• Visitors arrive at the Ghibli Warehouse after the opening of Ghibli Park in Nagakute, Japan, on November 1. AFP
    Visitors arrive at the Ghibli Warehouse after the opening of Ghibli Park in Nagakute, Japan, on November 1. AFP
  • The central staircase of Ghibli's Great Warehouse. AFP
    The central staircase of Ghibli's Great Warehouse. AFP
  • The Elevator Tower at the entrance of Ghibli Park. AFP
    The Elevator Tower at the entrance of Ghibli Park. AFP
  • The character No Face is seated on a train from the film 'Spirited Away' at Ghibli Park. AFP
    The character No Face is seated on a train from the film 'Spirited Away' at Ghibli Park. AFP
  • Visitors take pictures of the robot soldiers of 'Tenku no Niwa' at Ghibli's Great Warehouse. AFP
    Visitors take pictures of the robot soldiers of 'Tenku no Niwa' at Ghibli's Great Warehouse. AFP
  • A wooden Totoro-shaped statue called Dondoko-do in the Dondoko Forest. EPA
    A wooden Totoro-shaped statue called Dondoko-do in the Dondoko Forest. EPA
  • An exhibit from 'Spirited Away' at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. AFP
    An exhibit from 'Spirited Away' at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. AFP
  • The central stairs of Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. EPA
    The central stairs of Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. EPA
  • Inside Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. EPA
    Inside Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. EPA
  • One of the rooms at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse is inspired by the film 'Spirited Away'. EPA
    One of the rooms at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse is inspired by the film 'Spirited Away'. EPA
  • A small house at the 'Hill of Youth' area at Ghibli Park. EPA
    A small house at the 'Hill of Youth' area at Ghibli Park. EPA
  • Sitting on a train next to the character No Face from 'Spirited Away' at Ghibli Park. EPA
    Sitting on a train next to the character No Face from 'Spirited Away' at Ghibli Park. EPA
  • One of the rooms inside Ghibli's Grand Warehouse at Ghibli Park. EPA
    One of the rooms inside Ghibli's Grand Warehouse at Ghibli Park. EPA
  • An exhibition inside Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. Studio Ghibli / EPA
    An exhibition inside Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. Studio Ghibli / EPA
  • The entrance to Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. Studio Ghibli / EPA
    The entrance to Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. Studio Ghibli / EPA
  • The Hill of Youth area at Ghibli Park. Getty Images
    The Hill of Youth area at Ghibli Park. Getty Images
  • The Cat Bus from the film 'My Neighbor Totoro' in the Ghibli's Grand Warehouse area. Getty Images
    The Cat Bus from the film 'My Neighbor Totoro' in the Ghibli's Grand Warehouse area. Getty Images
  • A sign for the new Ghibli Park. AFP
    A sign for the new Ghibli Park. AFP
  • The Cat Bus from 'My Neighbor Totoro' at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. AFP
    The Cat Bus from 'My Neighbor Totoro' at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. AFP
  • A real-life size recreation of Satsuki and Mei's House from 'My Neighbor Totoro'. AFP
    A real-life size recreation of Satsuki and Mei's House from 'My Neighbor Totoro'. AFP
  • A shop at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse has Totoro soft toys. AFP
    A shop at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse has Totoro soft toys. AFP
  • A room in the Hill of Youth area at Ghibli Park. AFP
    A room in the Hill of Youth area at Ghibli Park. AFP
  • A gift shop in Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. AFP
    A gift shop in Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. AFP
  • An exhibit at Satsuki and Mei's House at Ghibli Park. AFP
    An exhibit at Satsuki and Mei's House at Ghibli Park. AFP
  • One of the exhibitions inside Satsuki and Mei's House from 'My Neighbor Tororo' at Ghibli Park. AFP
    One of the exhibitions inside Satsuki and Mei's House from 'My Neighbor Tororo' at Ghibli Park. AFP
  • A gift shop at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. AFP
    A gift shop at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. AFP
  • A tower at Ghibli Park. AFP
    A tower at Ghibli Park. AFP

News

Japan's Ghibli Park opens for fans of the animation studio

Three of the five main areas of the 17.5-acre theme park are now accepting visitors

Evelyn Lau
Evelyn Lau

November 02, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Japan’s highly anticipated Ghibli Park is now open.

