Funny News

Miyazaki Hayao Who Appeared On Ghibli Park’s Opening Day Turns Out To Be An Impersonator

Miyazaki Hayao at Ghibli Park


The much-anticipated Ghibli Park finally opened its doors on 1st November 2022, and its magical attractions weren’t the only thing that were making headlines. Miyazaki Hayao, co-founder of Studio Ghibli and director of many of its beloved films, caused a stir when he walked casually into the frame of a live news streaming.

As it turned out, the white-aproned figure was not the man of the hour, but an impersonator in a Miyazaki garb. 


Miyazaki Hayao seemingly sighted at Ghibli Park



Image adapted from: CBC News

During a reporting by CBC News, an eyebrow-raising passerby was captured on live television just as the cameraman was zooming in on the facade of Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse. 


The real Miyazaki Hayao.
Image credit: NHK

Donning a white apron and sauntering nonchalantly, the bespectacled person in question looked just like the famed Miyazaki Hayao so much so that the cameraman was momentarily stunned. During an interview which followed, he shared that he noticed an old man coming into the shot and mistook him for the Studio Ghibli director. 

Though flustered, he tried to keep his cool and focused on the live broadcast. Upon reviewing the footage afterwards, he expressed amusement at how clear the entire sequence was captured.


Turns out to be a comedian cosplaying as the director


Image credit: @takeshi_tsuruno

After the rare occurrence went viral on Twitter, it was revealed that the man is in fact a comedian who’s impersonating Miyazaki. Going by the stage name of Izumi Poo (いずみ包), the 47-year-old impersonator was sighted around the free area on the opening day. 

According to the same interview done by CBC News, Izumi Poo drove 6 hours from Saitama to Nagakute, where Ghibli Park is located. If that is not dedication, we don’t know what is. 


Izumi Poo (left) and Miyazaki Hayao (right).

Image adapted from: @poizm and Eiga Natalie

When asked about his thoughts on the newly opened facility, Izumi Poo replied that he wasn’t able to get his hands on the admission tickets – to which the interviewer quipped that the park’s ticket lottery system is so competitive that “even relatives are unable to secure one”. 

Image credit: @poizm

Thankfully, it shouldn’t be long before the comedian can immerse himself in the magical Ghibli world. On the same day, he revealed on a Twitter post that he will be working part time at the Grand Warehouse. 

Hopefully, this isn’t the last we’ll see of his Miyazaki cosplay. 


Miyazaki Hayao appears at Ghibli Park


Halloween may be over this year, but that certainly did not stop Izumi Poo from nailing the Miyazaki cosplay – from his costume and right down to the animator’s mannerism. Here’s hoping he can bring some of our favourite Ghibli characters to life next. 

Also check out:


Cover image adapted from: CBC News

Xiu Ting Wong

Recent Posts

Rosa & Berry Tawada: Indulge Your Secret Garden Fantasies With Shaun The Sheep In This English Garden

Interact with farm animals, and experience life-sized recreations of sets and popular characters from Shaun…

May 9, 2023

Nabana no Sato: Visit A Sea Of Illumination In This Seasonal Theme Park With Flowers & Lights Galore

From seasonal blooms to millions of LED light on display, Nabana no Sato in Mie…

May 9, 2023

Shiroi Koibito Park: Chocolate Factory In Sapporo To Live Out Your Willy Wonka Dreams IRL

At Shiroi Koibito Park, you can take a peek at how the iconic Hokkaido souvenir…

May 9, 2023

Shinobi Zato: Step Into The World Of Naruto & Boruto, & Eat Ichiraku Ramen For Real

Flaunt your anime ninja moves and try Naruto's favourite ramen at Shinobi Zato, a Naruto…

May 9, 2023

Yufuin Floral Village: A Hidden Slice Of England With Multiple Petting Zoos & Artisan Stalls

With English cottage-style shops and adorable animals, Yufuin Floral Village is the place to be…

May 8, 2023

Farm Tomita: Lavender Plantation With Colourful Flower Fields To Calm Your Soul

One of Hokkaido's most iconic sightseeing spots, Farm Tomita comes alive in summer when rows…

May 8, 2023