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Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation
A deluxe art book featuring exclusive commentary, sketches, concept art, and paintings detailing the unique architecture in Studio Ghibli’s films.
Explore the dazzling animated worlds of Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and more with Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation!
Learn how the visionary animation studio brings its vibrant worlds to life through hundreds of pieces of concept art, sketches, and background paintings that illuminate the architectural inspirations of Studio Ghibli’s animated classics. Distinctive interiors, imaginative exteriors, breathtaking landscapes, and the interplay between the three are all examined in detail through collected remarks from acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, exclusive commentary from renowned architect Terunobu Fujimori, and quotes from the artists and art directors of Studio Ghibli’s beloved films.
Readers will learn of the historical, architectural, and personal inspirations behind such iconic and inventive buildings and structures as the bathhouse from Spirited Away, Howl’s moving castle, and Satsuki and Mei’s country home from My Neighbor Totoro. This book is the perfect gift for all fans of Studio Ghibli’s timeless movies.
This book is the translated reprint edition of the catalog for the exhibition Studio Ghibli’s Architecture in Animation.
Explore the dazzling animated worlds of Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and more with Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation!
Learn how the visionary animation studio brings its vibrant worlds to life through hundreds of pieces of concept art, sketches, and background paintings that illuminate the architectural inspirations of Studio Ghibli’s animated classics. Distinctive interiors, imaginative exteriors, breathtaking landscapes, and the interplay between the three are all examined in detail through collected remarks from acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, exclusive commentary from renowned architect Terunobu Fujimori, and quotes from the artists and art directors of Studio Ghibli’s beloved films.
Readers will learn of the historical, architectural, and personal inspirations behind such iconic and inventive buildings and structures as the bathhouse from Spirited Away, Howl’s moving castle, and Satsuki and Mei’s country home from My Neighbor Totoro. This book is the perfect gift for all fans of Studio Ghibli’s timeless movies.
This book is the translated reprint edition of the catalog for the exhibition Studio Ghibli’s Architecture in Animation.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 15, 2025
This, while a lovely book, took a bit to get into. The book is comprised of essays by different writers and some writing styles didn't work for me, which caused my enjoyment of the book to dip, despite the fascinating topic. Also, I read this on a tiny-screened eReader app, so I didn't get the full effect of the beautiful artwork and pictures. This is definitely one I would recommend as a "real tree" book. It would make a lovely gift for the Studio Ghibli lover in your life and also for those interested in architecture.
Please note that my rating is not against the book, but in the medium in which I read it. In a real tree book, I would have been able to skip past the annoyingly written to me sections and been able to linger in appreciation over the pictures. As a real tree book, easy 4-5 stars. As it was when I read it? Not so much.
3, if I had this book in real tree format it would have been rated higher, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.
Please note that my rating is not against the book, but in the medium in which I read it. In a real tree book, I would have been able to skip past the annoyingly written to me sections and been able to linger in appreciation over the pictures. As a real tree book, easy 4-5 stars. As it was when I read it? Not so much.
3, if I had this book in real tree format it would have been rated higher, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
A very beautiful coffee table book featuring water colors, background stills, reference drawings, etc ft the architecture in the Ghibli films. I adore these movies, they are some of the most beautiful works produced in animation history. This has a lot of interviews and discussion about the various architectural styles and decisions, which are super interesting! Would be a lovely companion in rewatching the films.
I am a little frustrated by the square form factor. Mainly because there are a few two-page spreads of stunning artwork that are ruined by the bisection of the spine. I don’t know why they did this. I wider format would have better lent itself to those.
I am a little frustrated by the square form factor. Mainly because there are a few two-page spreads of stunning artwork that are ruined by the bisection of the spine. I don’t know why they did this. I wider format would have better lent itself to those.
August 2, 2025
3 1/2.
Mielenkiintoinen kirja, varsinkin jos aihe kiinnostaa. Kuvat olivat erittäin houkuttelevia ja tietysti jossain määrin tuttuja mutta oli jotenkin mielenkiintoista lukea kirjaa tästäkin näkökulmasta ja perehtyä tätä kautta tarinoihin.
Mielenkiintoinen kirja, varsinkin jos aihe kiinnostaa. Kuvat olivat erittäin houkuttelevia ja tietysti jossain määrin tuttuja mutta oli jotenkin mielenkiintoista lukea kirjaa tästäkin näkökulmasta ja perehtyä tätä kautta tarinoihin.
August 24, 2025
This book is a little look behind the curtain of Studio Ghibli. I wish I could have seen this exhibit in person but being able to read about it with comments from Miyazaki & Fujimori made it a really immersion experience. I never realized the amount of research that went into the scenery for each Studio Ghibli film its truly fascinating to read their though process.
April 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for the eARC in exchange for the honest review.
Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation is perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli, animation, art, and architecture. It is what it says on the cover: a beautiful art book with sketches, concept art, and film stills highlighting the incredible detail of prominent buildings in many--if not all--Studio Ghibli films, from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) to The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) and beyond (it does not, however, include The Boy and the Heron (2023) as the original text may predate Hayao Miyazaki's newest film). There are essays and commentaries by various Ghibli professionals scattered throughout the book, including blurbs by both Miyazaki and award-winning architect Terunobu Fujimori.
Books like this really highlight the importance of setting and place in a story, no matter the format. So much thought went into the designs for each film, even the less iconic ones like Up on Poppy Hill (2011), and the level of detail is astounding, if unsurprising, given Ghibli's reputation as an animation studio (as an added bonus, the commentary icons subtly shift and change throughout the book). This is clear proof that art is not made in a vacuum, as the creators document their international sources of inspiration for various films. My one regret was that I did not read this as a physical book, so I couldn't pore over all the images and photographs--a tiny phone screen just doesn't do the artwork justice. This is a fantastic choice as a gift/display book, as well as an informative resource for those interested in how fantasy and reality mesh. Check it out!
Readers who enjoy this book may also be interested in other Studio Ghibli art books, Shuna's Journey and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (manga) by Hayao Miyazaki, and the many books that inspired several Ghibli movies, such as Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono, Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, The Borrowers by Mary Norton, and How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino, among many more.
Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation is perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli, animation, art, and architecture. It is what it says on the cover: a beautiful art book with sketches, concept art, and film stills highlighting the incredible detail of prominent buildings in many--if not all--Studio Ghibli films, from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) to The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) and beyond (it does not, however, include The Boy and the Heron (2023) as the original text may predate Hayao Miyazaki's newest film). There are essays and commentaries by various Ghibli professionals scattered throughout the book, including blurbs by both Miyazaki and award-winning architect Terunobu Fujimori.
Books like this really highlight the importance of setting and place in a story, no matter the format. So much thought went into the designs for each film, even the less iconic ones like Up on Poppy Hill (2011), and the level of detail is astounding, if unsurprising, given Ghibli's reputation as an animation studio (as an added bonus, the commentary icons subtly shift and change throughout the book). This is clear proof that art is not made in a vacuum, as the creators document their international sources of inspiration for various films. My one regret was that I did not read this as a physical book, so I couldn't pore over all the images and photographs--a tiny phone screen just doesn't do the artwork justice. This is a fantastic choice as a gift/display book, as well as an informative resource for those interested in how fantasy and reality mesh. Check it out!
Readers who enjoy this book may also be interested in other Studio Ghibli art books, Shuna's Journey and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (manga) by Hayao Miyazaki, and the many books that inspired several Ghibli movies, such as Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono, Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, The Borrowers by Mary Norton, and How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino, among many more.
October 23, 2024
Thank you, VIZ Media & NetGalley for the chance to read and honestly review this book.
As someone who was deeply shaped and affected by the creative works from studio Ghibli, I can confirm this adds a secret love to the world.
My first film experience from Studio Ghibli was Spirited away, the Cat returns, and then Howl's moving castle. As I grew up and discovered more of the Studios works it kept burning a passion for magic and wonder that I use to think only lived in you when you were a kid.
In Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation we see earlier concept drawings of many films; Howl's, Kiki, Ponyo and more. Each glimpse into the art and design of the film shares moments from history in Japan and explanations surround the look and feel the Architecture helps portray.
This book holds a lot of historical elements to it that added to the experience as it does with the films.
Nice bonus was an interview with studio creator, the famous Hayao Miyazaki, towards the end.
Fun Fact: I just went to Japan and I think I actually bought this book (in Japanese) as a gift for someone.
As someone who was deeply shaped and affected by the creative works from studio Ghibli, I can confirm this adds a secret love to the world.
My first film experience from Studio Ghibli was Spirited away, the Cat returns, and then Howl's moving castle. As I grew up and discovered more of the Studios works it kept burning a passion for magic and wonder that I use to think only lived in you when you were a kid.
In Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation we see earlier concept drawings of many films; Howl's, Kiki, Ponyo and more. Each glimpse into the art and design of the film shares moments from history in Japan and explanations surround the look and feel the Architecture helps portray.
This book holds a lot of historical elements to it that added to the experience as it does with the films.
Nice bonus was an interview with studio creator, the famous Hayao Miyazaki, towards the end.
Fun Fact: I just went to Japan and I think I actually bought this book (in Japanese) as a gift for someone.
December 2, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Viz Media, and Studio Ghibli for this absolutely gorgeous digital ARC!
