05 What's the deal with fish girl on a cliff? (Ponyo)
Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com · Japankyo.com
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Show Notes
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's the deal with "fish girl on a cliff?" And by "fish girl on a cliff" we mean the 2008 Studio Ghibli film Ponyo.
Topics Discussed- The general reception of Ponyo
- Whether Ponyo was better received in the West or in Japan
- The "catchiness" of the theme from Ponyo
- A review of the major events of Ponyo
- Ponyo's fondness of human blood
- The meaning of Ponyo's name and an analysis of why Sosuke chose the name Ponyo
- Some of the omissions found in the English dub
- The relationship between Sosuke and Risa
- Sosuke's mother's reckless driving and her carefree personality
- Why Sosuke does not call Risa "mom" or "mother" (i.e. the prevalence of yobisute in Ponyo)
- Some of the most memorable scenes in Ponyo
- Random Ponyo trivia
- The peculiar interaction between Ponyo, Sosuke, and the stranded young couple holding a baby
- Some of the themes and possible messages found within Ponyo
- Speculation about what the supposedly planned Ponyo sequel could have been like
- What Hayao Miyazaki has said about what might happen to Ponyo and Sosuke after the end of Ponyo
- Whether Ponyo and Sosuke's relationship could be described as "romantic"
- How we think Ponyo stacks up to other Studio Ghibli films
- Whether we enjoyed Ponyo or not
- And more!
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Special ThanksOpening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
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