Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea Tattoo

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, released in 2008, is a fantasy film inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Little Mermaid.

The film centers around a young goldfish-like creature named Ponyo who dreams of becoming human after forming a friendship with a five-year-old boy.

Ponyo uses her father's magic to transform herself into a human.

However, this causes an imbalance in the natural world, with Ponyo needing to pass a test to be able to live as a human as she desires and restore the balance of nature. 

Pom Poko Tattoo

Pom Poko is a 1994 Studio Ghibli film directed by Isao Takahata.

The film is heavily centered on environmental and social issues as it follows a community of tanuki that are faced with the destruction of their forest home due to the expansion of human developments.

The Cat Returns Tattoo 

The Cat Returns, directed by Hiroyuki Morita, loosely continues the themes from the 1995 film Whisper of the Heart.

The story revolves around Haru, a high school student who saves a cat from being run over by a truck.

Unbeknownst to Haru, the cat is Prince Lune, the heir to the throne of the Cat Kingdom.

In gratitude for her action, the cats from the Cat Kingdom shower her with gifts and the prince's offer of marriage.

The Wind Rises Tattoo

The Wind Rises is a 2013 animated historical drama film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

The story follows Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter aircraft, who dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical designer Caproni.

However, his nearsightedness prevents him from becoming a pilot, and instead, he becomes one of the world's most innovative and accomplished airplane designers.

Ocean Waves Tattoo

Ocean Waves was a made-for-television production directed by Tomomi Mochizuki and released in 1993.

It is based on Saeko Himuro's novel of the same name.

The film is set in Kochi, Shikoku, Japan, and recounts Taku Morisaki's memories as he reflects on his high school days.

The plot centers around a love triangle involving Taku, his best friend, Yutaka Matsuno, and a new transfer student, Rikako Muto. 

Tales From Earthsea Tattoo

Tales from Earthsea is a film directed by Gorō Miyazaki, released in 2006.

The film is loosely based on a combination of plots and characters from Ursula K. 

Le Guin’s Earthsea series, particularly drawing from the novels The Farthest Shore and Tehanu.

The film is set in a mythical world filled with magic and ancient lore, where dragons and humans once lived together in harmony.

However, now the world is out of balance, with mysterious deteriorations and imbalances occurring as dragons have become aggressive and magic is weakening.

From Up On Poppy Hill Tattoo 

From Up on Poppy Hill, released in 2011, was directed by Gorō Miyazaki and written by Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa.

The film focuses on Umi Matsuzaki, a high school girl who raises a set of signal flags with the hope that they will be seen by her father, who was lost at sea during the Korean War.

The plot centers on Umi's relationship with Shun Kazama as they embark on a quest to save their dilapidated school clubhouse from being demolished in preparation for the Olympics.

Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind

Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind, while pre-dating the official founding of Studio Ghibli, is often included in discussions of its films due to its thematic and stylistic similarities with later Ghibli works.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity is scattered in small kingdoms at the edge of a toxic forest filled with gigantic insects. 

Grave Of The Fireflies Tattoo

Grave of the Fireflies, directed by Isao Takahata and released in 1988, is based on Akiyuki Nosaka's semi-autobiographical short story of the same name.

The film is set during the final months of World War II and follows two siblings, Seita and his younger sister Setsuko, who are left to fend for themselves after their mother is killed during an air raid as their father is away serving in the navy.

Grave of the Fireflies is a stark and realistic depiction of the struggles and tragedies of war.

Kiki's Delivery Service 

Kiki's Delivery Service, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, was released in 1989 and based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Eiko Kadono.

The story follows Kiki, a young witch who must leave home at the age of thirteen to spend a year living independently and finding her place in the world.

Whisper Of The Heart Tattoo 

Whisper of the Heart is a film directed by Yoshifumi Kondō and written by Hayao Miyazaki.

The film was released in 1995 and is based on the 1989 manga of the same name by Aoi Hiiragi.

The film focuses on Shizuku Tsukishima, whose life takes a turn when she notices that a name the same as hers appears on all the library cards of the books she checks out.

Shizuku embarks on a journey that leads her to a quaint antique shop where she discovers a mesmerizing statue of a cat named The Baron, which becomes central to the story.

The Secret World of Arrietty

The Secret World of Arrietty, released in 2010, was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi.

The film is based on the British children's novel The Borrowers by Mary Norton and tells the story of tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house and "borrow" items from humans to survive.

When Marnie Was There

Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, When Marnie Was There was released in 2014 and is based on Joan G. Robinson's novel of the same name.

The story centers on Anna Sasaki, a socially withdrawn girl who struggles with her health and feelings of self-worth.

Anna encounters an abandoned mansion, where she meets Marnie, a mysterious girl who quickly becomes Anna's first and closest friend and helps her open up and confront her inner turmoils.

