Emerging Mobility Technologies Emerging Post-Expo
The Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park has undergone a remarkable transformation, now showcasing a new face as Ghibli Park, which opened its doors in November 2022. This metamorphosis echoes the ideals of Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda, who played a pivotal role in the Aichi Expo and championed the concept of pioneering new types of mobility that emphasize innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.
Ghibli Park, inspired by the renowned Studio Ghibli films, embodies Toyoda's legacy by embracing not only advanced mobility technologies but also creating experiential spaces that harmonize technology with culture and nature. The park's new forms of mobility, such as the APM (Accessible People Mover) Cat Bus and the e-Palette, embody this vision by pushing forward low-emission, user-friendly, and inclusive transport solutions that connect people with the environment in thoughtful ways.
The APM Cat Bus, modeled after the cat bus from the film My Neighbor Totoro, is a low-speed, short-distance Battery Electric Vehicle. This environmentally-friendly transportation option is just one of the ways Ghibli Park maintains harmony with the natural surroundings, as the park also features facilities based on famous Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke.
Visitors to Ghibli Park are guided by Goro Miyazaki, a member of Studio Ghibli, who ensures that the park captures Miyazaki's sense of fun and his attitude toward nature. Miyazaki emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural environment, stating that without it, Ghibli Park would not exist.
Meanwhile, in Toyota City, a ceremony was held to honour the lifetime achievements of Kiichiro, the father of Honorary Chairman Shoichiro. Akio, the representative of the Toyoda family, attended the ceremony and spoke to the children who will take on the future, encouraging them to carry forward the spirit of technological progress combined with environmental consciousness and community engagement.
The e-Palette carried out demonstration tests from January to February 2023, and the APM Cat Buses will begin operating on March 16, 2023. The legacy of Shoichiro Toyoda's ideals can still be seen in the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, located in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture.
As Ghibli Park continues to evolve, it serves as a testament to Toyoda's vision for the future of mobility and culture, blending innovation with sustainability and nurturing new concepts designed to transform both urban environments and public experiences.
- The APM Cat Bus, an environmentally-friendly vehicle modeled after the character from My Neighbor Totoro, is part of Ghibli Park's efforts to integrate technology and nature, demonstrating the park's commitment to innovation and sustainability, a legacy that echoes Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda's ideals.
- Beyond the entertainment industry, Ghibli Park also pioneers advancements in transportation, showcasing low-emission, user-friendly, and inclusive solutions like the e-Palette, emphasizing Toyota's influence in the technology and finance sectors, as championed by Shoichiro Toyoda.
