Ghibli Park, the world’s first theme park dedicated to Studio Ghibli, is developing a real-life My Neighbor Totoro-inspired ‘Catbus’ for visitors to ride.
Opened in November 2022, Ghibli Park is based on anime classics such as Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke.
Ghibli Park is already home to a redesigned Catbus, located within a playground at Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse. Highlights also include the train from Spirited Away and an expanded version of the Ghibli Museum’s ‘Drawing Eating’ exhibition.
Japanese car manufacturer Toyota is now building a fleet of eco-friendly Catbus-themed electric vehicles, according to Livedoor News (via SoraNews24).
Toyota’s APM (Accessible People Mover), originally developed for the Tokyo Olympics, will be the base for the EV Catbuses.
Six of these electric vehicles, featuring special wrapping, will carry six passengers at a time across the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park.
Ghibli Park is separated into five themed areas, three of which are now open. These are Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest.
EV Catbuses to debut this year
The two remaining sections, Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches, will launch in fall 2023 and March 2024, respectively.
Unlike theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea and Universal Studios Japan, the $323 million destination has no rides or coasters.
“There are no big attractions or rides in Ghibli Park,” the website says. “Take a stroll, feel the wind, and discover the wonders.”
The new Catbuses are expected to debut at Ghibli Park this year.
Images: Studio Ghibli / Toyota