Castle In The Sky Tattoo 

Castle in the Sky or Laputa: Castle in the Sky was directed by Hayao Miyazaki and is Studio Ghibli's first film, produced and released in 1986.

The story follows Sheeta, a young girl who possesses a mysterious crystal pendant, and Pazu, an ambitious young boy who dreams of discovering the legendary floating island of Laputa.

After Sheeta falls from an airship and is caught by Pazu, the two are thrust into a high-flying adventure involving pirates, secret agents, and a lost civilization.

Spirited Away Tattoo 

One of Studio Ghibli’s most famous and acclaimed films, Spirited Away, was released in 2001 and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Spirited Away is the first (and so far only) hand-drawn non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

The story follows Chihiro Ogino, a young girl who enters a supernatural realm where gods and spirits go to rejuvenate.

After her parents are transformed into pigs after eating food meant for the gods, Chihiro must find the courage and means to save them.

Howl’s Moving Castle Tattoo 

Howl’s Moving Castle is another celebrated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, released in 2004.

It is loosely based on the 1986 novel of the same name by British author Diana Wynne Jones.

The story follows Sophie, a young hatmaker who is cursed by a witch to appear as an elderly woman.

Seeking to break the curse, Sophie encounters a magical, ambulatory castle controlled by Howl, a charming but self-absorbed wizard.

Princess Mononoke Tattoo 

Princess Mononoke, released in 1997, was directed by Hayao Miyazaki and significantly contributed to Studio Ghibli's international recognition.

Set in the late Muromachi period, it follows Ashitaka, a young Emishi prince who is cursed by a demonized boar god, leading him to seek a cure in the western lands.

Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a conflict between the forest gods, including the fierce warrior San, and the humans of Iron Town, led by Lady Eboshi.

My Neighbour Totoro Tattoo 

My Neighbour Totoro is one of the most iconic and beloved Studio Ghibli films directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Released in 1988, the story follows two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their hospitalized mother.

Here, they meet Totoro, a large, cuddly creature from the forest, who leads them on fantastical adventures through the woods, introducing them to other magical beings and experiences.

Porco Rosso Tattoo 

Porco Rosso, directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 1992, is the story of an Italian World War I ace pilot who is mysteriously cursed to live as a pig.

Known as Porco Rosso, meaning "Red Pig," the protagonist lives a life of seclusion as a bounty hunter chasing air pirates over the Adriatic Sea.

Ni No Kuni Tattoo 

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a video game developed by Level-5 with Studio Ghibli animating sequences and creating character designs, as well as music.

The story revolves around a young boy named Oliver, who embarks on a journey in a parallel world to become a wizard in the hope of bringing his mother back to life after her untimely death.

Crossover Studio Ghibli Tattoo

If you love Studio Ghibli Tattoos but can’t quite decide which film, video game, or character you want to portray yourself in, why not have multiple different characters in your Tattoo Design?

This amazing design features characters from Ghilblis' filmography along with some nice added Korean motifs. 

Totoro Tattoo 

Totoro or Big Totoro is the titular character from the My Neighbour Totoro film.

Totoro is a Kodama or forest spirit who befriends Mei, a girl who confuses him as the troll from her illustrated book Three Billy Goats Gruff.

Totoro has become a cultural icon, making cameos in multiple other films and serving as the mascot for Studio Ghibli. 

No Face Tattoo 

This Studio Ghibli Tattoo is of No Face, a lonely spirit who follows protagonist Chihiro after developing an interest in her sincerity.

Exposed to corruptive thoughts and greed, No Face develops the characteristics of those around him, hoping it will garner Chiriro’s affection. 

Pokemon X Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

If you love crossover tattoos, check out this super cool Studio Ghibli X Pokemon Tattoo.

This Tattoo Design features Crobat, the 169th Pokemon in the Pokedex, that is capable of flying long distances by alternating between its two sets of wings.

These wings have also improved their flight speed without sacrificing their ability to fly silently.

Setsuko Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Setsuko is the deuteragonist in the Studio Ghibli film Grave of the Fireflies.

Born in 1943, although young and naïve, she gains a deeper understanding of life and death throughout the film.

After discovering the remains of the fireflies, she and her brother are released into their shelter for light, she buries them in a grave, asking why they have to die. 

Dragon Ball X Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

If you love both Studio Ghibli and the Dragon Ball franchise, check out this gorgeous Ghibli x Dragon Ball Tattoo.

Dragon Ball is a shonen manga media franchise created by the late Akira Toriyama.

This Tattoo Design features Goku on Flying Nimbus in a Ghibli art style with Totoro behind him.

Laputa Tattoo

Laputa is a castle on an island that floats in the sky.

It was created by an advanced civilization that fled to the sky out of hatred for the wars of the Earth.

