I recently visited the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka for the first time in a while. For those who know, there’s the “fake reception Totoro”… it’s actually on the left side of the real entrance.

This is the real entrance.

From the entrance, it feels like you’re walking into the forest.

Looking back, it all began in early 2007 when Mr. Goro Miyazaki and Mr. Rō Nakajima visited LOOPWHEELER. As the photo on his Wikipedia page suggests, he still genuinely loves LOOPWHEELER to this day. I believe there’s something deeply connected between us.

Photography is not allowed inside the museum, so I can only share photos from where it is permitted… This year marks 18 years since 2007. During that time, we’ve created together once or twice every year. I don’t even want to call it a “collaboration”—it’s more like true joint craftsmanship. We are currently working hard for a November release this year, so please look forward to it. In 2027, it will be the 20th anniversary, and I hope we can create something truly special.

With my own thoughts in mind, I introduced the sixth-generation master of Kaikado in Kyoto, whose work I would love to see in collaboration with Studio Ghibli. I can’t wait to see what kind of tea caddy might come from it. Although I don’t have photos, I also introduced the Kutani painter. It’s a completely different direction, but equally exciting.

Everyone has their own “this is the one” Ghibli film. Each work is wonderful, thought-provoking, and full of things we must never lose or forget—unspoken emotions, passion, compassion, trust, loyalty, and more. For me, there’s one person above all others. Even at my age, he remains a source of comfort and inspiration. I just can’t get enough!!

By Satoshi Suzuki