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Image: from the organizer's press release

Art exhibition in Kyoto

Zen and Ghibli at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art

An immersive exhibition exploring Zen philosophy through Studio Ghibli films. Reservation priority begins October 31. From November 1, the museum opens at 9:00 AM on most Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with some exceptions.

Dates
Oct 3 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun)
Hours
10:00 – 18:00
Venue
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Higashiyama Cube
Nearest station
Higashiyama
Admission
Adults and university students ¥1,900; junior and senior high school students ¥1,500; elementary school students ¥1,100; preschool children free
Official website (Japanese)Open in Google Maps

About this event

What happens when The Boy and the Heron is viewed through the ideas of Zen? This immersive exhibition grew out of Zen and Ghibli, a book of conversations between Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki and Zen monks. Centered on Hayao Miyazaki's film, it uses memorable dialogue, film stills and Suzuki's calligraphy to explore a Zen-like way of seeing. Instead of dividing everything into good and evil or rushing toward answers, the exhibition encourages visitors to accept uncertainty. Internationally loved animation becomes an accessible introduction to Japanese Zen thought.

Highlights

  • An exhibition centered on Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron
  • Inspired by conversations between Toshio Suzuki and Zen monks
  • Memorable Ghibli dialogue and film stills
  • Toshio Suzuki's calligraphy and perspectives on Zen
Good for
For Studio Ghibli fans and visitors interested in Japanese animation and Zen philosophy.

Good to know before you go

  • Timed reservations have priority. Entry without a reservation may involve waiting or may be unavailable during busy periods.
  • Early opening applies on selected weekends and public holidays.
  • Student identification is required for discounted student admission.
  • A same-day reciprocal discount is available with the Seika Yamaga exhibition.
Pochikichi's story corner

Why can Zen be found in Studio Ghibli stories?

Studio Ghibli films often feature characters who cannot be neatly classified as good or evil and stories without a single clear answer. Zen and Ghibli explores these qualities through the ideas of Zen Buddhism.

The exhibition originated in a book of conversations between producer Toshio Suzuki and Zen monks. Zen emphasizes observing things as they are rather than rushing to categorize them. The exhibition considers how this approach resonates with Ghibli storytelling.

Its central film is Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron, released in 2023. The story is presented as one that avoids simple answers. Film stills, dialogue and Suzuki's calligraphy offer different ways to reflect on it.

Kyoto's temples preserve centuries of Zen history, but a temple is not the only doorway into its ideas. Animation can be one too. That is why you should approach The Boy and the Heron display without trying to find one definitive answer.

Sources: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art: Zen and Ghibli (Japanese)

FAQ

What is Zen and Ghibli at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art?
What happens when The Boy and the Heron is viewed through the ideas of Zen? This immersive exhibition grew out of Zen and Ghibli, a book of conversations between Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki and Zen monks. Centered on Hayao Miyazaki's film, it uses memorable dialogue, film stills and Suzuki's calligraphy to explore a Zen-like way of seeing. Instead of dividing everything into good and evil or rushing toward answers, the exhibition encourages visitors to accept uncertainty. Internationally loved animation becomes an accessible introduction to Japanese Zen thought.
When is Zen and Ghibli at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art?
From Oct 3 (Sat) to Dec 6 (Sun), 2026.
What are the opening hours?
10:00 – 18:00
How much does it cost?
Adults and university students ¥1,900; junior and senior high school students ¥1,500; elementary school students ¥1,100; preschool children free
Where is it and what is the nearest station?
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Higashiyama Cube. The nearest station is Higashiyama.

More in Kyoto

See all events in Kyoto → · This page in Japanese

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