‘Zen and Ghibli’ Exhibition Opens in Kyoto
Listen to the story
A new exhibition called 'Zen and Ghibli' has opened in Kyoto. It explores the connection between Zen philosophy and the world of Studio Ghibli animation.
Studio Ghibli is one of Japan's most famous animation studios. It is known worldwide for beloved films such as 'My Neighbor Totoro'.
'My Neighbor Totoro' tells the story of two sisters, Mei and Satsuki, who move to the countryside with their father. Satsuki, the older sister, takes on a lot of responsibility in the film, often acting very mature for her age.
Fans and commentators have long discussed Satsuki's behaviour in the story, especially her strong sense of duty toward her family. Some have also raised questions about the situation of the girls' father, wondering what it reveals about the family's circumstances.
This kind of discussion has spread widely among fans online, with many offering their own interpretations of the story's hidden meanings.
The Kyoto exhibition gives visitors a chance to think more deeply about these themes. By combining Zen ideas of simplicity and mindfulness with the emotional world of Ghibli films, it offers a fresh way to experience the studio's beloved characters and stories.
The event has attracted attention from both Ghibli fans and those interested in Japanese Zen culture, making it a unique cultural experience in Kyoto.
Vocabulary5 words
- exhibition
- a public event where things are shown to visitors
- Studio Ghibli
- a famous Japanese company that makes animated films
- responsibility
- a duty to take care of something or someone
- interpretations
- different ways of understanding something
- Zen culture
- ideas from Zen, a calm and simple way of thinking from Japan
Quiz
Answer key
1. Zen philosophy and Studio Ghibli films 2. Her strong sense of responsibility toward her family 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A new _____ called 'Zen and Ghibli' has opened in Kyoto. It explores the connection between Zen philosophy and the world of Studio Ghibli _____.
'My Neighbor Totoro' tells the story of two sisters, Mei and Satsuki, who move to the _____ with their father. Satsuki, the older sister, takes on a lot of _____ in the film.
Fans and commentators have long discussed Satsuki's _____ in the story, especially her strong sense of duty toward her family. Some have also raised questions about the _____ of the girls' father.
This kind of discussion has spread widely among fans online, with many offering their own _____ of the story's hidden meanings.
The Kyoto exhibition gives visitors a chance to think more deeply about these _____. By combining Zen ideas of simplicity and mindfulness with the emotional world of Ghibli films, it offers a fresh way to experience the studio's beloved characters.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Zen ideas and Studio Ghibli films might connect well together?
- Have you seen 'My Neighbor Totoro'? What did you think of Satsuki's character?
- Why do people online enjoy discussing hidden meanings in animated films?
- Would you like to visit an exhibition that mixes philosophy and pop culture? Why or why not?