Inked Mag Staff
November 5th, 2020
75 Spectacular Studio Ghibli Tattoos
What's your favorite Hayao Miyazaki movie?
On June 15th, 1985 Studio Ghibli was founded by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, as well as producer Toshio Suzuki. The studio’s first film, “Castle in the Sky” debuted in 1986 and since then, the studio has released 22 films.
Of the top 10 highest-grossing anime films in history, six have been made by Studio Ghibli. Five Studio Ghibli films have earned Academy Award nominations, with “Spirited Away” winning Best Animated Feature in 2003.
Studio Ghibli has two films that have yet to be released, “Earwig and the Witch” which is set to air in December of 2020 and “How Do You Live,” which is slated to come out in 2023. “Earwig and the Witch” was directed by Gorō Miyazaki, the son and legacy of Hayao Miyazaki. In honor of the upcoming Studio Ghibli film, take a look at 75 of our favorite tattoos inspired by some of the studio’s most popular and influential films. Then let us know your favorite Studio Ghibli film in the comments section on social media.
“My Neighbor Totoro” 1988
Regarded as the studio’s first internationally successful film, this movie tells the story of a professor and his two daughters who interact with the friendly wood spirits in rural Japan. This film brought audiences Totoro, who’s the mascot for the studio, as well as Catbus.
“Kiki’s Delivery Service” 1989
One year after “My Neighbor Totoro” debuted, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” premiered. This film follows a young witch named Kiki who moves to a new town and uses her skills flying a broom to start a delivery service.
“Princess Mononoke” 1997
In 1997, Studio Ghibli released “Princess Mononoke,” an epic fantasy film that’s set in the late Muromachi period of Japan. The film follows an Emishi prince involved in the struggle between his village and the gods of the forest. In this story the prince meets San (also known as Princess Mononoke), a young girl who acts and behaves like a wolf because she’s princess of the wolf gods.
“Spirited Away” 2001
Studio Ghibli’s most successful film to date follows a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro who moveds to a new neighborhood only to stumble into the spirit world of Kami. In this world, her parents are transformed into pigs by a witch and in order to free her family she must work to find her escape.
“Howl’s Moving Castle” 2004
This 2004 film follows a young woman named Sophie who’s transformed into a 90-year-old woman by a witch and enters into the moving castle of a young wizard named Howl, in order to break her curse. Miyazaki was influenced by the United States’ invasion of Iraq to make this film and the movie has strong anti-war themes throughout.
“Ponyo” 2008
This film follows a goldfish who becomes trapped in a glass jar, only to be found by a six-year-old who names her Ponyo. Ponyo desires to become human and uses her magic to do so.
Editor's Picks
Miley Cyrus Adds to Her Ink Collection
Miley Cyrus is back under the needle with a sleek new tattoo that’s subtle, stylish, and full of mystery.
Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Release Inspires These Heartfelt ‘Ohana’ Tattoos
Celebrate the Lilo & Stitch live-action movie with tattoos that honor ‘ohana, nostalgia, and the beloved bond between family and mischief.
Ink on the Riviera: Tattoos Take the Spotlight at Cannes 2025
Tattoos took the spotlight at Cannes 2025. From Rihanna to Kristen Stewart, these inked icons proved elegance and body art are a perfect match.
More From News Content
A Game-Changing Innovation for Tattoo Artists
May 13, 2025
Tattoo Insurance Mistakes Artists Still Make
May 5, 2025
