In the summer of 2025, which marks the 90th anniversary of Isao Takahata's birth and the 80th year since the end of World War II—a pivotal event in his life—a special exhibition titled "TAKAHATA ISAO EXHIBITION The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation" will be held at Azabudai Hills Gallery. Running from June 27 to September 15, the exhibition will be held with the cooperation of Studio Ghibli.

A teaser visual featuring two of Takahata’s most iconic works, Grave of the Fireflies and Heidi, Girl of the Alps, has been released to promote the event.

Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki shared a heartfelt reflection on the origins of Grave of the Fireflies:

“I first dreamed of turning the short story into a film when I was 18. More than 20 years later, it became a reality under Director Takahata. I still remember the day we showed a secret preview video to Shuichi Kato and received his overwhelming praise—it was the happiest day of my life.”

The exhibition will also delve into Takahata's pre-Ghibli works, showcasing his creative philosophy, artistic challenges, and technical innovations that shaped the landscape of Japanese animation. Not limited to Japan, the exhibition will later travel to Paris in the fall of 2025, offering international audiences a rare chance to rediscover Takahata’s profound influence on global animation.

Azabudai Hills Gallery, the host venue, has quickly gained a reputation as a vibrant new hub for art and culture in Tokyo. Further details, including opening hours and ticketing information, will be announced on a special website scheduled to go live in May.

Exhibition Information

Dates｜Friday, June 27, 2025 – Monday (Holiday), September 15, 2025
Venue｜Azabudai Hills Gallery ( Garden Plaza A, MB Floor, Azabudai Hills, 5-8-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

Source : PRTIMES