On July 8, 2026, Ghibli Park’s Ghibli no Ookura (Ghibli’s Warehouse) began two new attractions: the Panorama Box Exhibition in the special exhibition room and the screening of the original short film Majo no Tani no Yoru (Night of the Witch’s Valley) in the Orionza theater. A press conference was held the previous day, July 7, with director Goro Miyazaki and director Akihiko Yamashita taking the stage.
Panorama Box Exhibition: Hayao Miyazaki’s 31 New Works
The new special exhibition features 31 panorama boxes created by Hayao Miyazaki specifically for Ghibli Park. A panorama box is a picture box that, when peered into, reveals a deep, layered scene. Hayao Miyazaki drew these works based on his own feature films, from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind to The Boy and the Heron.
At the press conference, Goro Miyazaki described the appeal: “When you look inside, it’s really interesting. (Hayao Miyazaki) layers flat elements, and you can clearly see that he is actually creating a three-dimensional space. The pictures themselves are fascinating, but when you peek into the panorama box, you understand why they are so interesting. It’s a surprisingly deep exhibition.”
Reflecting on how the exhibition came about, Goro Miyazaki laughed: “Hayao Miyazaki basically didn’t touch the construction of Ghibli Park. But it seems he wanted to leave his mark somehow. He said, ‘I’ll make them!'”
Regarding the recommended way to view the boxes, Goro Miyazaki explained: “We set the height low so that small children and wheelchair users can see them. For adults, looking down from above is one way, but the real fun comes when you stick your head into the window—the space expands. Adults should crouch or squat to look inside.”
Original Short Film ‘Majo no Tani no Yoru’
Majo no Tani no Yoru is Ghibli’s first original short film created specifically for Ghibli Park, directed by Goro Miyazaki and Akihiko Yamashita, with an original story by Goro Miyazaki. Set in the park’s Witch’s Valley area, it depicts events that occur after closing time.
Goro Miyazaki shared his thoughts on the project: “Since Ghibli Park doesn’t have rideable attractions like typical theme parks, I thought we should have something. But since Ghibli is involved, making a film seemed like the best attraction. I feel like we made an attraction rather than a short film.” He added with a smile: “Howl’s Moving Castle is a moving castle, right? But the castle in Ghibli Park sits still all the time. I thought it would be bad for its health if it didn’t move occasionally.”
Director Yamashita recalled receiving the original concept: “Before this project, we were working on something else, but I couldn’t visualize it. During a meeting, Goro Miyazaki said, ‘I actually have another idea,’ and showed me a sketch. I saw it and thought, ‘Interesting!’ The image came to me immediately, so we decided to go with it. Everything went smoothly. It was all from that sketch—a really great drawing.”
Yamashita also recommended the viewing experience: “The actual ‘Majo no Tani’ area is right nearby. Whether you see the film first or visit the location first, both ways are enjoyable. Having the real setting so close is the biggest selling point.” Goro Miyazaki added proudly: “As you’d expect from Yamashita’s direction, the film is characterized by constant movement. The animators, led by Yamashita, have created incredibly appealing visuals, and I hope audiences enjoy that.”
Cast, Staff, and Screening Details
The short film features voice performances by Jesse (SixTONES) and Aina the End, with music by Satoshi Takebe. Running time is approximately 14 minutes.
Screening information:
Location: Orionza (video exhibition room) in Ghibli no Ookura
Start date: July 8, 2026 (Wednesday), ongoing for the foreseeable future
Tickets: Requires a reservation and purchase of a ticket that grants entry to Ghibli no Ookura.
Additional Renewal: ‘Ghibli ga Ippai’ Exhibition
In addition, the special exhibition room’s ‘Ghibli ga Ippai’ exhibition has been renewed. New displays have been added focusing on producer Toshio Suzuki, who participated in the founding of Studio Ghibli alongside directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki and has brought many works to the world. Visitors are encouraged to check it out.
Synopsis of ‘Majo no Tani no Yoru’:
A new employee at Ghibli Park, ‘Newcomer-kun,’ is having a strange day. Repair requests come in from all over the buildings, and odd things happen: a fireplace lights by itself, water spurts from a faucet. ‘Something’s really weird!’ he panics, but his senior colleague Kikue doesn’t listen. On his first night shift after closing, at midnight, he heads to the Witch’s Valley. There he sees Kikue wearing a cloak. ‘I’m a witch,’ she says. She begins chanting a spell and swings down a lantern… Studio Ghibli presents its first original short film set in Ghibli Park.
(C) Studio Ghibli
(C) 2026 Goro Miyazaki, Akihiko Yamashita/Studio Ghibli
(C) 2023 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli
(C) 1984 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli, H
