It’s no secret that Studio Ghibli films are some of the most escapist films. From their beautiful storytelling to their picturesque scenes, Hayao Miyazaki’s films will have you itching to explore the castle from ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ and wanting to experience the feeling of KiKi riding on her broom in ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’.

Co-founded by Miyazaki in 1985, Studio Ghibli became a hit in Japan. Its popularity spread internationally and it soon became one of the most influential animation studios in the world. Ghibli built a reputation for critical acclaim and even achieved box office success with its movies ‘My Neighbor Totoro,’ ‘Princess Mononoke,’ and ‘Spirited Away,’ which won the Oscar for ‘Best Animated Feature’ in 2003.

Besides the stunning visuals and charming narratives, there is another aspect of Ghibli films that is often a major scene-stealer – the food. From hot steaming ramen, scrumptious looking bentos, to mouthwatering hearty breakfasts, Ghibli’s unique take on food animation is a spiritual experience. 

It’s no secret that Miyazaki has a fondness for food; in fact, it’s hard to overlook the detail and passion that goes into making food look so appetising in animation. Recently, the studio shared its secret to making food look so appetising and delicious. 

In an online Q&A, Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki revealed the inspiration behind the meals when one fan asked, “Why is it that all the food that appears in Studio Ghibli movies always looks so delicious?” The answer? “It’s because it’s all food that Miyazaki himself has actually made,” Suzuki wrote. So each food option we have seen on screen, be it the herring pie, onigiri, ramen, or even Ponyo’s luscious honey milk, are all inspired by the tasty meals Miyazaki has had and made himself. 

Miyazaki explains in ‘Starting Point’ (2009) – a volume of essays and interviews – that anime is a fine line between fiction and reality; animators “must fabricate a life that seems so real… [that] the world depicted might possibly exist,” thus the detailed process of drawing food and its portrayal is necessary.

The food of Studio Ghibli is so notable that it actually had its own exhibition in 2017 called ‘Delicious! Animating Memorable Meals’. The event celebrated the beauty and cultural significance of the culinary moments in the films, such as Chihiro shedding tears of relief eating a rice ball received from Haku in ‘Spirited Away’. The event description said: “Food that is still warm, that looks soft and tender, with the wonderful flavour showing on the faces of those eating it – these scenes of meals are appealing and charming. No dialogue is needed to convey deliciousness and happiness.”

The appeal of Ghibli food lies in its details. It’s the rich details of drawing food, whether it’s the vibrant colour of fruit or the grill marks on meat – it’s these elements that bring the fantasy of Miyazaki’s imagination to life. 

Not only is the sight of food appealing but the sound of its preparation is also a major contribution to its beauty. From the soft chopping of vegetables to the bubbling of soup on the stove to the satisfying sound of eggs frying in oil, it’s a treat for the ears and makes the food seem so much more appetising. A lot of attention is also paid to sound, allowing us to sit back and enjoy the slow life alongside the characters. 

Interestingly, food seems to not only be a visual aesthetic in the films, but also plays an important role in the story’s narrative and characters’ development. In Ghibli, food is not just food. It’s an emotional experience and the glue to maintaining bonds between loved ones. 

For example, the bond between the two protagonists in ‘Castle in the Sky’ (2003) – Pazu and Sheeta – strengthens after they share a fried egg on toast. And in ‘Spirited Away,’ after her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro, the heroine, musters up courage whilst eating onigiri.

Studio Ghibli films are an ode to food. From enticing the audience with its delicious appearance to conveying meaningful messages in the acts of its preparation, there is no doubt that these films will leave you happy yet hungry. 

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