Top 5 Studio Ghibli Movies to Boost Your Japanese Skills

By Prachi Ratnakar Jadhav

As a devoted Studio Ghibli fan, I was thrilled to watch the latest release, "The Boy and the Heron," which recently hit theaters in India. True to Ghibli's essence, the movie enchanted me with its stunning visuals and heartwarming storyline. This got me thinking about my all-time favorite Ghibli films and how these masterpieces have not only entertained me but also played a significant role in enhancing my Japanese language skills.

If you’re a Ghibli fan or a Japanese learner (or both!), here’s a list of my top 5 Ghibli movies that you shouldn’t miss. Plus, I'll share how these films can be a fun and effective way to learn Japanese.

1. Spirited Away (2001)

A magical tale of a young girl, Chihiro, who finds herself in a mystical world of spirits. Spirited Away is not just a visual delight; it's also rich in cultural nuances and everyday language. Watching this movie with Japanese subtitles can help you pick up common expressions and vocabulary used in various contexts.

2. My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

This heartwarming story of two sisters who discover forest spirits in rural Japan is a must-watch. The dialogues are simple and easy to understand, making it perfect for beginners. The movie’s gentle pace allows you to catch and repeat phrases, helping with retention and pronunciation.

3. Princess Mononoke (1997)

A gripping story set in Japan's Muromachi period, it tackles themes of environmentalism and humanity. The language in Princess Mononoke is a bit more complex, but it introduces you to historical and formal speech, broadening your understanding of Japanese.

4. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Follow Sophie as she is transformed into an old woman and meets the mysterious wizard Howl. The fantasy elements are balanced with everyday conversation, providing a mix of casual and polite language. This film is great for intermediate learners looking to expand their vocabulary.

5. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

This charming story of a young witch finding her way in a new town is full of daily life interactions. The straightforward dialogues and context make it easier for language learners to follow along and practice listening skills.

How Ghibli Movies Can Help You Learn Japanese

 Immersive Learning: Watching movies in their original language immerses you in the sound and rhythm of Japanese. You get to hear how words and phrases are naturally used in conversation.

 Cultural Context: Ghibli films are rich in Japanese culture, customs, and traditions. Understanding these elements can significantly enhance your language learning experience by providing context to the words and phrases you hear.

 Listening Skills: Regularly watching these films improves your listening skills. You'll start to recognize sentence structures, common expressions, and even pick up on nuances in tone and emotion.

 Vocabulary Expansion: Each movie exposes you to a variety of vocabulary, from everyday words to more specialized terms, helping you build a robust Japanese lexicon.

 Motivation and Enjoyment: Learning a language through something you love makes the process enjoyable and motivating. The enchanting stories and characters of Ghibli keep you engaged and eager to learn more.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned Ghibli enthusiast or new to these magical films, I highly recommend diving into these movies not just for their beauty and storytelling but also as a delightful way to enhance your Japanese skills. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and let the world of Studio Ghibli transports you to a place where learning is as enchanting as the stories themselves.

(The author is a certified Japanese language trainer with over nine years of experience, having taught over 1000 students. Her journey began with achieving the JLPT N1 certification, leading her to found URJA Japanese Learning and Consulting in 2023. Dedicated to making Japanese language learning accessible, Prachi offers personalized guidance and effective learning strategies.)