Studio Ghibli's Spirit Land is a classic animated film beloved by fans for its memorable storyline, stunning animation, and deeply emotional moments. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away tells the story of a young girl named Chihiro who finds herself transported to a mysterious and magical world after wandering through a tunnel into an abandoned amusement park. What follows is her journey through a new world filled with strange creatures and spirits, making it one of Studio Ghibli's most recognizable films and a perfect example of the isekai genre.
The term “isekai,” which means “another world,” has become a popular subgenre in anime and manga that revolves around characters being transported from their normal, mundane reality into a fantastical world. While many recent isekai stories follow similar formulas of fantasy and strong game-like worlds, Spirited Away offers viewers a world steeped in Japanese culture and a compelling story that makes it the perfect introduction to isekai for beginners and a beloved classic for longtime fans. Not only is Spirited Away a beloved Studio Ghibli film, it’s also a great example of the isekai genre.
A trustworthy protagonist in a new world
Chihiro is a down-to-earth and approachable young girl who is transported into a world filled with spirit.
The central character of Spirited Away is Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl filled with the fears and uncertainties of childhood. Unlike many isekai protagonists who are often portrayed as strong or confident, Chihiro is initially a scared and insecure girl, afraid of the new world around her. This shyness makes her a more sympathetic character to the audience, especially younger viewers who may find themselves overwhelmed by the changes in their own lives. Chihiro's journey through the spirit world is filled with challenges that mirror the real-world challenges of growing up, making her a sympathetic and empathetic protagonist.
The world Chihiro enters is both enchanting and terrifying, filled with strange creatures, gods, and spirits, each representing a different aspect of Japanese folklore and mythology.
The world Chihiro enters is both captivating and terrifying, filled with strange creatures, gods, and spirits, each representing a different aspect of Japanese folklore and mythology. This fantastical environment is wildly different from the world Chihiro came from, highlighting the classic isekai trope of being transported to an alternate reality. But, despite her initial reactions of fear and confusion, Chihiro's journey through the spirit world is one of self-discovery.
Chihiro's interactions with characters like the boilermaker Kamaji, the river spirit Haku, and the mysterious Yubaba help her develop courage, compassion, and a sense of responsibility. The personal growth Chihiro experiences while in the spirit world makes Spirited Away the perfect gateway to viewing and understanding the isekai genre.
Explore Japanese culture and environmental themes
Spirited Away features many creatures from Japanese mythology and has commentary on environmental conservation.
Spirited Away is not only a coming-of-age story for Chihiro, but also a reflection on Japanese culture and environment. The film makes many references to Shinto beliefs and Japanese mythology. The presence of spirits and gods controlling many aspects of the natural world is a reference to the traditional Japanese reverence for nature. This respect for nature is a recurring theme in Miyazaki's work. The spiritual and cultural immersion in Spirited Away gives viewers a new perspective on isekai, beyond the typical medieval European-inspired setting that dominates isekai today.
Environmental themes are also woven throughout the story, making Spirited Away an entertaining watch for anyone interested in ecological issues. The spirit of the polluted river that Chihiro helps purify is a reminder of the impact humans have on nature. By weaving these themes of nature conservation into an isekai story, Spirited Away both entertains and educates viewers about the importance of respecting nature and learning about Japanese culture. This thoughtful blend of storytelling and depth is what makes Spirited Away an ideal introduction to the world of isekai.
A Story of Restoration and Redemption
Spirited Away shows the characters coming back from their lowest point.
Another important part of Spirited Away that makes it the perfect introduction to isekai is its focus on resilience and redemption. Throughout the film, Chihiro faces many challenges that test her courage. From navigating a dangerous bathhouse, to dealing with Yubaba, to finding a way to save her parents who have been turned into pigs, each obstacle is a lesson in perseverance. Chihiro's determination to overcome these challenges, despite her initial fears, makes her journey both inspiring and relatable.
This focus on redemption gives the characters more depth and highlights the idea that no one is beyond saving, a hopeful message that appears in many Ghibli films.
The theme of redemption is also important to the story, especially in the character of Haku, the river spirit. His backstory reveals his fall from grace when he was imprisoned by Yubaba, causing him to forget his true identity. But through Chihiro's kindness and the pair's growing relationship, Haku is able to regain his memories and find his way back to being himself.
Spirited Away's focus on redemption deepens the characters and reinforces the idea that no one is beyond redemption, a message of hope that runs through many Ghibli films. By combining these themes, Spirited Away is an emotionally charged film that combines the best elements of the isekai genre.
With its relatable protagonist, rich Japanese cultural and environmental themes, and emphasis on resilience and redemption, this show is perfect for viewers of all ages. For both anime newcomers and longtime fans, Spirit Land provides the perfect entry point into the world of isekai.
