Our Childhoods are for most, a mental place of comfort, drawn by nostalgic memories of outdated technology and animation series. Animation is a rare craft, originating by hand, carefully brought to life with the means of modern technology. It relaxes the soul, says Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio, which created iconic works such as “My Neighbour Totoro” or “Spirited Away”. Another brand that carries the DNA of craftsmanship is Loewe. Reflected in the quirky and eccentric design of their physical stores, the brand does everything to support rare crafts. To keep this spirit alive, the Loewe Foundation will sponsor the Tokuma Memorial Cultural Foundation for Animation in a collaboration that gives three years of financial support to maintain the cultural activities at the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka.
Image courtesy of Loewe x Ghibli Museum
Opened in October 2001, the Ghibli Museum is a place of dreamy escapism, taking the visitor into the carefully curated world they created with their rare craft. It is a cultural space, letting the viewer go through decades of pop culture and nostalgia, letting them relive the nostalgic memories. Surrounded by an evergreen garden, the building itself symbolises the world of Studio Ghibli’s works conceived by the director Hayao Miyazaki. Tied together by colour and murals of Ghibli characters, the interior, as well as the exterior of the building, create a world within this unique universe of animation. It is not a regular museum Miyazaki states, it is a space that embraces people’s ability “to feel” to the fullest. Beyond this aspect, it informs the viewer with permanent exhibitions on how the animation films are made, as well as what the creators see and feel when they create this work of moving art.
Image courtesy of Loewe x Ghibli Museum
‘We are very proud to support the Ghibli Museum, one of Japan’s most beloved creative institutions. Studio Ghibli and Loewe have many shared values, from a longstanding commitment to craft to an enduring love of nature. We look forward to becoming a part of their story, helping to spread the unique charm of the Ghibli Museum around the world.’, states Sheila Loewe, the president of the Loewe Foundation. Equally, the Ghibli Museum is delighted about this collaboration, with a Maison that has craftsmanship at the core of its identity, says the museum’s managing director, Kazuki Anzai. Both brands communicate warmth through drawings, this collaboration draws the line between two like-minded spirits.
Image courtesy of Loewe x Ghibli Museum
In the name of craftsmanship, the Loewe Foundation and Tokuma Foundation continue to promote deeply humanistic values through this collaboration, which are a symbol of rare knowledge and soulfulness for today, and every day that will follow after.