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Studio Ghibli, the legendary Japanese animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, has transformed global perceptions of art and film through imaginative storytelling and an enchanting visual language grounded in carefully curated traditions and aesthetics. 

Crafted from centuries of history, both Eastern and Western, the worlds and characters created by Ghibli captivate audiences worldwide with each greatly anticipated new release. The majority of these settings are inspired by real-world locations, research, and conceptualisation. The Boy and the Heron is just the latest addition to this legacy of drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and cultural richness of various places. With the care and attention that goes into Studio Ghibli films, we’ll take a journey to explore some of the real-life locations that have influenced them and the artists involved in the creative process.

Shirakawa-go, Japan – Princess Mononoke (1997):

Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inspired the lush and mystical forest in Princess Mononoke. Shrouded in folklore, the village of Shirakawa-go is known for its distinctive traditional thatched-roof houses and breathtaking landscapes, mirroring the film’s wild yet serene setting.

A remote and picturesque village, the gassho-zukuri structures (capable of withstanding heavy snowfall) directly inspired the design of Princess Mononoke’s Iron Town, a pivotal location in the story, where iron smelting and industrialisation clash with the natural world.

Yakushima, Japan – Princess Mononoke (1997) and Ponyo (2008):

An island covered in ancient cedar forests, Yakushima, served as a reference point for both the primeval forest in Princess Mononoke and the charismatic underwater world in Ponyo.

The towering cedar trees, pristine rivers, and deep, mysterious woods of this region were a visual template for Princess Mononoke’s sprawling, spirit-inhabited forest.

While Ponyo primarily takes place underwater, the film was also influenced by the marine life and coastal beauty of Yaakushima. Vivid portrayals of local flora and fauna reflect the natural landscapes and biodiversity of the island and its surrounding waters.

Cornwall, United Kingdom – Howl’s Moving Castle (2004):

Cornwall’s charming coastal villages, rugged cliffs, and rolling hills offered ample inspiration for the fairy tale world depicted in Howl’s Moving Castle.

The moving castle and adjacent landscape, including Howl’s secluded home, the castle’s wandering through the sky, and the coastal town of Market Chipping, all drew from the unique and picturesque features of Cornwall’s landscapes.

With its idyllic, romantic atmosphere, connection to the sea, and natural beauty, the region’s distinctive character, architecture and scenery provided visual details for the film’s fantastical narrative.

Tokyo countryside and Sayama Hills, Japan – My Neighbor Totoro (1988):

The countryside near Tokyo, specifically the Sayama Hills area, offered a tranquil setting that perfectly matched the themes of My Neighbor Totoro, a portrayal of the timeless and harmonious relationship between humans and nature, which is a hallmark of Studio Ghibli’s storytelling.

Director Hayao Miyazaki and his team conducted extensive research in this region to capture the rural, sleepy atmosphere they wanted for the film. The hills known for their gentle, rolling landscapes and greenery provided a nostalgic backdrop for the adventures of the film’s young protagonists, Mei and Satsuki, and their encounters with the iconic Totoro forest spirit.

Giving an insight into rural upbringings, My Neighbor Totoro’s depiction of the family home, the camphor tree, and the mystical Catbus were all informed by the sights of this part of the Japanese countryside.

Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama, Japan – Spirited Away (2001):

The abandoned bathhouse found in Spirited Away took visual reference from the Dogo Onsen, a renowned hot spring bathhouse in Matsuyama, Japan. The intricate architecture and the sense of history found in Dogo Onsen are unmistakable in this beloved Ghibli film.

Spirited Away is a feast for the eyes across every frame and it stands out for being steeped in the historical and cultural significance of the bathhouse setting. Indeed, the ornate wooden structures, bathhouse attendants, and the traditional rituals that are referenced all closely mirror real traditions found in Dogo Onsen.

An enticing blend of realism and fantasy, Spirited Away drew from a wealth of inspiration, and the Dogo Onsen landmark provided a heady mix of history, tradition, and spirituality.

Juifen, Taiwan – Spirited Away (2001):

Winding streets and vibrant marketplaces abound in Jiufen, a town in Tawain, and this location gave a real-world basis for the bustling and mysterious streets of the shadow-hidden spirit world in Spirited Away.

Jiufen’s distinctive mix of narrow alleys, stone steps, red lanterns, and historic buildings mirror the bathhouse town uncovered in Spirited Away. Director Hayao Miyazaki and his team spent time location scouting in the area to gather inspiration and ideas for the aesthetic of the film.

The town’s traditional teahouses, lively markets, and lantern-lit evenings left a profound impression that was duly incorporated into the film’s richly detailed setting.

The Adriatic Sea, Italy – Porco Rosso (1992):

The Adriatic Sea, specifically the coast of Italy, was the backdrop for the daring escapades of the eponymous pig pilot in Porco Rosso.

Porco Rosso drew significant inspiration from the geography and atmosphere of this region in the Mediterranean. The coastal landscapes, the clear blue waters of the Adriatic, and the numerous small islands and villages are all incorporated into the film’s backgrounds and scenery.

From harbour scenes to Mediterranean-style buildings, the Adriatic Sea’s historical and cultural connection to seafaring, exploration, and adventure provided rich pickings for the film’s storyline, as well as its specific sense of time and place.

Studio Ghibli’s films are known for their ability to transport you to wholly immersive and imaginative worlds. Beneath the varied settings lie real-world inspirations that provide a sense of authenticity and a profound connection to nature and culture. This aligns with Ghibli’s over-arching themes of respecting and preserving the environment around us. Exploring the locations that have inspired Studio Ghibli movies allows us to appreciate the depth of creativity and artistic vision that goes into their realisation.