Studio Ghibli president and co-founder Tosho Suzuki has built a long career helping to create such iconic films as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle and The Boy and the Heron, among others. Now, he's lent his artistic talents to local onigiri maker Okawari Tokyo for new artwork that adds a distinct Studio Ghibli touch to the company's packaging.
According to PR Times, Okawari Tokyo invited famous producer and Studio Ghibli president Toshio Suzuki to illustrate the packaging for its new line of rice balls. The minimalist packaging features illustrations of anthropomorphic versions of everything one needs to make rice balls, such as spoons, rice cookers, cups and the product line's mascot, a perfectly shaped rice ball. correction. The illustration evokes memories of the underrated Studio Ghibli classic My Neighbors the Yamadas. Deviating from Ghibli's usual format, the film explores the mundanity of family through a humorous and absurd lens, with doodle-style illustrations that are a touching tribute to what happened. in the Yamada family.
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Toshio Suzuki of Studio Ghibli designed the artwork for the new Onigiri line
Okawari Tokyo produces Omusubi Gochiso ni Naru Oshio, which means “Salt makes rice balls delicious.” Supervised by Kana SUGAmoto of “Travel Omusubi Shop” (omusubi are stuffed rice balls), she traveled across Japan to research how omusubi are made across the country, investigating the intersection of culture and origin. data in 47 provinces of the country. Under Kana's supervision, Okawari Tokyo created the “Osio makes omusubi” prototype, with the final product being an original blend of fiber-rich and mineral-rich akamoku seaweed. This is further enhanced by the smoking process, which gives the food an “aromatic flavor as if cooked in a kamado” (the latter is a traditional wood-burning or charcoal stove).
The unique feature of this dish is that salt is used to create a special flavor for onigiri. Originating from the Kakebuchigawa River and the Awanogawa River, the flow of both rivers creates a brackish water area where river water and sea water meet. The resulting salt imparts a distinct umami flavor. Under the direction of yuzen, the Japanese salt master, traditional techniques are used to purify and adjust mineral balance. Many people believe that modern seawater contains high levels of magnesium, which makes salt taste bitter; It is the yuzen's responsibility to eliminate this bitterness. Tenchi-gaeshi, or turning the pot upside down, is used because the minerals contained in salt, such as calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium, crystallize at different times, requiring the yuzen cook to pay careful attention and mix minerals to achieve a balanced flavor. .
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Studio Ghibli employees have previously lent their artistic talents to charity and landscaping events
This isn't the first time Studio Ghibli employees have lent their whimsy and charm to outside projects. Goro Miyazaki, son of famous director Hayao Miyazaki and also a successful director, recently drew a pitiful-looking Howl's Moving Castle-inspired dog as the mascot for the show from Nippon TV's 24-hour special. The theme of the special episode is “Can love save the earth?” Heen replied in design, “I don't know. What do you think?” The design will be printed on t-shirts and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity.
Goro also had a hand in creating Ghibli Park, applying his construction and landscaping experience starting in the planning phase in 2017. Ghibli Park recently completed construction, with the The final zone, Witch Valley, will open in March. New updates to the park include the addition of Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron attractions in the Ghibli Grand Warehouse.
Source: Okawari Tokyo via PR Times