The theme park, dedicated to the Japanese animation company production studio known for its films such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro and Howl’s Moving Castle, opened on Tuesday. It is in Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park, the former grounds of Expo 2005.

The park covers 17.5 acres and has five main themed areas based on different Studio Ghibli films: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, The Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches, although the last two are not open yet. All five areas of the park are expected to be open by spring 2024.

There is also a free playground based on The Cat Returns next to Mononoke Village.

A huge grinning Totoro welcomes visitors. Studio Ghibli / AFP
A huge grinning Totoro welcomes visitors. Studio Ghibli / AFP

“In the past three years, we have been in a very difficult situation due to Covid-19, but there was a great joy even in the midst of it … I feel that the opening of this exhibition at this time, when we are firmly facing and overcoming Covid-19, has a heavy meaning,” Koji Hoshino, chairman and president of Studio Ghibli, said during an event a few days before the park's official opening.

Its website tells visitors that “there are no big attractions or rides in Ghibli Park”. Instead, guests are encouraged to “take a stroll, feel the wind, and discover the wonders”.

Visitors can expect to see recreated sets from the animated films with Instagrammable backdrops such as sitting on the train with No Face from Spirited Away, running across waves with Ponyo or simply enjoying the children’s playroom with Cat Bus, one of the creatures from My Neighbor Totoro. There’s also a 170-person cinema that will show 10 short animations.

Tickets to visit the park can be bought only domestically and must be booked in advance for each area. From February, visitors will be allowed to buy a multi-pass ticket. Tickets for November have already sold out.

Japan reopens to tourists

It was announced last month that Japan would open to international tourism again. This means that travellers need to be vaccinated or have a Covid-19 negative test certificate, but authorities no longer require visitors to be part of an organised tour group and have lifted a cap on passenger numbers.

  • Foreign travellers arrive in Tokyo after Japan opened its doors to tourists after two-and-a-half years, owing to travel restrictions sparked by the Covid-19 outbreak. Reuters
    Foreign travellers arrive in Tokyo after Japan opened its doors to tourists after two-and-a-half years, owing to travel restrictions sparked by the Covid-19 outbreak. Reuters
  • Japan has fully reopened to vaccinated tourists after 30 months of restrictions. Photo: Unsplash / Alex Knight
    Japan has fully reopened to vaccinated tourists after 30 months of restrictions. Photo: Unsplash / Alex Knight
  • People wait for arriving travellers at Haneda International Airport. Reuters
    People wait for arriving travellers at Haneda International Airport. Reuters
  • Passengers arrive at Haneda International Airport as Japan welcomes tourists again. Reuters
    Passengers arrive at Haneda International Airport as Japan welcomes tourists again. Reuters
  • International passengers arrive at Tokyo's Haneda Airport after two-and-a-half years of Covid-19 restrictions in Japan. AFP
    International passengers arrive at Tokyo's Haneda Airport after two-and-a-half years of Covid-19 restrictions in Japan. AFP
  • A traveller gets assistance at an information counter at the international terminal of Tokyo's Haneda Airport. AFP
    A traveller gets assistance at an information counter at the international terminal of Tokyo's Haneda Airport. AFP
  • Unmasked people have food and drinks outdoors in Omoide Yokocho in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. AFP
    Unmasked people have food and drinks outdoors in Omoide Yokocho in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. AFP
  • Face masks are likely to remain in most indoor places in Japan. AFP
    Face masks are likely to remain in most indoor places in Japan. AFP
  • People visit the Meiji Shrine, a popular tourist spot, in Tokyo. AFP
    People visit the Meiji Shrine, a popular tourist spot, in Tokyo. AFP
  • Tourists walk at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. AFP
    Tourists walk at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. AFP
  • Dancers perform in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most famous tourist spots. Getty Images
    Dancers perform in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most famous tourist spots. Getty Images
  • An employee waits for customers outside a restaurant in Tokyo. Getty Images
    An employee waits for customers outside a restaurant in Tokyo. Getty Images
  • Women in rental kimonos walk through the Asakusa area in Tokyo, Japan. Getty Images
    Women in rental kimonos walk through the Asakusa area in Tokyo, Japan. Getty Images
  • Thai travellers check in for their trip to Osaka and Tokyo, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan province, Thailand. AP Photo
    Thai travellers check in for their trip to Osaka and Tokyo, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan province, Thailand. AP Photo
How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Most%20polluted%20cities%20in%20the%20Middle%20East
%3Cp%3E1.%20Baghdad%2C%20Iraq%3Cbr%3E2.%20Manama%2C%20Bahrain%3Cbr%3E3.%20Dhahran%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%3Cbr%3E4.%20Kuwait%20City%2C%20Kuwait%3Cbr%3E5.%20Ras%20Al%20Khaimah%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E6.%20Ash%20Shihaniyah%2C%20Qatar%3Cbr%3E7.%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E8.%20Cairo%2C%20Egypt%3Cbr%3E9.%20Riyadh%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%3Cbr%3E10.%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%202022%20World%20Air%20Quality%20Report%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MOST%20POLLUTED%20COUNTRIES%20IN%20THE%20WORLD
%3Cp%3E1.%20Chad%3Cbr%3E2.%20Iraq%3Cbr%3E3.%20Pakistan%3Cbr%3E4.%20Bahrain%3Cbr%3E5.%20Bangladesh%3Cbr%3E6.%20Burkina%20Faso%3Cbr%3E7.%20Kuwait%3Cbr%3E8.%20India%3Cbr%3E9.%20Egypt%3Cbr%3E10.%20Tajikistan%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%202022%20World%20Air%20Quality%20Report%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.

