Spirited Away
Food from the worlds of Studio Ghibli — warm, homely, magical.
Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away follows a girl who stumbles into a spirit world where food plays a double role: it's both a danger (her parents turn into pigs after gorging on enchanted food) and a comfort (a simple onigiri rice ball given to her at a hard moment becomes a symbol of care). The film portrays Japanese food through humble, everyday dishes — rice balls, steamed buns — rather than elaborate delicacies. It's exactly that simplicity and warmth that makes the food so memorable. Here are recipes in the spirit of the film's atmosphere — simple, warm, and homely.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the onigiri scene stick with so many viewers?
In one scene, the main character is given a simple onigiri rice ball and cries because of how good it tastes — plain food becomes a symbol of humanity and care in the middle of a strange, frightening world.
What are the buns the spirits eat in the film?
Some scenes feature steamed buns filled with sweet red bean (azuki) paste — a traditional Japanese treat that's popular well beyond the film itself.
Is it hard to make onigiri at home?
Not at all — you just need cooked sticky sushi rice, a bit of salt, and a sheet of nori. You can shape the rice balls by hand or with a simple mold.