STUDIO Ghibli films look set to get their first full theatrical release in China, beginning with Hayao Miyazaki’s “My Neighbor Totoro,” which is celebrating 30 years since it bowed in Japan.

“We’ve already sold the rights to ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ to our Chinese partner SCLA, but there are various processes they have to go through to release it in China; it’s in their hands now,” a spokesperson for Studio Ghibli’s foreign sales department said.

The film, which has recently been digitally restored, is set to be released toward the end of this year. The Chinese version will feature leading local actors dubbing the characters’ voices, according to the Mtime Chinese entertainment news site.

“My Neighbor Totoro” took only around US$6 million at the Japanese box office when it was released in 1998, but was critically acclaimed and has since become a cult favorite among anime fans and a huge merchandise franchise for Studio Ghibli. If the “My Neighbor Totoro” release is successful, Studio Ghibli plans to bow other classics from their back catalog in China. This year, for example, is also the 10th anniversary of Miyazaki’s “Ponyo.”

Miyazaki, 77, is working on what he insists will be his last feature. (SD-Agencies)