They utilized the power of a giant crystal of the element Aetherium, which gave them the technology to create the island, sophisticated robots, and weapons.

Pazu dreams of finding it to prove his late father was correct about its existence. 

Marco Pagot Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Marco Pagot, or Porco Rosso, is a pilot who has been cursed to take the form of a humanoid pig.

Marco is a bounty hunter who attacks ships in the Adriatic Sea.

He was an ace fighter for the Italian Air Force during World War I, but after the rest of his unit was killed in action, he cursed himself into a pig out of guilt for being the lone survivor. 

Nausicaä Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Nausicaä, the eleventh child of King Jhil, is the princess of the Valley of the Wind. She is deeply connected to nature and struggles to understand the world's ecological balance.

Nausicaä tries to prevent warring human factions from destroying themselves and the planet, advocating for harmony and coexistence between humans and the environment. 

Abstract Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

For something a little different, why not try out something like this Abstract Studio Ghibli Tattoo?

This amazing design is by Marco Pepe who specializes in Abstract Tattoo Designs. 

Halloween Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

If you love Holloween as well as Ghibli, Check out this super cool Studio Ghibli Halloween Tattoo.

This super cute design features Totoro popping out of a Totoro-inspired pumpkin Jack O’Lanturn with some Susuwatari at the front. 

Calcifer Tattoo 

This Studio Ghibli Tattoo is of Calcifer, a living ball of fire with eyes and a mouth.

Calcifer is in a magical contract with Howl as he was initially a falling star that Howl caught before it crashed into Earth being extinguished.

Calcifer promises to break Sophie's contract if she can break his contract with Howl. 

Kakashi No Kabu Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Turnip Head is a character who follows Sophie after she rescues him on her way to the wasteland.

He is actually Prince Justin under a curse, appearing as a scarecrow wearing a black suit.

After being kissed by Sophie, he returns to his human form, heading back to Kingsbury to help end the war. 

Haru Yoshioka Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Haru is the main protagonist from the Cat Returns film.

Initially awkward and insecure, being made fun of by her classmates and crush, by the end of the movie, she becomes more bold, mature and confident. 

Demon God Studio Ghibli Tattoo

Nago is a boar god and one of the leaders of the boar clan.

After being shot by Lady Eboshi, he transformed into a Tatari Gami and rampaged across the countryside.

He was finally put down by Prince Ashitaka, but not before cursing him.

Nago was turned into a demon due to his intense hatred of humans who were destroying his habitat.

Kodama Tattoo

The Kodama are tree spirits from the Princess Mononoke film.

These spirits are the children of old trees and are signs that the forest itself is pure and in good health, but disappear if the forest is dying.

Catbus Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Catbus is a supporting character from the film My Neighbour Totoro.

Catbus is a twelve-legged cat with a hollow body that makes it serve as a bus.

Catbus is likely based off of the Japanese Yokai ‘Bakenko,’ an old cat that has the ability to shapeshift at will.

If you are interested in Japanese Yokai, check out our Japanese Yokai Tattoos.

Haku Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

This White Dragon Tattoo is of Haku, a central character in Hayao Miyazaki’s film Spirited Away.

Haku is Yubaba’s apprentice and enforcer but he retains a compassionate and protective side, especially towards Chihiro.

It's revealed that Haku is actually the spirit of the Kohaku River, a river that was filled in and built over, causing him to forget his true identity and purpose until Chihiro helps him remember.

Creepy No Face Tattoo 

If you like the darker aspects of Studio Ghibli movies, why not get yourself a Studio Ghibli Tattoo with a bit more of an edge to it?

This No Face Tattoo is super creepy, showing his mouth at the center of his body in a deep red coloring that gives off an ominous feel. 

Yakul Studio Ghibli Tattoo Tattoo 

Yakul is Ashitaka's loyal serow mount companion, who is not only a mode of transportation but also plays a significant role as a friend and partner to Ashitaka throughout their journey.

Yakul is steadfast, brave, and capable of navigating dangerous terrains and situations, reflecting the bond and trust between him and Ashitaka. 

Susuwatari Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

The Susuwatari, or soot sprites, are recurring characters in two Studio Ghibli films, Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro.

Small, black balls of soot with eyes, these creatures tend to inhabit old, abandoned houses or are used for labor.

They are portrayed as hardworking yet playful, carrying coal into the furnace for Kamajī.

Boh Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Boh is Yubaba's oversized, pampered infant son.

He lives in luxury in his nursery, which is heavily protected and attended to by his mother and her minions.

Through Yubaba's twin sister's magic, Boh is transformed into a tiny mouse, symbolizing his shift from a life of indulgence to one of vulnerability and dependence.

Radish Spirit Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

A minor character from Spirited Away, the Radish Spirit is a slow-moving and massive creature built with the build of a sumo wrestler.

The Radish Spirit meets Chihiro and Lin at the elevator.

