My love letter to Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki
The day I decided to watch a Studio Ghibli movie was the day my life changed forever. Although I’d been watching since I was three, I wasn’t really conscious of the decision until one day when I was six. I was set to sleep over at my grandparent’s place so we went to the library to pick out a DVD. While scanning the kids section, I came across the cutest cover of a girl, a cat, and a handsome boy leaning out of a window. I knew it would be a good movie so we got it, and that is how Whisper of The Heart became my favourite film ever. Since then, I’ve become consciously enamoured and borderline obsessed with Studio Ghibli movies. It’s been almost 15 years now and I have made these movies my entire personality.
Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio that was started by three men, the most important for me being Hayao Miyazaki, who also acts as a director and writer. The studio has released 23 movies to date, such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbour Totoro. If you haven’t seen any yet, I highly recommend you do! There is something extremely addictive about these movies. The landscapes are gorgeously full of rich colours, beautiful architecture and foliage, and pristine detail. Paired with incredible music from incredible composers, it’s a recipe for perfect movies every time. That being said, maybe more important than the award-winning animation and soundtracks are the stories and characters.
While the stories are seemingly simple, talking about life and love, the deeper you go, the more profound the narrative becomes. It’s clear Miyazaki is dedicated to filmmaking and his young audience. He says he must be fair with children, that life is not all perfect, yet: “I would like to make a film to tell children ‘it’s good to be alive.’” I think everyone should watch a Studio Ghibli film, especially for the characters. The characters are powerful. They each embark on a journey of self discovery, self-love, and an appreciation for the world around them. Miyazaki writes real people, imperfect yet strong. I think everyone can find themselves in someone, from Shizuku to Howl, Ashitaka to Kiki, Fio, Chihiro, you name it.
It’s an incredible privilege to have such inspiring characters and powerful storylines at our fingertips. There is something about watching lives play out on screen that makes us want to connect with the screen, with our loved ones, and with ourselves. I think the reason films like those from Studio Ghibli have such an impact on us is the validation of connection. I personally find it comforting to see characters struggling yet persevering. In my times of desperation, happiness, sadness, you name it, I simply put on Studio Ghibli and suddenly, I’m okay. To you dear reader, watch a Studio Ghibli movie if you haven’t. It might change your life. To Hayao Miyazaki, thank you for changing mine for the better, and thank you for coming out of retirement for one more movie: How Do You Live (2026).
Studio Ghibli’s How Do You Live News & Updates: Everything We Know (screenrant.com)
Hayao Miyazaki Quotes (Author of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Vol. 1) | Goodreads
