I was blessed to have an opportunity to visit Singapore’s first ever Studio Ghibli exhibition, running from now till February 2025, the other day.
Before I had even entered the exhibition, I was greeted by a sculpture from Ponyo, a 2008 fantasy adventure movie, depicting one of the most iconic scenes from the film.
Photo: Odelia Cera Lim
Like the sculpture that portrayed Ponyo cruising through fishes that mimicked waves, walking through the entrance of the exhibition, I was quite literally hit with a wave of nostalgia that flooded my sense of self through reconnecting with my inner child.
Walking through the doors, the vibrant colors of the walls plastered with posters of every movie made by the production company, as well as the whimsical music of the main soundtracks of the various Studio Ghibli films, immediately transported me back to my childhood.
Photo: Odelia Cera Lim
The exhibition was lined with beautifully crafted intricate displays of iconic scenes from popular Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service. 
Photo: Odelia Cera Lim
Photo: Odelia Cera Lim
With every step and turn I made; I was greeted by a multitude of artworks ranging from sculptures to hand drawn storyboards by Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki himself. All of which reunited me with my imagination that had shaped my formative years.
If you had to ask what truly struck me, I would say it was the chance to stand directly in one of my favorite Studio Ghibli scenes – Totoro’s Bus Stop.
Photo: Odelia Cera Lim
The soft rain sounds in the background, paired with the dimmed, twilight lighting, made me feel as though as I was starring in the film next to Totoro himself!
It was an overwhelming feeling of comfort and joy, and it felt like all the magic and warmth of the film had come to life and gave me a warm, tight hug.
At one point, an interactive station prompted visitors to draw the Susuwatri (Soot Sprite) from Spirited Away. Picking up a colored pencil, I sat down to create my own version of it.
As I colored and drew, I was filled with a much greater respect for the artists behind the popular 2001 film as I vicariously lived through their artistic process.
Photo: Odelia Cera Lim
By the time I reached the end of the exhibition, I was brimming with a bittersweet sense of nostalgia. These films, that had been a source of comfort during my younger years, suddenly felt even more meaningful now that I’m older.
With so many opportunities for photos and interactive stations, this exhibition is one that you surely don’t want to miss out on!