How Miyazaki Women Shaped My Life

The girls and women from Hayao Miyazaki films have helped me become the person I am today and sat with me during some of the most difficult times in my life. I wanted to honor them thru this video and share my own journey of how they shaped my life

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[trumanway]

Nickelodeon wrote girls, Miyazaki wrote Women.

[shadeajames]

Started to tear up when you were describing how Howl's Moving Castle came to you at a time of insecurity because I immediately knew just how much Sophie's journey must've meant to you during that time

[waterfallfaerie]

I love that as a human once you've seen a film/series, read a book, listened to a song, etc., that resonates with you, that experience lives on in you and if you so choose, you can tap into those feelings, characters, themes, etc., at any time, just like how we learn from and integrate our own experiences, and those of other humans whether alive during our lives or who lived before us. For me, I have leaned into many characters for wisdom and for perspective, but Miyazaki's female characters truly are some of the most resonant and archetypal in anime and most impactful on my personal experiences living as a human. 

In 5th-6th grade, I was obsessed with Nausicaa (especially the way that she is in touch with nature, sees beauty in what others fear, and to me felt truly _human_ compared to what I'd seen depicted in any media before). I was so confident in the film that I brought in the dvd to school on a 'watch movies' day... I can't say that the people in my class enjoyed it though lol, since after 15 minutes everyone had complained so much that the teacher switched it off and played Shrek instead. That reaction made me realize that everything isn't for everyone, but for the people who something is for, it's *really* for them and will potentially change the course of their lives, even if just a little—so I'm really glad that you had access to these films and were impacted by them and grew from their characters and stories, and I'm glad that I had that opportunity as well. It inspires me to keep being myself and creating when I remember that someone out there, even if it's just one person, will resonate with and be changed for the better because of my work/existence.

When you were reading your affirmation, I couldn't help but tear up and hear the ending song of Howl's Moving Castle in my head and imagine you in your own castle, soaring through the sky. I'm confident the universe heard you and that the gears are turning. Just as each of these characters did in their own journies, I trust that everything that you dream of and have worked so hard for will come full circle and take shape into something truly amazing. <3 Thanks for another lovely vid～

[jiga]

Ever since i saw my first Miyazaki film Nausica I was in love with this cynical old bastard
One thing that helped a lot were his female characters, a lot of them reminded me of my mother and my aunt's in the family, I'm in a family of most people either in education or health department so I grew up working class women who worked long hours dealing with all ages of people in their profession,
Miyazaki and Kurosawa are good examples of storytellers that write strong women characters that don't have to tell us or show us they are strong, they just are

[wugzi]

Your brother told me about your channel because he noticed my Spirited Away art in my office. Stopped by to say hi and great work on the editing!

[DungeonSlime]

Loving the energy, great video, and food for thought! I look forward to the next one. Kiki is a show I go to whenever I'm exhausted with the universe.

[morguenmorguen]

I'm happy you made this video! Ghibli heroines are also really important to me, and they probably have taught me more about self-actualization in a way that actually resonated for me than any real person I've ever met. I think kids are still going to be watching these films 200 years from now, and most of the reason for that is how fully realized and powerful these characters are. They're timelessly triumphant and relatable.

Nausicaa is my favorite, and she was the first character I ever saw who looked like someone I actually wanted to be. She's smart, clever, compassionate, kind, and strong in a way that isn't oriented around violence, competition, or the other things that boys are taught "strong" means. I'm trans, so besides it just being cool to child me that this character exists as an archetype, Nausicaa was also someone I could look up to when I was shamed for trying to emulate the women I would otherwise have looked up to in real life. I can think of other writers who portray women who are as compelling as Ghibli characters, but I can't think of anyone else who can make them so real and relatable to kids.

It's awesome that you're pursuing your music career! I hope that everything works out really well for you. I'm rooting for you, and I'm also rooting for me, because I'm trying to alter the trajectory of my life in a similar way right now. I'm also the same age as you, so it feels appropriate to say that I think we're both going to do it. I believe in us, and Nausicaa, Kiki, and Chihiro would believe in us, too.

[jocelynecupcake]

Thank you for putting Shizuku in the thumbnail AND the video, she's so underrated! Although I wish you would have mentioned Arriety also. Personally, I also don't like Spirited Away because I think it's too scary although I know it has good character development.

[edwardvincentbriones]

My favorite Ghibli film is Only Yesterday and my best Ghibli films are not from Miyazaki. But I respect what youve said throughout this video.

[porsching-hub]

You are inspired me to keep up chasing my biggest dream ! These films also changed my point of view ! Chase your dream, run for it and reach it ! You'll get there some day :D

[coquettecolette]

Nice video, I love the energy you brought to it, and your picks!

[helgawhiteblue]

I wish you all the luck. Your music is loud and clear, powerful. I love it. May happiness shower upon your head.

[Sakura_Blossom_Skye]

I want to say I am proud of you and go for it ! I will def contribute to the patreon and I appreciate all the introspection you have done. As a transwoman who, also 31, I have just been allowing myself to be wholly myself through many tough years. I am learning to love myself and be there for myself many of the same characters you mentioned have also been cornerstones for me. Thanks for also showing me that. Best of luck 🌸✌️💖

[morleywritesbooks]

Enjoyed the deep dive <3
Even now, i still feel the same way about these films. The stories seem to say: Life is HARD. But... it's going to be okay.
And the women in these stories are able to be bold and bad ass AND feminine. So many other stories had me feeling that if i was any kind of girlie, then (by default) I wasn't able to be brave. And i think that's a toxic message that still gets perpetuated in much of western media with a female lead protagonist -- rejecting all things feminine in order to prove herself.

Ghibli films opened a new gateway for me, showing me that i can still wear a dress and adore flowers while being empowered. I don't have to punch my way out of EVERY situation. I may not have dragons or monsters to hold a sword to, i may not be leading an army / rebellion, but those aren't the only forms of empowerment. And Ghibli films let me know that's okay. <3

Good luck in your music career! You got this!

[naendyqueiroz]

Good luck on your endeavor 🎉
Great video as well.

[Berthier]

Art is key to our Soul we can learn from it if its done with sweat heart and soul like Hayao Miyazaki did. Struggle is part of Life and lets you appreciate what you are what you have and this being transported to Art is what triggers something in us.

Modern Art often fails to portray Woman and Man in a way where we can identify as them. Hayao Miyazaki showed us that those heros have also their flaws their struggle which made them so human and appealing to watch its like you know those characters.

[moved_]

ive literally been an active fan of yours since i found you like a week ago, i literally love your humor 🧎‍♀️

[joramhartmann]

Wow such a powerfull Video. I Wish you the best for your Freelance carerer, since we share that Dream and goal. I want to make a living by working as a frelance Cameraman in fictional Film and series. Thank you for this inspiring Moment

[Setsunako]

Came for thoughtful film analysis...
Stayed for you stanning animated baddies through the decades (literally me, lol) 😂🙌🏾💕

[Guyverman]

The failed impression Miyazaki's father left on him must've shaped his worldview, particularly on men in general, which is why he turns to women.