Despite Lin telling Chihiro that he seems ill-tempered, the Radish Spirit aids her in her journey by hiding her from a suspicious bathhouse worker.

Forest Spirit Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

The Forest Spirit, or Shishigami, is the creature that embodies the forest's life force and plays a crucial role in balancing the ecosystem within the Princess Mononoke film.

By day, it appears as a deer-like symbolizing its connection to all living things.

By night, it transforms into the "Night Walker," a gigantic, translucent, ethereal creature that towers over the landscape, glowing with an eerie light.

San Tattoo 

San, also known as Princess Mononoke, is a fierce and strong-willed young woman who has been raised by wolf gods Moro and her two wolf brothers after being abandoned by her human parents, earning her the name "Wolf Girl" among the humans.

San is incredibly brave, loyal, and capable in battle, often fighting fiercely to protect the forest from human encroachment.

San Mask Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

San often wears a mask that symbolizes her warrior spirit and her identity as part of the wolf clan.

The mask is meant to represent the earliest form of Japanese art, the mystical clay figurines used for ritual and religious purposes.

Garden Robot Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

The Gardner Robots are found on Laputa, a floating island whose human inhabitants have long abandoned.

The Gardner Robots continue tending to the overgrown landscape and maintaining the ruins, demonstrating a level of autonomy and dedication.

Originally used for multiple functions, including defense and maintenance,  by the time of the film, they primarily engage in gardening and preserving the natural environment of the island.

Jiji Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

This Cat Tattoo is of Jiji, Kiki’s familiar who accompanies her as she moves to a new town to spend a year alone in training, as per witch tradition.

Jiji serves as a counterbalance to Kiki's more naive and optimistic personality, offering a more grounded perspective on the events they encounter. 

Ōtori-Sama Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

The Ōtori-Sama are minor characters who appear in the bathhouse or are spirited away.

These spirits resemble giant chickens or ducks and attend the bathhouse, where they relax in the bathtubs.

Yubird Tattoo 

Yu-Bird is a servant and spie for Yubaba.

This large bird has the exact same facial features as its master, who keeps an eye on what is happening around the vast bathhouse and exerts Yubaba’s control over the enormous spirit world. 

Ponyo Tattoo 

Despite not quite looking like one, this is, in fact, a Fish Tattoo.

Ponyo is a young and enthusiastic goldfish that is the daughter of a powerful and strict wizard, Fujimoto, and a sea goddess, Granmamare.

Although she lives under the sea, she is fascinated by the human world and forms a bond with a five-year-old boy named Sosuke, who rescued her after she escaped from her father’s home. 

Teto Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Teto is a Fox-Squirrel, a small, intelligent creature from the toxic forests that cover much of the Earth in the film’s post-apocalyptic setting.

Initially wary and aggressive, thanks to Nausicaä's gentle and compassionate nature, she quickly wins him over, becoming her companion and ally throughout the movie.

Despite his small size, Teto is spirited and brave, often seen by Nausicaä's side during her adventures and conflicts.

Ohmu Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Ohmu are the giant insects who live in the sea of corruption.

Despite their fearsome appearance, Ohmu are intelligent and sensitive beings who communicate through a complex system of colors displayed in their eyes and can sense emotions and intentions.

These creatures are blinded by rage when any creature living in the forests is killed, and their eyes turn red and go on a rampage. 

Shoulder Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Shoulder Tattoos are a terrific place for first-time tattooers, particularly those who are afraid of the pain associated with tattooing.

The shoulder has a lot of muscle and fat, which will help dampen the pain.

Depending on your tattoo design, it can look like your favorite Ghibli character is riding on your shoulder like your little traveling companion. 

Thigh Tattoo Of Studio Ghibli 

Thigh Tattoos are another fantastic place to get a tattoo, particularly for those who want a bit more added allure.

Like the shoulder, the thigh has a lot of muscle and fat that will help dampen the pain.

But keep in mind that the thigh isn’t always easily shown off, so you might need to consider this location carefully depending on whether or not you love to show off your style often. 

Arm Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

The arm is an obvious place for your Studio Ghibli Tattoo.

It is one of the easiest places to show off, but it can also be easily concealed if need be.

The arm is also another location that doesn’t hurt too much unless you get close to locations such as the elbow. 

Studio Ghibli Tattoo On The Forearm 

Forearm Tattoos are among the best places to show off your tattoo design as often as possible.

Located on the forearm, it can always be seen when wearing a short-sleeved shirt or vest.

However, if you work in a professional setting, you may need to always wear long-sleeved shirts, which may not be great if you live or work in a warm environment. 

Hand Studio Ghibli Tattoo 

Lastly, Hand Tattoos are quite possibly the best place to show off your tattoo other than a Face Tattoo.

However, remember that the hand has very thin skin and little fat, so it is going to be one of the most uncomfortable places to be inked.