Celebrating 20 Years of 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' with Mamoru Hosoda's Exhibition

The 20th Anniversary of 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' Exhibition

This month marks a significant milestone in the world of animation. On June 20, the exhibition titled "Mamoru Hosoda's Roots" opens at the CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO in Kyobashi, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the beloved film, "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time." The opening event held on June 19 featured renowned director Mamoru Hosoda alongside actor Shota Sometani, who has embodied characters in four of Hosoda's films. Both shared their insights on the magic of the animated works and their own creative journeys.

During the event, a lively talk session unfolded between Hosoda and Sometani. The actor recounted meaningful experiences from working on films such as "The Boy and the Beast," "Mirai," and "Belle." As they reflected on the impact of their collaborations, Sometani expressed gratitude for the enriching moments he spent under Hosoda’s direction. The director, in turn, reflected on how the success of “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” catalyzed his career, marking a defining point in his filmmaking journey.

Mamoru Hosoda's Reflections

In a heartfelt statement, Hosoda admitted this exhibition was a unique opportunity to look back at his creative origins, a practice he had not engaged in before now. He shared, “Producing this exhibition prompted me to think about how, even in uncertain times, I focused solely on creating quality content for the audience.” He emphasized the importance of storytelling and how revisiting his early works, including a self-produced animation made during his middle school years, was both humbling and necessary for this retrospective.
In his words, “I hope visitors can reflect on their own youth and enjoy the exhibition in their own ways.”

Insights from Shota Sometani

Actor Shota Sometani recounted his positive experiences working with Hosoda, expressing, “The time spent under his direction was a truly happy time for me as an actor.” He noted that the way Hosoda engages with his actors nurtured his growth. The different perspectives gathered from viewing the films as a child versus an adult brought fresh awareness of the generational storytelling present in Hosoda’s works, which he believes makes them universally appealing.
Publicity for the exhibition emphasizes this ability to engage audiences across ages, showcasing the director’s original thought processes and creative evolution.

Exhibition Highlights

At the exhibition, attendees can find the largest collection of creative materials dedicated to three key films: "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time," "Summer Wars," and "Wolf Children." It is organized into four main sections, each dedicated to a major work and earlier projects of Hosoda. The area for "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" features storyboards that reveal the creative blueprint behind the animation, showcasing the entire journey from storyboarding to layout, animation, and final artistic touches.
Moving to the "Summer Wars" section, visitors will encounter life-sized figures of iconic characters like King Kazuma and Love Machine, alongside action video displays that recreate the film's thrilling moments.
Meanwhile, the section focusing on works before "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" features debut presentations of Hosoda’s early works, including an animation he created in middle school, alongside paintings and noteworthy films from his university days.
Not to be missed, the area for "Wolf Children" showcases richly detailed production materials, including immersive visual setups that transport visitors to the breathtaking landscapes depicted in the film.

Additionally, the exhibition offers over 100 exclusive original goods for purchase and a themed café, the "OZ Cafe," which immerses visitors in the universe of "Summer Wars."

Looking Forward

The success of this exhibition has already sparked plans for its traveling show, which will also be featured in Osaka, Fukuoka, and finally Toyama from July 3 to September 5, 2027. These upcoming dates promise to bring the emotional resonance of Hosoda's works to even more fans across Japan.

Conclusion

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The ongoing relevance of films like "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" and Hosoda's artistic legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate with audiences. With reflections from both the director and his collaborators, the exhibition offers a promising lens into his inspirations and creative practices, reaffirming the profound impact his work has had on generations. Don't miss this extraordinary exhibition at CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO, a space designed to celebrate and explore the art of storytelling through animation and beyond.