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Evangelion Creator’s Long-Lost Studio Ghibli Artwork Rediscovered After Nearly 40 Years

BBG News

An extraordinary piece of art from the Studio Ghibli studio, created by Hideaki Anno, has recently been found and is set to be displayed for the public in the near future.

According to the information provided, the image in question is an authentic design of the heavy cruiser Maya, created specifically for a project that Anno worked on as a primary animator before its debut in 1988. This artwork will be displayed at the Takahata Isao Exhibition: The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation, opening June 27 at Azabudai Hills Gallery and running through September 15. At the exhibition, Anno’s design of the Maya will be showcased alongside a cel based on a sketch, employing a painterly technique to achieve greater realism, reminiscent of fine art.

Rare Studio Ghibli Artwork Rediscovered for Grave of the Fireflies

At long last, Anno’s forgotten Studio Ghibli sketches will grace their first public display, featuring in a broader exhibition celebrating the 90th birthday of esteemed Japanese filmmaker Isao Takahata and the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II in the Pacific. Notably, Takahata collaborated frequently with Hayao Miyazaki, working on such projects as Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Pom Poko, and The Tale of Princess Kaguya.

If you’re planning to visit the exhibit during the workweek, you’ll receive a unique paper case showcasing exclusive designs made specifically for this event. Each day of the week, a distinct design among five will be distributed, which, upon opening, unveils an illustration of Isao Takahata skillfully drawn by Hisashi Ishi.

Though Hideaki Anno is primarily recognized for his work on the Evangelion series, it’s worth noting that this accomplished animator has had a lasting association with Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. He has been involved in various short films produced by the studio, which were screened at their museum in Tokyo. Moreover, Anno is recognized as an animator for Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Grave of the Fireflies. His collaboration with Studio Ghibli transcends animation; he lent his voice to the main character, Jiro Horikoshi, in one of their productions.

In a post-apocalyptic world, the Anno’s Neon Genesis Evangelion saga centers around a team of adolescents battling destructive entities known as Angels. Their mission is to save humanity from these threats using powerful mecha called Evangelions. The protagonist, Shinji Ikari, is a young man chosen by his father for this critical task. Initially perceived as a typical shonen-style mecha series, the original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series was acclaimed for its deep explorations into religion, psychology, and philosophy. The franchise has since expanded into various spin-offs, video games, books, and films due to its enduring popularity.

Lately, Anno has been involved in the production of 2023’s “New Kamen Rider,” a project that honors the golden anniversary of the initial “Kamen Rider” TV show which ran from 1971 to 1973. This is his third reinterpretation, following “New Godzilla” in 2016 and “New Ultraman” in 2022. “New Kamen Rider” earned over $16 million, making it the highest-grossing film in the “Kamen Rider” series.

At the Takahata Isao Exhibition, which opens at the Azabudai Hills Gallery on June 27, you’ll get to see Anno’s stunning artwork from “Grave of the Fireflies.

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2025-05-22 23:25

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