Ghibli Park Reveals Plans for New Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Area
Image by Charlotte DavisGhibli Park is preparing to expand once again, with plans revealed for a brand-new indoor area inspired by one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most influential films.
The proposed expansion will bring Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to the Aichi attraction with its own dedicated space, although an opening date and the specific exhibits visitors will find inside have yet to be confirmed.
Released in Japan in 1984 and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind follows Princess Nausicaä as she attempts to prevent conflict between surviving human kingdoms while understanding the vast Toxic Jungle that has spread across a post-apocalyptic world.
The film predates the official formation of Studio Ghibli in 1985 but is closely tied to the studio’s history, with its success helping pave the way for Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki to establish what would become one of animation’s most celebrated studios.
Aichi Prefecture has identified the West Entrance Plaza of Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, where Ghibli Park is located, as the current candidate site for the new indoor attraction.
Only an exterior concept image has been revealed so far, with the prefecture still working on the basic concept and design before deciding exactly how Nausicaä’s world will be represented inside.
The project is expected to receive approximately ¥387 million (approx. $2.45 million USD / £1.82 million GBP) in funding for its initial planning and design stages, with a supplementary budget proposal set to be submitted to the Aichi Prefectural Assembly during its August session.
Ghibli Park originally opened in November 2022 with Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth and Dondoko Forest, before expanding with Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches to create the five-area park visitors can explore today.
Those existing areas recreate locations and environments inspired by films including My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Whisper of the Heart, Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service, making a dedicated Nausicaä attraction a significant addition to the park’s growing lineup.
With planning still at an early stage, Ghibli Park and Aichi Prefecture have not announced when construction will begin or when the new Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind area is expected to open.
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