“Takahata Isao Ten” Offers Fluffy Papanda Belly Experience, “Drops” Cider, and More! Goods & Cafe Info Revealed

An exhibition dedicated to the acclaimed animation film director Takahata Isao, known for his works such as 『Hotaru no Haka』 and 『Alps no Shoujo Heidi』, titled “Takahata Isao Ten -The Man Who Made Japanese Animation.”, is set to be held at the “Azabudai Hills Gallery” in Tokyo from June 27, 2025, to September 15, 2025.

It has now been announced that film director Iwai Shunji will serve as a Special Supporter for this exhibition. Furthermore, information regarding the photo spot, exclusive original goods, and menu details for the collaboration cafe “Kissa Takahata Isao Ten” available at the venue has also arrived.

“Takahata Isao Ten -The Man Who Made Japanese Animation.” is being held in 2025 to mark the milestone of Takahata-san’s 90th birth year and also as the year that marks 80 years since the end of the Pacific War, which significantly influenced his life. The exhibition is planned with these important dates in mind.

The venue will feature exhibits focusing on 『Hotaru no Haka』. Additionally, a layout drawing of the heavy cruiser Maya, which director and producer Anno Hideaki drew when he participated as an in-between animator for 『Hotaru no Haka』, has been discovered. This drawing, along with the Harmony Cell (referring to cels painted with a painting-like touch) created based on it, will be unveiled for the first time at this exhibition. It will be a precious opportunity to re-examine the techniques and philosophies Takahata cultivated in his works before his activities at Studio Ghibli, as well as his numerous Studio Ghibli productions.

It has now been revealed that film director Iwai Shunji, who was influenced by Takahata-san whom he met in his youth and has a deep connection with Studio Ghibli, will serve as the Special Supporter for this exhibition. Iwai-san commented, “The more I learn, the deeper Takahata-san’s world becomes. I strongly hope that future generations will also come to know his charm, and I wish to offer my humble efforts as a Special Supporter for this exhibition.”

Also, it was announced that Papanda from 『Panda Kopanda』 (1972) will appear at the venue. This recreates the famous scene where Pan-chan jumps onto Papanda’s fluffy, large body. A camera is installed on the venue ceiling, allowing visitors to take photos recreating the scene and take the data home on the spot. Experiencing the softness of Papanda’s belly is definitely a must!

Furthermore, in conjunction with the exhibition, the “Takahata Isao Ten Special Goods Shop” (Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza A B1F) will open, offering a wide selection of related goods, including new products and exhibition original items.

Items such as the “Funwari Keychain Shoukichi,” featuring Shoukichi from 『Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko』, will be available.

In addition, it was announced that “Kissa Takahata Isao Ten” will open at the “AZABUDAI HILLS GALLERY CAFÉ,” serving as a collaboration cafe featuring a menu inspired by the works introduced in the exhibition.

The menu is packed with delights, including food items like “Papanda Curry,” “Oretachi no sukina Burger（Early Period）,” “Yama no ue no Lunch Set（Late Period）”; desserts like “Mimiko no Medamayaki Dessert Plate（All Period）,” “Haitokukan tappuri Shortcake（All Period）”; and drinks like “Pan-chan Oyako no Takeyabu Milk（All Period）,” “Ano ko ni mo Oshiete Agetai 甘いPineapple Soda（All Period）,” and “Kirameku Drops Cider（All Period）.” Don’t miss the set menus either, such as the “Panda Kopanda Curry Set（All Period）” and “Panda Kopanda Dessert Set（All Period）.”

The exhibition “Takahata Isao Ten -The Man Who Made Japanese Animation.”, dedicated to animation film director Takahata Isao, known for works like 『Hotaru no Haka』 and 『Alps no Shoujo Heidi』, will be held at the “Azabudai Hills Gallery” in Tokyo from June 27, 2025, to September 15, 2025.

Full Comments

Iwai Shunji

Since Takahata Isao-san was a distant relative of mine, I had the opportunity to meet him directly after graduating from university, and I received quite a thorough guidance from him. Since then, I have received messages and had opportunities to speak with him at various points in my life, gaining many valuable learning experiences. The more I learn, the deeper Takahata-san’s world becomes. I strongly hope that future generations will also come to know his charm, and I wish to offer my humble efforts as a Special Supporter for this exhibition.

Overview

《Nakase Koutarou》

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