Essential Highlights
- A unique chance this winter to enjoy Studio Ghibli’s “Mei and the Baby Catbus”at the theme park located in Aichi.
- The sequel to Totoro, over 20 years old, has not been available online, making this screening a notable event.
- Daily screenings will take place from December 14, 2024, through January 31, 2025, at Cinema Orion within the theme park.
This winter presents an extraordinary opportunity for fans of Studio Ghibli to catch a glimpse of a highly elusive film from the famed studio. Mei and the Baby Catbus, a sequel to the beloved My Neighbor Totoro, has rarely been accessible for viewing. However, during a limited timeframe this winter, it will be screened at the Studio Ghibli theme park situated in Aichi, Japan.
Although it is an official Studio Ghibli film, Mei and the Baby Catbus is seldom shown, adding to the excitement surrounding its upcoming screening this winter, particularly for devoted Ghibli enthusiasts. Despite the chilly weather Aichi experiences in December and January, the allure of viewing Mei and the Baby Catbus might tempt fans to visit the theme park during its quieter season.
The Rare Sequel to My Neighbor Totoro
Reasons You May Not Have Seen It Yet
If you’re curious why you haven’t come across or watched Mei and the Baby Catbus, you’re not alone. This sequel to Totoro is exceptionally rare. Released in 2002, it has now exceeded 20 years without a broader release. According to SoraNews24,
Mei and the Baby Catbus
has never had an online release, a physical commercial version, or standard theater showings. The film can only be seen at the theaters inside Ghibli Park and the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. Even at these venues, it is not regularly available, as
Mei and the Baby Catbus
(sometimes referred to as “Mei and the Kittenbus”) is part of a limited rotation of Studio Ghibli animated shorts.
This implies that you won’t find the film available for purchase or streaming on platforms like Netflix. The sole method of viewing Mei and the Baby Catbus is by attending special screenings like the one at the Studio Ghibli theme park. Although the movie runs for just 14 minutes, it is a creation of Hayao Miyazaki, featuring music by the renowned Jo Hisaishi, both prominent figures in the Studio Ghibli legacy.
Where to Watch Mei and the Baby Catbus
Seize Your Opportunity
As previously mentioned, the impending screening of Mei and the Baby Catbus presents an exceptionally rare opportunity to witness the sequel to Totoro. The film will be shown this winter at Cinema Orion, found within Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse area of the park. Visitors must ensure they obtain a ticket granting access to this segment of the park; however, no extra tickets are required specifically for the film screening beyond general admission.
The official site for the Studio Ghibli theme park illustrates the storyline as follows:
“On a blustery day, while indulging in caramels, Mei glimpsed a whirlwind and began to chase it. When she managed to grab it, she discovered it was a Baby Catbus. Mei and the Catbus forged a friendship, leading them on an adventure into the forest that evening.”
Cinema Orion frequently alternates among 10 original Studio Ghibli animated shorts, which previously could only be enjoyed at the Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. Each film has a specific schedule released monthly on the theme park’s website. Following the showings of Treasure Hunting and The Day I Bought a Star, both directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Mei and the Baby Catbus will take center stage.
Mei and the Baby Catbus is set for daily screenings at the Studio Ghibli theme park from December 14, 2024, until January 31, 2025, in Aichi, Japan.
Sources: SoraNews24, Studio Ghibli Park
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