Yuka’s blog

　 Great news for Ghibli fans — Ghibli Park in Aichi, Japan will open at night for the first time on August 2, 9, and 16, 2025. Three areas (Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches) will stay open until 8 PM. Visitors can enjoy beautiful night lights, Bon Odori dancing, and even a drone show. 　Ghibli Park has already brought over 2.8 million visitors a year and had a big economic impact on the local area. Studio Ghibli is also hugely popular overseas, with Oscar-winning films and hit stage plays in London. 　Opening the park at night makes it even more magical and attractive. It’s likely to increase visitors and bring greater economic benefits, while also sharing Ghibli’s charm with more people around the world.

Have you seen that fluffy little monster with sharp teeth called Labubu? It’s a super cute character from China, and it’s everywhere right now! Labubu is part of the “POP MART” series, and its popularity is exploding. It’s not just a toy—it’s an economic force. Sales are skyrocketing, and the company’s value has reached billions. Labubu has collaborated with fashion brands and celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and it even appeared in global auctions. It’s also getting big in Japan, with stores opening at places like Narita Airport.  What impressed me most was how a single designer could create something that turned into a global phenomenon. It made me realize how powerful character design can be—not just as art, but as business. It’s not just about being cute—it’s about building a brand that people connect with. I found it both inspiring and thought-provoking. https://36kr.jp/350902/

  At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Japan Pavilion features a special exhibit called “Algae Kitty.” It shows 32 Hello Kitty figures designed to look like different types of algae. Each Kitty has a unique shape and color, making the exhibit fun and eye-catching.  The goal is to teach visitors about the many uses of algae – from food and fuel to plastics and medicine. By using Hello Kitty, a familiar and beloved character, the exhibit makes science and sustainability easier to understand.  This kind of approach is fresh and creative. It grabs attention and spreads awareness in a fun way. I think it’s a smart and effective way to promote environmental ideas.

  In June 2025, a Japanese news program highlighted growing tensions between U.S. universities and President Trump over his restrictive immigration policies. At Harvard University, students protested his stance by wearing caps reading “Protect International Students” during graduation. The policy stems from Trump’s “America First” agenda, with increased scrutiny on students from Islamic and communist countries. He has criticized elite schools for being too influenced by foreign nations. As a result, many international students—including those from Japan—now face visa uncertainties and career setbacks, raising concerns about academic freedom and global exchange. Knowing that people our age are directly affected by these policies makes it feel far from someone else’s problem. It’s a reminder that international issues can have a very personal impact. https://youtu.be/KE-6JxvKnOM?si=us_5QprzaI-insLr