The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.

Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.

However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.

Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Envi%20Lodges%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeptember%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Noelle%20Homsy%20and%20Chris%20Nader%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hospitality%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%20to%2015%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStage%20of%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Plastic tipping point
Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

While you're here
BIOSAFETY LABS SECURITY LEVELS

Biosafety Level 1

The lowest safety level. These labs work with viruses that are minimal risk to humans.

Hand washing is required on entry and exit and potentially infectious material decontaminated with bleach before thrown away.

Must have a lock. Access limited. Lab does not need to be isolated from other buildings.

Used as teaching spaces.

Study microorganisms such as Staphylococcus which causes food poisoning.

Biosafety Level 2

These labs deal with pathogens that can be harmful to people and the environment such as Hepatitis, HIV and salmonella.

Working in Level 2 requires special training in handling pathogenic agents.

Extra safety and security precautions are taken in addition to those at Level 1

Biosafety Level 3

These labs contain material that can be lethal if inhaled. This includes SARS coronavirus, MERS, and yellow fever.

Significant extra precautions are taken with staff given specific immunisations when dealing with certain diseases.

Infectious material is examined in a biological safety cabinet.

Personnel must wear protective gowns that must be discarded or decontaminated after use.

Strict safety and handling procedures are in place. There must be double entrances to the building and they must contain self-closing doors to reduce risk of pathogen aerosols escaping.

Windows must be sealed. Air from must be filtered before it can be recirculated.

Biosafety Level 4

The highest level for biosafety precautions. Scientist work with highly dangerous diseases that have no vaccine or cure.

All material must be decontaminated.

Personnel must wear a positive pressure suit for protection. On leaving the lab this must pass through decontamination shower before they have a personal shower.

Entry is severely restricted to trained and authorised personnel. All entries are recorded.

Entrance must be via airlocks.

Roll%20of%20Honour%2C%20men%E2%80%99s%20domestic%20rugby%20season
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWest%20Asia%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Bahrain%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Jebel%20Ali%20Dragons%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%201%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%202%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%20III%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDubai%20Sevens%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
No more lice

Defining head lice

Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.

Identifying lice

Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.

Treating lice at home

Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.

Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital

EMIRATES'S%20REVISED%20A350%20DEPLOYMENT%20SCHEDULE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEdinburgh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20November%204%20%3Cem%3E(unchanged)%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBahrain%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20November%2015%20%3Cem%3E(from%20September%2015)%3C%2Fem%3E%3B%20second%20daily%20service%20from%20January%201%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EKuwait%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20November%2015%20%3Cem%3E(from%20September%2016)%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMumbai%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%201%20%3Cem%3E(from%20October%2027)%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAhmedabad%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%201%20%3Cem%3E(from%20October%2027)%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColombo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202%20%3Cem%3E(from%20January%201)%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMuscat%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3E%20%3C%2Fem%3EMarch%201%3Cem%3E%20(from%20December%201)%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ELyon%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20March%201%20%3Cem%3E(from%20December%201)%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBologna%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20March%201%20%3Cem%3E(from%20December%201)%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20Emirates%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: June 08, 2023, 7:53 AM
Japan