Studio Ghibli’s New Year Art Introduces COVID Character Created By Miyazaki
Image via Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli has ushered in the new year with an eye-catching illustration drawn by Hayao Miyazaki himself.
To honor 2021 as the Year of the Ox, Miyazaki drew a striking image of the animal, who appears to be smiling.
Its hooves, however, seem to be squashing a purple character, which, according to Miyazaki, is his interpretation of the coronavirus. The mask-wearing purple creature has spikes all over and seems to be struggling under the animal’s weight.
The illustration is accompanied with a message expressing a wish for the new year to bring in hope and light to fans.
“We would like to extend our sincere greetings to all of you, and thank you for always supporting Studio Ghibli,” the message reads. “There will be many people celebrating the New Year differently from usual years. Above all, medical professionals will be devoted to treating infected patients, regardless of it being the end-of-year holiday period. We would like to express our deepest respect and profound gratitude.”
The Studio Ghibli museum has also published a New Year illustration on its website, but this time, it was drawn by Miyazaki’s son, Goro.
The drawing shows the main characters from Earwig and the Witch, as well as various puppets, a nod to his upcoming project with the museum. The note that comes with the drawing reads, “Thank you for supporting the Ghibli museum throughout last year. We sincerely hope that 2021 will be a happy year for all of you.”
明けましておめでとうございます。スタジオジブリの公式Twitterを始めます。作品情報や、スタジオのこぼれ話などをお伝えしていきます。どうぞよろしくお願いします。https://t.co/0RLxighncb pic.twitter.com/zkd9ZeWpXu
— STUDIO GHIBLI (@JP_GHIBLI) December 31, 2020
あけましておめでとうございます。21年は1月15日（金）より開館予定です。本年もよろしくお願いいたします。 pic.twitter.com/09oxelMwYQ
— 三鷹の森ジブリ美術館 (@GhibliML) January 1, 2021
[via SoraNews24, cover image via Studio Ghibli]
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