New Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown

If you're planning a visit to Japan soon, you'll have an increased chance of catching A Night in the Valley of Witches. While Studio Ghibli is renowned for its feature-length animated movies, they also have a collection of fascinating animated shorts. These short films are showcased at only two locations globally - the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture. Each month, the lineup of these shorts changes, making them quite rare for Ghibli enthusiasts.

One such short film is Mei and the Kittenbus, a sequel to My Neighbour Totoro. But recently, Ghibli Park has decided to extend the screening time for their newest short, A Night in the Valley of Witches, which premiered at Cinema Orion inside the Ghibli Grand Warehouse in July. Due to its great reception, the park is extending the run until June 2027, giving fans more opportunities to view this latest Ghibli masterpiece.

Although this film is exclusively shown at Ghibli Park, it is an ideal place to watch it, as the narrative is centered around the park's Valley of Witches. The Valley of Witches is dedicated to Ghibli's witch characters, featuring structures like the bakery from Kiki's Delivery Service. The storyline revolves around a new park employee who receives numerous repair requests around the park.

While making these repairs, unusual events occur - a fireplace ignites spontaneously and taps release water unexpectedly. His senior colleague, Kikue, initially brushes off his concerns, but when he goes to the Valley of Witches at midnight, he discovers Kikue dressed in a cape. Kikue reveals her true nature as a witch and casts a spell, setting the scene for mysterious magic.

This real-life location of the Valley of Witches makes watching the film there a unique experience for fans, particularly during Halloween, when there's a special outdoor screening within the area. For the rest of the year, screenings take place at Cinema Orion, close to the Valley of Witches. The film can be viewed in a fully immersive Ghibli environment and is a must-see for fans, especially during Halloween.

As Ghibli Park tickets need to be booked in advance, it's crucial to plan ahead and secure your spot early to avoid missing out on this extended run.