Mortimer, and Jean Simmons.”
Source: The Mainichi
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
