I was recommended to watch Castle in the Sky from Studio Ghibli, directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 1986, while I was studying Japanese at university in Paris. I had already seen Princess Mononoke and The Cat Returns from the same studio, but I had not yet watched this one. It was a delightful experience, and it has since become one of my favorite Ghibli films. As always, I deeply appreciated the music, composed by Joe Hisaishi. The film was partly inspired by Miyazaki’s trips to Wales, where he witnessed the aftermath of the 1984–1985 coal miners’ strike. The island of Laputa serves as a powerful symbol to highlight the theme of environmentalism, exploring the relationships between humanity, nature, and technology—an embodiment of Miyazaki’s ecological philosophy.
The Need for Action on Ecological Issues
Ecological concerns are becoming increasingly visible, but while progress has been made, the issue persists, and real action is still required to address it. At One Daily Tale, we believe that to tackle societal challenges, we must address their root causes. One of the fundamental issues is the lack of self-awareness and societal awareness. We hear about geopolitical tensions, environmental crises, and conflicts, but often we don’t feel directly impacted by them. This detachment comes from a lack of awareness—we are far more preoccupied with our daily lives: paying bills, feeding our children, or advancing at work.
Cultural Norms and the Need for a Unified Global Perspective
The norms of our daily lives have been shaped by the society we live in. While cultural differences are inevitable, one common thread is the lack of global unity. These cultural differences are often viewed as barriers rather than as opportunities for connection. In this sense, Studio Ghibli films, with their mix of cultures and landscapes from diverse parts of the world, reflect global issues while maintaining a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. This approach encourages reflection on the world as a whole. Education, regardless of the country or language we speak, should be based on a global perspective, fostering an awareness of shared challenges.
The Importance of Flexibility and Neuroplasticity
To shift our thinking in this way, we must be able to view the world from different perspectives. This requires flexibility in our thinking—an essential quality that can be developed through neuroplasticity. Our brains are naturally flexible until around the age of 25, which is why I appreciate how Ghibli films often feature children. Their neuroplasticity allows them to break through cultural and social boundaries with ease, demonstrating the potential for growth and change in all of us.
Small Individual Steps Can Lead to Large Societal Change
While it may seem unlikely or trivial to think that working on our individual habits could reshape society, we know that small steps can accumulate into significant change. Just as a single note, combined with many others, creates a symphony, humanity, united, can create emotional moments that bind us together. Every action, no matter how small, plays a part in the collective change we need to see in the world.
What do you think about the role of individual awareness in creating societal change? How can we bridge cultural gaps to build a more unified world? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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