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.
Image adapted from: CBC News
During a reporting by CBC News, an eyebrow-raising passer–by 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.
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”.
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.
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
Interact with farm animals, and experience life-sized recreations of sets and popular characters from Shaun…
From seasonal blooms to millions of LED light on display, Nabana no Sato in Mie…
At Shiroi Koibito Park, you can take a peek at how the iconic Hokkaido souvenir…
Flaunt your anime ninja moves and try Naruto's favourite ramen at Shinobi Zato, a Naruto…
With English cottage-style shops and adorable animals, Yufuin Floral Village is the place to be…
One of Hokkaido's most iconic sightseeing spots, Farm Tomita comes alive in summer when rows…