This book was originally the catalog for the exhibition "Studio Ghibli’s Architecture in Animation" and is now translated for English readers! It is absolutely gorgeous digitally; the full color images and sketches from the films on the pages of this book are just as enthralling as they are on the screen. As an educator who uses Ghibli films to connect students to genre and Japanese folklore, I love providing new means of connection. As a trade school educator, this exploration of architecture is the perfect medium! Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation is a gorgeous collection of film architecture. The rationale behind each design choice pictured in this book is shared, and it's a wonderful read even if you aren't well-versed in the trade! Design can also tell a story, and the intention behind each choice (ranging from the color of the materials used or the architecture style of a different era) shapes the Ghibli films.
A must-have for any architecture, world-building, or Ghibli fan.
This book was originally the catalog for the exhibition "Studio Ghibli’s Architecture in Animation" and is now translated for English readers! It is absolutely gorgeous digitally; the full color images and sketches from the films on the pages of this book are just as enthralling as they are on the screen. As an educator who uses Ghibli films to connect students to genre and Japanese folklore, I love providing new means of connection. As a trade school educator, this exploration of architecture is the perfect medium! Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation is a gorgeous collection of film architecture. The rationale behind each design choice pictured in this book is shared, and it's a wonderful read even if you aren't well-versed in the trade! Design can also tell a story, and the intention behind each choice (ranging from the color of the materials used or the architecture style of a different era) shapes the Ghibli films.
A must-have for any architecture, world-building, or Ghibli fan.
November 27, 2025
Always Higher, Always More Beautiful
When we watch a movie, whether it’s live-action or animated, our eyes instinctively focus on the colors. When we say we liked or didn’t like a film, we often base our opinion on the story alone. Did the plot resonate with us?
But a film is more than just the story. Many aspects, details, and patterns contribute to the overall experience.
This book was published as a follow-up to an exhibition organized by Ghibli, focusing on a very specific aspect of its works: architecture.
Indeed, because these are animated films, the directors and creators have control over every aspect of the production! The sets are not derived from real-world locations. Everything must be drawn, meaning every detail is a conscious choice.
Through numerous commentaries, preparatory sketches, and interviews with Japanese architects, Ghibli presents a beautiful object for analyzing its works. It shines a light on a often overlooked aspect, one that features a level of detail rarely matched.
A very enriching and fascinating read.
When we watch a movie, whether it’s live-action or animated, our eyes instinctively focus on the colors. When we say we liked or didn’t like a film, we often base our opinion on the story alone. Did the plot resonate with us?
But a film is more than just the story. Many aspects, details, and patterns contribute to the overall experience.
This book was published as a follow-up to an exhibition organized by Ghibli, focusing on a very specific aspect of its works: architecture.
Indeed, because these are animated films, the directors and creators have control over every aspect of the production! The sets are not derived from real-world locations. Everything must be drawn, meaning every detail is a conscious choice.
Through numerous commentaries, preparatory sketches, and interviews with Japanese architects, Ghibli presents a beautiful object for analyzing its works. It shines a light on a often overlooked aspect, one that features a level of detail rarely matched.
A very enriching and fascinating read.
January 31, 2025
Quality Rating: Five Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars
I’ve been aware of the Japanese version of this book for a long time and I can’t tell you how excited I was when it got an English translation. Miyazaki is the reason I wanted to be a filmmaker, and his films were the reason I started paying attention to architecture and have gone on to be mildly obsessed with it. On the one hand, this book makes me mourn that I never went to the exhibition it was created for, but at the same time getting to read this following the release of The Boy and the Heron adds a whole new depth. Fujimori, the architect who pens a great deal of the book, not only taught me a hundred new things about architecture but also gave me a whole new understanding of Miyazaki’s creative process and the way his themes are in even the buildings. It’s a gem of a book - can we bribe them to tour the exhibition worldwide?
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars
I’ve been aware of the Japanese version of this book for a long time and I can’t tell you how excited I was when it got an English translation. Miyazaki is the reason I wanted to be a filmmaker, and his films were the reason I started paying attention to architecture and have gone on to be mildly obsessed with it. On the one hand, this book makes me mourn that I never went to the exhibition it was created for, but at the same time getting to read this following the release of The Boy and the Heron adds a whole new depth. Fujimori, the architect who pens a great deal of the book, not only taught me a hundred new things about architecture but also gave me a whole new understanding of Miyazaki’s creative process and the way his themes are in even the buildings. It’s a gem of a book - can we bribe them to tour the exhibition worldwide?
April 29, 2025
Initially NetGalley allowed me to read a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. I wasn't able to access this copy before it expired, so I read the printed version of this book after it was released. This is my review of the printed version.
It took me over a month to get through this book once I started reading it- not because it was a bad book, but because I enjoyed it so much I didn't want it to end. I love architecture, especially when it comes to illustration and animation. I also love Studio Ghibli films. The two of those combined into one book made a very pleasant read for me. I took my time with each page, which had a lot of detail behind the architectural choices for each movie. The behind the scenes drafts and artwork are lovely as well. Any time I am able to get a peek into the creative mind of Hayao Miyazaki I am happier for it. This is a favorite book on my shelf for sure.
