the studio ghibli edition

wintering | volume 9

Happy Monday, friends.

This week’s letter is a cozy little dive into the world of Studio Ghibli - arguably some of the coziest worlds and movies to ever be made. This volume has things you can do with the whole family, but kids are certainly not required.

If you’re familiar with Ghibli, I hope you enjoy what I’ve curated here for you. If this is your first time learning about it, I hope you find something in here you love!

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in this wintering volume :

- something to make
- something to watch
- something to play
- something to read
- something to eat

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something to make :

• These origami Totoros from Paper Kawaii are so cute.

• This tutorial shows you how to make a Totoro corner bookmark.

• Grab some of these stamps (there are some for just about every movie!)

• Build the cutest lego set ever.

• Learn to paint like Studio Gihbli

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Ponyo

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something to watch :

For magic + whimsy (also a great starter movie!) : My Neighbor Totoro
It’s a story with a cozy, slow-paced vibe and super endearing characters. Great for all ages.

For adventure : Spirited Away
This is Ghibli’s most iconic film, but might be a little scary for younger kids. (I always check Common Sense Media for movies I’m not sure about, highly recommend for this one.)

For a romance/fantasy : Howl’s Moving Castle
Visually stunning, emotional, super sweet story.

For Lighter Fun : Kiki’s Delivery Service
A charming story about a young witch finding her way in the world. It’s so cozy and cheerful!

Special mention : Ponyo
This was my introduction to anime in general and it is such a sweet little movie! Good for all ages!

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Kiki’s Delivery Service

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something to play :

If you have a nintendo switch, the Ni No Kuni games are Studio Ghibli games which means they have beautiful, cozy graphics, lovable characters, and the best storylines.

For a game option that’s Ghibli adjacent and has less action and more cozy, low stakes, puzzle type adventure, Hoa is so beautiful! (And it’s only $8 on the Nintendo store right now.)

both of these games are available on other gaming systems as well.

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something to read :
read the books before you watch the movies :

Howl’s Moving Castle
Kiki’s Delivery Service

Or - if you’re up for a surprise, grab one of these blind date books from BookstoGogh on Etsy!

via BookstoGogh

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something to eat :

This ramen inspired by Ponyo.
These steamed red buns from Spirited Away
The cream stew from Arrietty

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Howl’s Moving Castle

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Something to think about :

This week, we’re adding a new word to our wintering dictionary : The Japanese words, ma (間) is a word that describes, essentially, negative space. In a deeper sense, it defines a gap in time or a pause that gives more meaning to the whole.¹

It’s the space between things. The ellipses, if you will.

Ma, for us, can be a posture. Instead of spending our time in the waiting, counting down the minutes and days until the next thing, we instead look around and find the beauty in the pause. Not in spite of it, but because of it. It’s the soaking up, the basking in, being fully present.

I love the ma moments in Studio Ghibli movies. Like n My Neighbor Totoro, where Satsuki and Mei lie under the stars, feeling the earth’s hum. Or in Spirited Away as Chihiro gazes across the water or in her journey on the train. The breakfast scene in Howl’s Moving Castle where Howl, Sophie, and the others prepare a meal together. There’s just so poignant, slow, beautiful. There’s no rush to move the plot forward or grab your attention with some kind of plot device. The moment is the plot.

This week, pay close attention to the negative space of your life. Instead of those moments being something to hold your breath power through, exhale. Make it a ma moment. Romanticize your life a little; paint it with watercolor, create an orchestra, and add a little bit of whimsy. It can’t hurt, right?

That’s it for this week, friends. I truly hope you enjoyed this volume as much as I enjoyed curating it for you! Looking forward to hearing/seeing what you make of it.

xoxo

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My Neighbor Totoro

1. https://www.japanhousela.com/articles/a-perspective-on-the-japanese-concept-of-ma/