22 Years On, An Iconic Studio Ghibli Anime Is Getting a Follow-Up (But There’s a Catch)

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Studio Ghibli, established in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki, has become one of the most celebrated animation studios worldwide. Their films are beloved for their compelling stories, strong emotional resonance, and beautiful visuals. A standout work by Miyazaki is Howl’s Moving Castle, a fantastical adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones’ 1986 novel. The story centers on Sophie, a young woman who meets the wizard Howl and attracts the attention of a spiteful witch. Driven by envy, the witch casts a curse on Sophie, transforming her into an elderly woman.

Determined to end the spell cast upon her, Sophie secretly leaves home and boldly enters Howl’s Castle without being invited. She finds work as a maid and unexpectedly connects with the castle’s inhabitants, including the mysterious Howl, as she discovers a world of magic. The beloved film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, though it didn’t win. Nearly 22 years after its release, Howl’s Moving Castle is still considered a masterpiece, known for its messages of peace and embracing who you are. While a continuation of the original story is planned, it won’t be accessible to all fans.

Howl’s Moving Castle Is Getting a New Story For the Studio Ghibli Park

Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture is releasing new story pamphlets for the three buildings in its Valley of Witches – Howl’s Castle, The Witch’s House, and Okino’s House. As reported by Comic Natalie, the stories will be written by award-winning author Shion Miura, known for works like Run With the Wind and The Great Passage. A special 56-page pamphlet for Howl’s Castle, based on the popular film Howl’s Moving Castle, is set to be released on February 28, 2026.

I’ve learned that a new story connected to The Witch’s House – it reminds me a lot of Earwig and the Witch – will be released in a pamphlet on March 14th, 2026. And that’s not all! Okino’s House, which feels very similar to Kiki’s Delivery Service, is also getting its own new pamphlet on April 29th, 2026. If you’re planning a visit to Ghibli Park, you’ll be able to find these pamphlets exclusively in the Witch’s Valley area. They’ll be sold at several shops there, including the bookstore inside the Hatter’s Hat Shop, Witch’s Bookshelf, Neptune Bookstore, and a few other locations.

Shion Miura, the author, encouraged fans to explore Ghibli Park and shared details about a new pamphlet she created. She explained that she poured her heart into the pamphlet to showcase the magic of both Ghibli Park and her beloved films. Miura designed the three pamphlets to be read in any order, with a connected story weaving throughout. She hopes visitors will take one home as a special reminder of their experience.

Ghibli Park, which opened in Aichi Prefecture, Japan in November 2022, has quickly become a popular destination for fans of Studio Ghibli’s famous films. Instead of typical theme park rides, the park focuses on creating immersive experiences, letting visitors feel like they’ve stepped directly into the worlds of beloved movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.

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2026-02-12 05:10