Family Films Set in Tokyo

Description: This Studio Ghibli classic follows two sisters who move to the countryside near Tokyo and encounter magical creatures. It's a heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and the beauty of nature.

Fact: The film was inspired by director Hayao Miyazaki's own childhood experiences. Totoro has become an iconic symbol in Japan, often seen in merchandise and even on public transport.

Description: Kiki, a young witch, moves to Tokyo to start her own delivery service, learning about independence, friendship, and the importance of community.

Fact: The film was inspired by a novel by Eiko Kadono, and Miyazaki added his own touches, including the character of Jiji, Kiki's talking cat. The city of Koriko, where Kiki lives, is modeled after Visby, Sweden, but with a Tokyo twist.

Description: A woman revisits her childhood memories while on a trip to rural Japan from Tokyo, exploring themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the passage of time.

Fact: This film was initially released in Japan in 1991 but didn't receive an English dub until

Description: A young girl in Tokyo discovers her passion for writing and music, exploring themes of creativity, love, and personal growth.

Fact: The film features the character of Baron, a cat figurine, who later appears in "The Cat Returns." It was directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, one of Miyazaki's protégés.

Description: After helping a cat, a young girl finds herself in a magical world of cats in Tokyo, learning about self-worth and the importance of being true to oneself.

Fact: This film is a spin-off from "Whisper of the Heart," featuring the same cat, Baron. It was directed by Hiroyuki Morita, who was trained by Hayao Miyazaki.

Description: A young boy befriends a magical fish princess in this enchanting tale set in a coastal town near Tokyo. It's a story about love, transformation, and the power of family bonds.

Fact: The character of Ponyo was inspired by the goldfish Miyazaki's daughter kept as a pet. The film's theme song was performed by the legendary Japanese singer, Fujioka Fujimaki.

Description: This film introduces us to the Borrowers, tiny people living secretly in a house in Tokyo. It's a story of friendship, courage, and the importance of understanding differences.

Fact: The film is based on the book "The Borrowers" by Mary Norton, but the setting was changed to Japan. The character of Arrietty was named after the author's great-granddaughter.

Description: Set in 1963 Tokyo, this film follows two high school students who work together to save their school's clubhouse, exploring themes of preservation, love, and the passage of time.

Fact: The film was co-written by Hayao Miyazaki and his son, Goro Miyazaki, who also directed it. It's based on a 1980s Japanese comic of the same name.

Description: While not strictly a family film, this Studio Ghibli production tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, an aircraft designer, set against the backdrop of pre-WWII Tokyo, focusing on dreams, love, and the impact of war on family life.

Fact: The film is a semi-biographical account of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane. It was Hayao Miyazaki's last feature film before his retirement.

Description: While not set in modern Tokyo, this film's themes of family, duty, and the search for identity resonate universally, making it a poignant addition to this collection.

Fact: The film is based on "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter," one of the oldest Japanese folktales. It was directed by Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, and uses a unique watercolor-like animation style.