To celebrate the release of Studio Ghibli ’s latest animation From Up On Poppy Hill we’re having a rummage through the Spirited Away studio’s magical history
R is for Raccoons… Pom Poko
Perhaps the strangest entry for Studio Ghibli, Pom Poko follows a community of magical shapeshifting raccoons as they struggle to prevent their forest home from being destroyed by urban development. On the surface, fairly innocent stuff… before you get to their method of weaponry. As shape shifters, the raccoons are able to increase the size of their testicles for battle. For those not in the know, this is an established tradition in Japanese “tanuki” (Raccoon) folklore.
• Look back at previous entries in the A to Z of Studio Ghibli
• 20 Anime Movies Even Non-Anime Fans Will Love
The latest film from Studio Ghilbli, From Up On Poppy Hill , is in cinemas now. Featuring the voice talent of Gillian Anderson, Christina Hendricks, Jamie Lee Curtis, Anton Yelchin and Aubrey Plaza and is directed by Goro Miyazaki. Learn more at the official Studio Ghibli UK Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/studioghibliuk