It took me over a month to get through this book once I started reading it- not because it was a bad book, but because I enjoyed it so much I didn't want it to end. I love architecture, especially when it comes to illustration and animation. I also love Studio Ghibli films. The two of those combined into one book made a very pleasant read for me. I took my time with each page, which had a lot of detail behind the architectural choices for each movie. The behind the scenes drafts and artwork are lovely as well. Any time I am able to get a peek into the creative mind of Hayao Miyazaki I am happier for it. This is a favorite book on my shelf for sure.
December 13, 2024
As a pretty much lifelong Studio Ghibli enthusiast, I was very excited to find out about this book. I love learning how stories are created, seeing the design process, and this book is a perfect glimpse into the development of the lushly detailed settings of Ghibli movies. I particularly enjoyed getting some new perspectives from maps, overhead views, and concept sketches/watercolors. It was great to learn more about the research and history involved in planning some of the designs, and I will definitely be paying more attention to the buildings and backgrounds next time I watch any of these films. While this book certainly has appeal for Ghibli fans, I think readers interested in architecture, history and design will enjoy it as well. Very much looking forward to reading the physical copy of this book!
Many thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the digital ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the digital ARC!
November 4, 2024
This is a highly specific book that's pretty much as described. People more into the Ghibli side of it may find themselves a bit out of the weeds when reading about the more architecturally-inclined text, but that's how one learns. The illustrations are, of course, lovely. (I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.)
January 27, 2025
I bought this book because I hoped to get more insights into the world of Ghibli and learn more about the inspiration, historical background, etc. that is going on behind the scenes before the movie gets done and shown on the big screen. And I wasn't disappointed. Love love love it <3
February 12, 2025
Great alternate look at Ghibli design and thought process from an architectural and historical point of view. It’s not just pretty pictures as this was made as a companion for a Japanese expo on Ghibli architecture.
Did not expect to learn so much general history as well. Nice bonus!
Did not expect to learn so much general history as well. Nice bonus!
January 1, 2025
what a stunning book! it was so interesting to learn about the different architectural styles and historical era that influence the animation in ghibli movies. the artwork is incredible
February 24, 2025
It’s a fascinating look at some pretty iconic buildings from some of my favorite films, what’s not to love?
November 1, 2024
I am not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this. There are so many pictures of places in the Ghibli movies. Then you get historical context to explain the choices. This is perfect for all Ghibli fans.
4 stars
4 stars
January 1, 2025
5.09.23 | I deeply want a translation of this: Studio Ghibli + Architecture are some of my favourite things!
1.01.25 | I never thought this would get translated but here we are! I enjoyed this, but I must admit it wasn't quite as good as I hoped. For me this is a book of three parts. The part I most enjoyed, and is what I hoped it would be, is the comments and annotations that talk about some of the inspirations behind the buildings. I would have liked more of this!
The second part are the images. These are beautiful, but focus more on the backgrounds than I would have liked. I was hoping for more conceptual and behind-the-scenes illustrations and references. Perhaps if the internet didn't exist and I hadn't seen a lot of the backgrounds before I would appreciate them printed in a book more, but it seems to similar to the 'Art of' books, and not as architectural as it might be. The other issue with these images are that many are printed very small, which especially for the annotated sketches, with the translations are off to the side, it is hard to really see much of what is going on.
Lastly at the end there is an article and an interview. I'm not sure if it is the translation, or just the inherent nature of the pieces, but they didn't flow particularly well and this section felt unfinished. For instance, they talk of a nursery that Hayao Miyazaki designed, but show no images of it.
1.01.25 | I never thought this would get translated but here we are! I enjoyed this, but I must admit it wasn't quite as good as I hoped. For me this is a book of three parts. The part I most enjoyed, and is what I hoped it would be, is the comments and annotations that talk about some of the inspirations behind the buildings. I would have liked more of this!
The second part are the images. These are beautiful, but focus more on the backgrounds than I would have liked. I was hoping for more conceptual and behind-the-scenes illustrations and references. Perhaps if the internet didn't exist and I hadn't seen a lot of the backgrounds before I would appreciate them printed in a book more, but it seems to similar to the 'Art of' books, and not as architectural as it might be. The other issue with these images are that many are printed very small, which especially for the annotated sketches, with the translations are off to the side, it is hard to really see much of what is going on.
Lastly at the end there is an article and an interview. I'm not sure if it is the translation, or just the inherent nature of the pieces, but they didn't flow particularly well and this section felt unfinished. For instance, they talk of a nursery that Hayao Miyazaki designed, but show no images of it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews