08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
French tapestry of scene from ‘Spirited Away' shown in Nagoya
A tapestry depicting a scene from 'Spirited Away' is on display at the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art in Nagoya on April 11. (Photo by Yoshinobu Matsunaga © 2001 Hayao Miyazaki/ Studio Ghibli, NDDTM)
NAGOYA--A colossal tapestry from France depicting a scene from Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece 'Spirited Away' is on display at a special exhibition that opened on April 11.
The exhibition at the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art in the Higashi-Sakura district of the Nagoya's Higashi Ward will run until Aug. 17.
The tapestry, which took nearly two years to complete, was woven by the International Aubusson Tapestry City, a renowned cultural and artistic center in Aubusson, France.
Measuring 3.05 meters in height and 7.57 meters in width, the tapestry, shown in Japan for the first time, depicts the iconic scene of 'Spirited Away' protagonist Chihiro confronting enigmatic spirit Kaonashi (No-Face).
The exhibition is part of a collaborative project connecting the 20th World Expo 'Ai-Chikyu-haku,' celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Aichi World Exposition, and Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, which opened on April 13.
Aubusson tapestry-making, a craft originating in the Creuse region of central France, boasts a rich history dating back to the 15th century.
In 2009, UNESCO recognized the traditional techniques and artistry of Aubusson tapestry as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Since 2019, the International Aubusson Tapestry City has embarked on a project titled 'Hayao Miyazaki's Imagination in Aubusson Tapestry,' which transforms scenes from the director's films into large-scale woven masterpieces.
So far, four tapestries have been completed.
At the exhibition in Nagoya, visitors can explore documents, preliminary sketches and trial weavings that illuminate the intricate tapestry-making process and offer a rare glimpse into the traditional techniques of Aubusson craftsmanship.
Junichi Nishioka, vice president and head of publicity at Studio Ghibli, which produced 'Spirited Away,' shared his admiration for the tapestry.
'I was deeply impressed by the exceptional level of skill and passion,' Nishioka said. 'The tapestry conveys a striking sense of grandeur, radiance and the warmth unique to handwoven art.'
Another tapestry, inspired by Miyazaki's 'Princess Mononoke,' will make its Japan debut at the French Pavilion of the Osaka Expo.
It depicts protagonist Ashitaka and his loyal red elk, Yakul, standing together in a forest scene.
Admission for the exhibition in Nagoya is 500 yen ($3.5) for adults, 300 yen for high school and university students, and free for junior high school students and younger.
The museum is closed on Mondays, except for holidays, and from June 9 to July 3 for exhibition changes.
