Studio Ghibli takes center stage at U of I’s AsiaPOP! symposium starting Aug. 25

MOSCOW, Idaho — Studio Ghibli comes to life at University of Idaho with AsiaPOP!, a multiday celebration of the iconic Japanese animation studio’s influence on Asia and the world. AsiaPOP! events run Monday, Aug. 25, through Friday, Sept. 12, and include speakers from the animation industry and the academy, as well as cultural exhibits and activities, a musical performance and screenings of Ghibli’s beloved films. All events are free and open to the public.

Speakers include:

• Steve Alpert, former senior executive at Studio Ghibli, instrumental in bringing Ghibli films to the U.S. and the world.
• Kaitlyn Ugoretz, instructor and associate editor at Nanzan University in Japan.
• Lien Fan Shen, professor of animation at University of Utah.
• Sixth Station Trio, a professional violin, cello and piano trio based in San Francisco.

AsiaPOP! Studio Ghibli is sponsored by the U of I Habib Institute for Asian Studies. Co-sponsors are the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Art and Architecture, and the Lionel Hampton School of Music.

The schedule is as follows:  

Monday, Aug. 25, through Friday, Sept. 12

• “Ghibli and the Natural World” exhibit and a life-size, Insta-ready Totoro, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, ISUB Reflections Gallery

Tuesday, Aug. 26  

• “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988) film screening, 7 p.m., Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, 508 S. Main St.

Thursday, Aug. 28

• Gallery exhibit opening reception, 4-5:30 p.m., ISUB Reflections Gallery. Refreshments served.

Tuesday, Sept. 2  

• “Grave of the Fireflies” (1988) film screening, 7 p.m., Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, 508 S. Main St.

Thursday, Sept. 4

• Ghibli cosplay contest and Asian Studies Library open house, 3-5 p.m., Administration Building 204. For contest rules, email class-asia@uidaho.edu.

Monday, Sept. 8

• Totoro origami with the Japan Club, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., ISUB

Tuesday, Sept. 9

• “Pom Poko” (1994) film screening, 7 p.m., Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, 508 S. Main St.

Wednesday, Sept. 10:

• Lien Fan Shen (University of Utah) lecture and workshop, “From ‘Nausicaä’ to Manga Aesthetics,” 3:30 p.m., ISUB Clearwater-Whitewater Room. Bring sketch pad and drawing tools.
• Sixth Station Trio concert, “The Music of Studio Ghibli,” 7 p.m., Administration Building Auditorium. This is an ASUI Centennial Fine Arts Endowment event.

Thursday, Sept. 11:

• Kaitlyn Ugoretz (Nanzan University) lecture, “Miyazaki is My Religion: Studio Ghibli and Spirituality,” 2 p.m., ISUB Clearwater-Whitewater Room
• Steve Alpert (former senior executive at Studio Ghibli) lecture, “Studio Ghibli: Who’s the Audience?” 4 p.m., Clearwater-Whitewater Room

MEDIA NOTE: Professor Jeff Kyong-McClain, director of the Habib Institute, is available to speak to reporters, as is Jill Kyong, art director. All sessions are open to reporters. Speakers may be available for interview upon request. Email jeffkm@uidaho.edu to inquire.

Media contact

Jeff Kyong-McClain
Habib Institute for Asian Studies director 
University of Idaho 
jeffkm@uidaho.edu