In “Spirited Away,” one of the most memorable “characters” is No-Face. It is a mysterious and somewhat endearing presence, and it’s easy for Studio Ghibli fans to inadvertently develop feelings of wanting to “humanize” this character into something attractive. So, let’s take a moment to reflect on what No-Face truly represents. He is a …
By the way, Chihiro and Chisato-chan, your names differ by one (kanji) character,” he said teasingly. This happened during night at a camp I attended when I was ten years old. It’s a story from fourteen years ago now. At a campsite on the slopes of Mt. Akagi, a group of friends gathered to …
An Encounter in a Blank Period The film “Spirited Away” was released in the summer of 2001. At that time, I was still a university student, and I had just escaped from the research lab that spring. I lacked the hungry spirit to cling to my professor, pleading, ‘Let me study here.’ If the …
I wanted to draw a character that feels real. Interviewer: What were you thinking of doing as the animation director for this film? Ando: I wanted to draw characters that feel real. When we started making this film, Mr. Miyazaki told me that he wanted to depict an ordinary ten-year-old girl that you can …
Depicting the Inner Conflict of a Ten Year Old Girl Read More »
Spirited Away can be described as an adventure story, but it doesn’t rely on swinging weapons or power struggles. It’s not a typical tale of good versus evil. Instead, it takes place in a world where good and bad coexist harmoniously. Our protagonist is thrown into this ambiguous realm, where she undergoes training, learns …
When Kiki landed on the streets of the town she had chosen, holding her broom with a tense expression, and bowed her head, saying, “Please let me live in this town. Nice to meet you,” the reaction of the people passing by was almost indifferent, to the point of being cold. It even pained …
Interviewer: Compared to your previous films, is the depiction of daily life more significant in “Kiki’s Delivery Service”? Miyazaki: “Yes, it couldn’t be helped. That’s why the animation is also screaming. I’m screaming too, haha.” Interviewer: In portraying everyday life in this film, what is the most important thing? Miyazaki: “The most important thing …
Imagine someone unfamiliar with Earth – a Martian, perhaps – comes to us and asks, “It seems that the movies of a person named Hayao Miyazaki are quite popular in your world. What is so appealing about his movies?” How would you respond? Miyazaki’s works are all prototypically interesting, the themes are deep, and the …
The Symbolic Background of Laputa “Castle in the Sky” is fun to watch as the plot progresses, but there are messages and symbols embedded throughout that deepen the experience if you try to solve them. I’ve written this article as a hint for all readers. I’d be glad if you could lend your ear …
“What ‘Castle in the Sky’ aims for is a movie that first relaxes the hearts of young audiences, entertains, and delights them. Laughter and tears, genuine emotions, things currently considered the most ‘cheesy,’ yet, in reality, gives what audiences want the most, even if they don’t realize it themselves: selflessness towards others, friendship, and the …