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A recent scandal in the Japanese entertainment world may have delayed the release of the announced box set of the works of retired anime director Hayao Miyazaki, the latest offering from the production house he helped found, Studio Ghibli, is still on track for its planned July premiere. With the big day coming up fast, producers have released a short teaser of the anime film’s theme song, which is being performed by American folk singer Priscilla Ahn.

Ghibli’s upcoming When Marnie Was There is being directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. Much like Yonebayashi’s first directorial effort, The Secret World of Arrietty, When Marnie Was There (titled Omoide no Marnie in Japanese) is based on an English novel. Both films also feature theme songs sung by non-Japanese vocalists, as French Cecile Corbel performed “Arrietty’s Song” in both Japanese and English.

The 30-year-old Ahn, a native of the state of Georgia, recently appeared in a brief greeting to fans in Japan, giving them a taste of “Fine On The Outside,” the theme for When Marnie Was There.

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In the video, Ahn describes herself as a huge fan of Studio Ghibli’s films, as gushes that being chosen to be a part of their newest creation is “a dream come true.” She also reveals that she’ll be traveling to Japan for a series of in-person appearances to promote the anime.

When Marnie Was There opens on July 19 in Japan, but those craving a connection to anything and everything Ghibli-related can pick up the “Fine On The Outside” single on July 2.

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Source: Yahoo! Japan
Top image: When Marnie Was There
Insert images: YouTube, When Marnie Was There