Nelson Morales

Bringing Japan closer: Ghibli-inspired Lantern Festival lights up Filipino imagination

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<p>MANILA <strong>(UPDATED) </strong>—  As a heartfelt tribute to Japanese culture, the recent Ghibli-inspired Lantern Festival transformed the local space into a pocket of Japan. </p><p>Among the festival&#x27;s standout features is a wishing card wall, where guests pen their dreams, gratitude, and messages, echoing the tradition of ema plaques at Shinto shrines. </p><p>The iconic red torii gate commands attention, a familiar symbol of spiritual passage carefully assembled by dedicated workers despite the setbacks of the rainy season.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wmviBI_iT_Q?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>Led by Kathly Badiola and Jordanne Nuguid of ZÈLO Design and Build, the event layout was meticulously conceptualized to spark wonder and cultural appreciation. </p><p>&#x27;The booths, inspired by the clean lines of the Eames House, were deliberately designed with minimalism in mind, giving merchants the freedom to style their spaces creatively. </p><p>“The concept is Japan-inspired,” Badiola shared. “We’re fans of the culture, so the goal was to recreate a bit of that experience here in the Philippines.”</p><p>Despite production challenges from unpredictable weather, the team completed the installations in just two weeks.</p><p>“This is for those who’ve never been to Japan,” Badiola added. “We wanted to bring the experience to them, make it feel alive, exciting, and immersive for every Ghibli fan.”</p><p>With vibrant visuals and deep cultural meaning, the Ghibli x Lantern Festival proves that even across borders, the enchantment of Studio Ghibli and the spirit of Japanese tradition can resonate in the heart of every Filipino. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/6/18/ghibli-fest-celebrates-art-community-and-childhood-wonder-1425" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ghibli Fest celebrates art, community, and childhood wonder</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/6/6/studio-ghibli-marks-40-years-but-future-looks-uncertain-1418" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Studio Ghibli marks 40 years, but future looks uncertain</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kP7_8Danjdo?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KrRK6Uhc6vY?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Bringing Japan closer to home: The Ghibli inspired Lantern Festival lights up the Filipino imagination</p>

Bringing Japan closer to home: The Ghibli inspired Lantern Festival lights up the Filipino imagination

Bringing Japan closer: Ghibli-inspired Lantern Festival lights up Filipino imagination

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Bringing Japan closer: Ghibli-inspired Lantern Festival lights up Filipino imagination

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Franchette Noreen Castro

Published June 21, 2025 02:00 PM PHT

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Updated June 28, 2025 10:30 AM PHT

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Ghibli x Lantern Festival

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