I just realized that this marks my 100th post on Instagram, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to share something close to my heart. During my first year of high school in France, I watched Princess Mononoke (1997) in the movie theater. It was the first Studio Ghibli film I encountered, as well as one of the first Japanese anime I chose to watch “on my own,” without being influenced by my brother. I was captivated by the music, its seamless harmony with the visual storytelling, and the many contemplative moments.
It was also the beginning of my journey into watching anime and Japanese movies in their original language, rather than dubbed versions. This immersion became my first meaningful encounter with the Japanese language, a language I now enjoy speaking daily with my wife.
Journey to Yakushima: A Connection to Nature
The stunning landscapes in Princess Mononoke were heavily inspired by Yakushima, a small island south of Japan. This connection led me to visit the island myself. To reach the heart of the forest and admire the Jomon Sugi, an ancient cedar tree believed to be over 2,300 years old, one must endure a roughly 8-hour round trip hike. Despite its natural beauty, Yakushima wasn’t yet overrun by tourists when I visited, making the experience all the more profound.
I vividly recall how the darkness of the night sky felt more absolute than anything I’d ever seen, revealing countless stars obscured in city life. Deep in the forest, I felt an overwhelming sense of humility and smallness, as though the sheer power of nature was reminding me of our place in the world.
The Story of Princess Mononoke: A Struggle for Balance
The story of Princess Mononoke follows Ashitaka, a young man cursed by a demon he defeated while protecting his village. Seeking a cure, Ashitaka journeys westward to find the Great Forest Spirit, eventually arriving at Iron Town, a settlement for outcasts and lepers employed in processing iron and making firearms. Lady Eboshi, the leader of Iron Town, reveals that she shot Nago, the boar god who became the demon that cursed Ashitaka.
San, or Princess Mononoke, was raised by wolves and harbors a deep hatred for humankind. She attacks Iron Town, clashing with Lady Eboshi in a dramatic confrontation. Ashitaka intervenes, knocking them both unconscious and saving San. The story ultimately explores how conflicting perspectives on nature and progress must reconcile for harmony to be restored.
Themes of Environmental Awareness and Change
When I first watched Princess Mononoke, I was also playing Final Fantasy 7, and both shared a common message: the resilience of nature and its eventual triumph over destruction. Environmental and ecological concerns have been a global issue for decades, yet while progress has been made, much work remains to be done.
I believe that solving such monumental challenges begins with increasing human awareness. To achieve this, we need to foster neuroplasticity, enabling our brains to think more flexibly and deeply about our actions. With One Daily Tale, we aim to inspire change—one small step at a time, encouraging the creation of healthy habits that can ripple into meaningful transformation.
Bridging Perspectives: A Lesson from Ashitaka and San
Just as Ashitaka and San, who hail from completely different worlds, learn to understand each other’s perspectives to reshape their society, we too must open ourselves to new ideas and viewpoints. Only through mutual understanding can equality flourish, leading to a better-balanced and sustainable world.
What are your thoughts on how stories like Princess Mononoke inspire environmental awareness or personal growth? Share your perspective in the comments below!
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