Discover Ghibli
Welcome! We offer translations from Japanese authors and books, focusing on your beloved Ghibli movies. Prepare to gain a fresh perspective on the world’s leading animation studio!
Naucisaa
In a post-apocalyptic world, Princess Nausicaä fights for peace among warring nations and for coexistence with massive insects. Her quest unravels the truth behind the Earth’s toxic jungle environment.
Castle in the Sky
Orphan boy Pazu meets girl Sheeta who possesses a magical crystal. Together, they embark on an adventure, dodging military and sky pirates, to find the legendary floating castle, Laputa.
Grave of the Fireflies
In the final months of World War II in Japan, young siblings Seita and Setsuko struggle for survival, demonstrating the devastating human toll of war and societal indifference to suffering.
My Neighbor Totoro
Sisters Satsuki and Mei move to the countryside with their father to be near their ailing mother. They encounter Totoro, a friendly forest spirit, and share magical adventures that help them cope.
Kiki's Delivery
Kiki, a young witch, moves to a new town as part of her training. She starts a delivery service, experiences personal growth, and navigates the struggles of independence, friendship, and self-doubt.
Only Yesterday
Taeko, a single woman from Tokyo, takes a trip to the countryside, triggering memories from her childhood. Reflecting on her past, she navigates life decisions, self-identity, and unfulfilled dreams in adulthood.
Porco Rosso
Porco Rosso, a World War I ace pilot cursed to look like a pig, battles sky pirates in the Adriatic Sea, wrestles with his past, and grapples with love and existential questions.
Ocean Waves
Ocean Waves is a high school love triangle between Taku, his best friend Yutaka, and a new girl, Rikako. The story explores friendship, adolescence, and the complexities of love and jealousy.
Pom Poko
Pom Poko follows a community of magical shape-shifting raccoons battling to protect their forest home from urban development, exploring themes of environmental conservation, tradition, and the cost of modernization.
Whisper of the Heart
Whisper of the Heart follows young Shizuku as she meets Seiji, a boy who dreams of becoming a violin maker. Their relationship spurs Shizuku’s self-discovery, passion for writing, and aspirations.
Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke portrays the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a forest and humans who need its resources. Prince Ashitaka mediates, exploring themes of nature, technology, and the cost of conflict.
My Neighbors, the Yamadas
My Neighbors, the Yamadas uses episodic, humorous vignettes to depict the daily lives of the quirky Yamada family. It explores themes of familial love, individuality, and the beauty in ordinary life.
Spirited Away
Spirited Away follows young Chihiro trapped in a spiritual realm. Working at a bathhouse, she navigates this world of spirits and monsters, seeking to free herself and her parents, learning bravery and self-reliance.
The Cat Returns
The Cat Returns follows Haru, a girl who saves a cat and is involuntarily engaged to a cat prince in a magical kingdom. She navigates this strange realm with the help of a dapper cat, Baron.
Howl's Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castle tells the tale of Sophie, cursed to become an old woman. She encounters a handsome wizard, Howl, and gets involved in his magical adventures, finding love and self-confidence along the way.
Tales from Earthsea
Tales from Earthsea follows Arren, a troubled prince, who allies with wizard Sparrowhawk to confront a sinister power causing imbalance in their world. They explore themes of balance, identity, and redemption.
Ponyo
Ponyo, a goldfish princess, befriends a human boy, Sosuke, and desires to become human herself. Their friendship upsets the balance of nature, leading to a series of fantastical and heartwarming events.
Arriety
Arrietty, a tiny person known as a “Borrower”, lives secretly with her family in a human home. When discovered by a human boy, their friendship tests the secretive existence of the Borrowers.
From Up on Poppy Hill
Up on Poppy Hill centers around Umi and Shun, two high school students in post-war Yokohama, striving to save their school’s clubhouse from demolition while unraveling a shared, surprising past.
The Wind Rises
The Wind Rises is a biographical drama about Jiro Horikoshi, a designer of WWII Japanese fighter planes. The film explores his passion for flight, love story, and the moral complexities of his work.
Princess Kaguya
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya follows a tiny girl discovered inside a bamboo shoot. As she mysteriously grows into a beautiful woman, she grapples with human experiences, noble life, and her true origin.
When Marnie Was There
When Marnie Was There follows Anna, an introverted, adopted girl sent to the countryside for health reasons. She befriends the mysterious Marnie and uncovers profound family connections and her own sense of belonging.
How Do You Live?
Adapted from Genzaburo Yoshino’s 1937 novel, ‘How Do You Live?’ follows a 15-year-old boy, Koperu, experiencing spiritual growth, poverty, and humanity, guided by his uncle, within a fantastical adventure drama setting.
Studio Ghibli Shorts
ABOUT THIS SITE
Hey there, I’m Tom, the creator of this website. I noticed there wasn’t a whole lot of information on the web on Studio Ghibli films that would explain the deeper meaning of a film, how they were made, the challenges faced, etc. There were, however, a lot in Japanese without an English translation.
So, I decided to fill that gap with this website.
I hope all Ghibli fans explore more about the Ghibli world here and get something out of it. I’ll be adding a new translation every week and will post any updates in the Blog section.
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
Tom
questions?
If you have any questions or comments, please leave it here!