The Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Bijutsukan Library (Ghibli Museum Library) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special “20th Anniversary Film Festival.” This exciting event will feature four carefully selected programs and will be screened for a limited two-week period from January 16 to 29, 2026, at Bunkamura Le Cinéma Shibuya Miyashita in Tokyo.
Batta-kun Machi ni Iku
The Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Bijutsukan Library has long been dedicated to curating and introducing exceptional animated works from around the world to a wider audience. Over the past two decades, it has brought numerous global masterpieces to audiences, primarily focusing on films highly recommended by revered directors Takahata Isao and Miyazaki Hayao.
This “20th Anniversary Film Festival” marks two decades since the Library began its mission, offering a unique opportunity to experience these cinematic treasures. The program includes Batta-kun Machi ni Iku (1941, USA), a film that director Miyazaki Hayao famously considers “a must-see for anyone pursuing animation.” Also featured are four representative works by the acclaimed Frédéric Back, including the two-time Oscar-winning masterpiece Ki wo Ueta Otoko (1987, Canada).
Ki wo Ueta Otoko
Further enriching the festival’s lineup are Kirikou to Majo (1998, France), an animated film that set box office records upon its release in France, and Shiwa (2011, Spain). The latter uniquely and warmly tackles the profound themes of “aging” and “how to confront dementia” through the expressive medium of hand-drawn animation. These selections showcase a diverse range of works, varying in their eras of production and countries of origin.
Another captivating highlight is that three of the programs—Batta-kun Machi ni Iku, “Frédéric Back no Eiga” (Frédéric Back’s Films), and Kirikou to Majo—will be screened in their original 35mm film format. In an era where theaters capable of film screenings are becoming increasingly rare, this presents a truly precious opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique warmth and textural beauty of traditional film projection.
Kirikou to Majo
Shiwa
The Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Bijutsukan Library’s “20th Anniversary Film Festival” promises a memorable experience for animation lovers. It will run for a limited two-week period from January 16 to 29, 2026, at Bunkamura Le Cinéma Shibuya Miyashita in Tokyo. For more details and screening schedules, please visit the official website.
Full Comments Below
Director Miyazaki Hayao on Batta-kun Machi ni Iku
“Anyone who wants to be an animator should see this. There are things that aren’t interesting due to the times, and then there are things that transcend their era to remain interesting. Fleischer truly possesses that timeless quality.”
Director Takahata Isao on Shiwa
“With the film Shiwa, I believe the possibilities of animated cinema have expanded yet again. While the original comic book might suggest it, this film courageously tackles the heavy theme of old age—a topic no one can truly be indifferent to, yet one many would rather look away from. As an elder, as a human being, and as someone involved in animation, I express my heartfelt respect for the film Shiwa.”
Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Bijutsukan Library “20th Anniversary Film Festival”
Event Overview
- Period: January 16 (Fri) – 29 (Thu), 2026 (Limited two-week screening)
- Venue: Bunkamura Le Cinéma Shibuya Miyashita (Shibuya Toei Plaza 7F & 9F)
- Organizer: Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Bijutsukan
- Sponsor: Nisshin Seifun Group
Screening Program Introduction (All 4 Programs)
*Two programs are scheduled to be screened daily. Please check the official website for the detailed schedule.
- (1) Batta-kun Machi ni Iku (1941 / USA / 78 minutes)
- (2) Frédéric Back no Eiga (Frédéric Back’s Films) (Canada)
- Abracadabra (1970 / 9 minutes)
- Crac! (1981 / 15 minutes)
- Ki wo Ueta Otoko (1987 / 30 minutes)
- Ooinaru Kawa no Nagare (1993 / 24 minutes)
- (3) Kirikou to Majo (1998 / France / 78 minutes)
- (4) Shiwa (2011 / Spain / 89 minutes)
Image Gallery
Here are some visual highlights from the festival’s lineup and the event poster:
Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Bijutsukan Library “20th Anniversary Film Festival” Poster
Batta-kun Machi ni Iku
Abracadabra
Crac!
Ooinaru Kawa no Nagare
Ki wo Ueta Otoko
Ki wo Ueta Otoko
Kirikou to Majo
Shiwa
Copyright Information:
- Ooinaru Kawa no Nagare (C)Société Radio-Canada
- Kirikou to Majo (C)Les Armateurs / Odec Kid Cartoons / France 3 cinema / Studio O / RTBF / Monipoly / TEF / Exposure.
- Shiwa (C)2011 Perro Verde Films – Cromosoma, S.A.
By Nakase Koutarou
