I met some friends from high school yesterday, and it reminded me of the time we watched The Cat Returns, a Studio Ghibli movie, together in theaters. Back then, I didn’t know any Japanese, but I noticed something fascinating: the English and French titles of the movie were not literal translations of the original Japanese title. The Japanese title, 猫の恩返し (Neko no Ongaeshi), which translates to The Cat’s Repayment, refers to the movie’s beginning, where the main character helps a cat.
In French, the movie was called Le Royaume des Chats (The Cat Kingdom), emphasizing the magical and fairy-tale aspects of the story. Meanwhile, the English title, The Cat Returns, highlights the individuality of the main cat character, Baron. These title choices reveal intriguing cultural differences: Japan’s focus on repayment aligns with its collectivist values, where the group often takes precedence over the individual. On the other hand, the French title leans into imagination, while the English title emphasizes character-driven narratives. Though stereotypes about cultural interpretations are just that—stereotypes—it’s interesting how perfectly these nuances fit this particular anime.
The Plot: Haru’s Adventure in the Cat Kingdom
The Cat Returns follows Haru, a high school student whose life changes after she saves a cat from being hit by a truck. The cat, Lune, turns out to be the prince of the Cat Kingdom. In gratitude, the cats shower Haru with unwelcome gifts like catnip and mice and even offer her the prince’s hand in marriage. A mix-up in her response leads the cats to take her acceptance seriously.
To avoid this predicament, Haru seeks help from Baron, a suave cat who also appears in another Ghibli classic, Whisper of the Heart. Together, they embark on a journey to the Cat Kingdom, where Haru must fight to retain her human identity.
The Transformative Lesson: Believe in Yourself
At a pivotal moment, Baron advises Haru that the more she loses herself in the Cat Kingdom, the more cat-like she will become. His advice to believe in herself resonates deeply with the themes of self-discovery and personal growth explored in One Daily Tale.
To become our authentic selves, we must believe in ourselves and take leaps of faith—even when societal pressures make this difficult. Often, we get so caught up in daily routines that we lose touch with our inner thoughts and desires. Including moments of self-reflection in our routines can help us reconnect with our true purpose.
The Power of Gratitude Meditation
One simple way to reflect is through meditation. Studies show that meditation has numerous health benefits, from reducing stress to improving focus. Among the various types, gratitude meditation ties perfectly with today’s theme.
Practicing gratitude meditation, even for just 5 to 10 minutes after waking up or before bed, can set a positive tone for the day. To practice, recall a moment when someone expressed heartfelt gratitude—a genuine “Thank you” that truly moved you. Reflecting on this moment daily helps cultivate a grateful mindset that stays with you throughout the day.
What Do You Think?
How do you interpret the cultural differences reflected in the movie’s titles? Have you ever used gratitude meditation, or would you consider adding it to your routine? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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