New Short Animation from Studio Ghibli: "Majo no Tani no Yoru" Begins in Ghibli Park in July
The world-renowned animation studio Studio Ghibli has announced a new project that will excite its fans. The new short animation film titled Majo no Tani no Yoru (Night of the Valley of Witches) will premiere on July 8 at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse within Ghibli Park, located in Japan's Aichi Prefecture. This special production is based on the theme of the "Valley of Witches," the park's largest and final main area, which opened in March 2024.
The film is directed by two prominent figures: Goro Miyazaki and Akihiko Yamashita. While Goro Miyazaki is known for works such as Earwig and the Witch and From Up on Poppy Hill, Akihiko Yamashita is recognized for his animation mastery in legendary films like Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle. The duo's collaboration aims to combine the studio's classic visual aesthetic with a modern narrative.
Since its opening in 2022, Ghibli Park has been continuously expanding, offering visitors the chance to physically experience the world of Hayao Miyazaki and his team. Traditionally, Ghibli's short films were only shown at the Ghibli Museum (Mitaka) in Tokyo. However, this new film is one of the first major animation contents produced directly for Ghibli Park to strengthen the park's own identity. This proves that the park is not just a theme park, but also a living production center.
Visitors will be able to watch this short film in the park's cinema starting July 8. The content of the film is expected to complement the atmosphere of works such as Kiki's Delivery Service and Howl's Moving Castle, which are featured in the Valley of Witches area of the park. If your travels take you to Japan, we recommend you do not miss this special screening, as Ghibli's short films of this nature are generally not released anywhere outside of the studio's exclusive locations.
