It’s no secret that Hayao Miyazaki and his team of animators find inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s movies all over the place. Ponyo’s setting was inspired by a harbor town in Japan, Spirited Away’s world was based on a location in Taiwan, and Princess Mononoke’s forest came from Japan’s Yakushima Island.
But it was recently brought to light that a lot of inspiration for Ghibli’s movies came from a more innocuous place: a manga. The title is Mudmen, named after the Asaro Mudmen of Papua New Guinea, where the manga takes place.
Who are these “mudmen” and where do their inspirations crop up in Ghibli films? Read on to find out!
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
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We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
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Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
New Totoro carabiner pouches are ready to clip/tag along with you on all your adventures[Photos]
What exactly is the treat known as a “kougnané” that’s sold outside Tokyo’s Yurakucho Station?
A century of love – How dating and marriage have evolved in Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Here it is: The finalized map for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan (and its food)
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
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Stylish new Experience Japan Pictograms are here to enhance your Japan travels and knowledge
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Haikyu fan event lets you step onto the court, see what it’s like to play with the anime athletes
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Studio Ghibli unveils My Neighbour Totoro miniature house model
61-year-old Japanese fisherman falls off boat and defies odds to swim to safety