1997年公開
もののけ姫
スタジオジブリ
ファンタジーアドベンチャー時代劇
1997年7月12日公開（劇場アニメ／上映時間133分）
Princess Mononoke is a Studio Ghibli feature film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, released nationwide on July 12, 1997. Ashitaka, a young man from a clan living in the far north, shoots and kills a boar transformed into a demon god after it attacks his village, but in doing so receives a fatal curse on his right arm. To find a way to lift the curse, Ashitaka sets out on a journey west. Along the way, in a forest home to the Great Forest Spirit who governs all life, Ashitaka meets San, a mysterious girl raised by wolves. San is locked in conflict with Lady Eboshi, who leads Tatara-ba, an ironworks that clears the forest to make iron, fighting relentlessly to protect the forest. Living in the space between human and wolf, San — and Ashitaka, drawn into the conflict between the two sides — are swept up in a great swirl of fate. Upon release, the film sparked such a massive boom that it spawned popular derivative phrases in Japan.
📝 Highlights
👥 Characters
💫 Foreshadowing & Quotes
❓ FAQ
🌟 Featured Comments
📝 Highlights & Appeal Light spoilers
01① Ashitaka receives a fatal curse after slaying a demon god
After slaying a boar transformed into a demon god that attacked his village, Ashitaka receives a fatal curse on his right arm and sets out on a journey to lift it.
02② Meeting San, a mysterious girl raised by wolves
On his journey, in the forest of the Great Forest Spirit, Ashitaka meets San, a mysterious girl raised by the wolf god Moro.
03③ The conflict between San, protector of the forest, and Lady Eboshi
San, who fights to protect the forest, is locked in fierce conflict with Lady Eboshi, who leads the ironworks Tatara-ba that clears the forest for iron production.
04④ The mystical forest home to the life-giving Great Forest Spirit
The forest at the story's center is home to the mystical Great Forest Spirit, who governs all life and plays a crucial role throughout the film.
05⑤ San, living between human and wolf
Raised by wolves and unable to fit into human society, San lives caught between the two worlds, wrestling with inner conflict.
06⑥ The striking theme song "Mononoke Hime" sung by Yoshikazu Mera
The distinctive voice of countertenor Yoshikazu Mera, singing the theme song "Mononoke Hime," leaves a powerful impression.
07⑦ A massive boom that spawned popular derivative phrases
Upon release, the film drew massive lines day after day, becoming such a social phenomenon that it spawned popular derivative phrases in Japan.
08⑧ A star-studded cast bringing vivid characters to life
A star-studded cast including Akihiro Miwa and Hisaya Morishige brings vivid life to characters like Moro and Okkoto.
💡 Key Points & Predictions Some spoilers
The story's focus is on what choice Ashitaka, cursed with a fatal wound, makes amid the conflict between San and Lady Eboshi. How Ashitaka, understanding both the forest's and humanity's positions, tries to resolve the conflict is also expected to be a major highlight.
🧾 Story So Far Contains spoilers
After slaying a demon god and receiving a fatal curse, Ashitaka journeys west in search of a cure and meets San, a girl raised by wolves, in the forest of the Great Forest Spirit. San, who protects the forest, is locked in fierce conflict with Lady Eboshi, who leads the ironworks Tatara-ba, and Ashitaka — drawn into their struggle — is swept up in a great swirl of fate.
✅ Recommended Viewing Points
A signature work by director Hayao Miyazaki, depicting the conflict between nature and human society on a grand scale. A satisfying watch whether you remember the social phenomenon it caused on release or are experiencing it for the first time.
👀 Trivia & Fun Facts
On opening day, at the Tokyo Yurakucho theater where director Hayao Miyazaki made a stage appearance, fans lined up overnight, and by morning the line had grown to roughly 2,000 people. The film's popularity was such a social phenomenon that media outlets used derivative phrases to describe the craze. Voice actors Yoji Matsuda and Sumi Shimamoto also appeared in Miyazaki's earlier film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, with Matsuda voicing Asbel and Shimamoto voicing Nausicaä herself.
Ashitaka (CV: Yoji Matsuda)
The film's protagonist, a young man cursed after slaying a demon god, who journeys west in search of a way to lift the curse.
San (CV: Yuriko Ishida)
A mysterious girl raised by the wolf god Moro, who fights to protect the forest while living between human and wolf.
Lady Eboshi (CV: Yuko Tanaka)
The woman who leads the ironworks Tatara-ba. A complex figure who clears the forest for iron production, yet also protects the vulnerable.
Jiko-bo (CV: Kaoru Kobayashi)
A breezy, monk-like man who becomes involved in the story while harboring various hidden motives.
Kouroku (CV: Masahiko Nishimura)
A man who works at Tatara-ba, taking on an important role in the story through his connection with Ashitaka.
Gonza (CV: Tsunehiko Kamijo)
A guard serving Lady Eboshi, who fights to protect Tatara-ba.
Toki (CV: Sumi Shimamoto)
A leader among the women working at Tatara-ba, combining a strong-willed nature with a caring personality.
Moro (CV: Akihiro Miwa)
The wolf god who raised San, leading the wolf clan that protects the forest with a uniquely dignified voice.
Okkoto (CV: Hisaya Morishige)
The aging god who leads the boar clan, throwing himself into the battle against Tatara-ba to protect the forest.
Hii-sama (CV: Mitsuko Mori)
The elderly woman who leads Ashitaka's home clan, seeing him off as he departs on his journey.
💫 Unresolved Foreshadowing Contains spoilers
- The fatal curse placed on Ashitaka's right arm is a major thread that shapes the course of the story.
- The true nature of the Great Forest Spirit, and the consequences of its power, remain largely unexplained until the film's final act.
- Which world San ultimately chooses is a conflict carefully depicted throughout the story.
💌 Predicted Viral Quotes for Next Season
"Live." — Used as the film's tagline, a powerful phrase symbolizing the entire movie.
"You are beautiful. But I can also see the poisonous hatred within you." — Ashitaka's words to San, symbolizing their relationship.
"I'm San. I'm human, but I'm also the wolf god's daughter." — San's words describing her own identity, touching on the story's core theme.
What kind of anime is “Princess Mononoke”?
Princess Mononoke is a Studio Ghibli feature film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, released nationwide on July 12, 1997. Ashitaka, a young man from a clan living in the far north, shoots and k…
What are the theme songs (OP/ED) of “Princess Mononoke”?
You can find the theme songs of “Princess Mononoke” ranked by view count in the anime song ranking on the homepage. Each song’s page also shows a chart of its view-count history.
How can I rate or comment on “Princess Mononoke”?
Use the rating section on the left (PC) or top (mobile) to give a star rating (out of 10) or a like. You can also share your thoughts in the comment box at the bottom of the page. A nickname is optional.
