
Studio Ghibli and Pixar are two of the most successful movie companies in the world. They’ve released over a dozen memorable movies that can be enjoyed over and over again. The connection doesn’t end there, as Japan loves Pixar movies as much as the rest of the world loves Ghibli.
There are dozens of hidden gems to be found in Ghibli movies, which pay homage to beloved characters, and Pixar is also well-known for having a slew of Easter eggs that not only give a nod of respect to past characters, but also give clues about future characters and movies! Disney has released a new video of some of their favorite hidden treasures, and fans in Japan couldn’t be more excited about it.
Pixar’s first movie, Toy Story, was released in 1995, and even with a huge well of incredible movie ideas, their future productions were still up in the air. That didn’t stop the creators of Toy Story from throwing in a handful of hints about their possible future films. This tradition has continued as fans scour the newest Pixar films for hints at future projects. Have you been able to catch them all? Disney’s YouTube channel has released a handy video highlighting some of their favorite Easter eggs for those who aren’t in the know.
There is of course the Sully carving in Brave which hints at Monster’s University.
Here is a sprawling French scene in Cars that is reproduced in the mouse culinary classic Ratatouille.
Mr. Incredible makes a guest appearance in a waiting room in Finding Nemo, note that the comic is titled in Japanese!
Pixar doesn’t always pay it forward either, as Toy Story 2 gives special mention to Pixar’s past with a little buddy from A Bug’s Life providing a realistic scenery prop.
The video ends with a heavy hint of so much more as their final image is the famous Pizza Planet truck, which fans know appears in every Pixar movie.
Maybe Japanese Pixar fans aren’t quite as zealous as others around the world as some comments expressed some surprise about the links.
“That’s really awesome. They are all connected!”
“I didn’t know about these secrets! That’s just like Disney.”
“They do these secrets just like Ghibli.”
Since Ghibli is known for doing similar things, the parallels between the two companies are quite strong. Chief Creative Officer of Pixar, John Lasseter, is a self-proclaimed Ghibli nut, so these Easter eggs could be an homage to the famous Japanese animation studio itself, or just a playful bit of fun for his animating crew. We will let you decide.









Parents create amazing Studio Ghibli mural for daughter’s nursery before she’s even born
The secret behind this mysterious Studio Ghibli x Pixar image
Toy Story Hotel opening at Tokyo Disneyland resort this year
Car Wars! “X-Wings” is the movie we wish Disney-Pixar would make next 【Video】
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
No, that’s not French bread, it’s Japan’s crazy-big gobo!
Yoshinoya invites you to give the gift of beef bowls this Mother’s Day
New interactive Pokémon attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
This overlooked neighborhood east of Tokyo is awesome in many ways, left us with just one regret
Cosplay ideals vs. cosplay reality, a.k.a. cool vs. funny 【Photos】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan Railways announces a Pixar themed bullet train to commemorate anniversary
Official Studio Ghibli x Pixar image causes a buzz online
Pixar alters Inside Out’s visuals for Japanese release, removes broccoli
P.T. easter egg discovered tucked away in Metal Gear Solid V 【Video】
Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron won a Golden Globe. Now can it win an Oscar?
Ghibli successor Studio Ponoc announces new theatrical anime for release this summer【Video】
Studio Ghibli’s Porco Rosso: Behind-the-scenes trivia and secret Easter eggs revealed
Ghibli’s Boy and the Heron wins Academy Award, studio COO apologizes for Hayao Miyazaki’s absence
From cameos to creepy-crawlies: 15 little-known facts about Studio Ghibli movies
Ghibli Museum video takes us into the steam punk elevator and up the spiral staircase【Video】
Trailer released for live-action sequel to Studio Ghibli anime Whisper of the Heart【Video】
New Studio Ghibli clocks let you keep an eye on the time with your favourite anime characters
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki gets a happy ending to his broken eraser tale
Watching Studio Ghibli’s first-ever all-CG anime was weird in weird ways【SoraReview】