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Studio Ghibli's animated masterpieces are renowned not only for their grand fantasy sequences but also for their serene, everyday moments. Amidst battling dragons or confronting monsters, characters (and audiences) often pause to savor exquisitely animated meals. The video below, featuring director Hayao Miyazaki cooking ramen for his team, could seamlessly blend into one of these iconic scenes.
The footage captures the Studio Ghibli animation team diligently working on Miyazaki's 2001 film Spirited Away. As the production neared its deadline, animators frequently worked late into the night. A welcome break during these grueling hours was the nightly staff meal served at 11 p.m.
Every evening, a different team member would take charge of preparing dinner for the group, including director Hayao Miyazaki. In the video, he crafts "Poor Man's Salt Flavored Ramen," a humble dish made with instant noodles, eggs, and fresh vegetables. Much like the meals depicted in Miyazaki's films, this simple dish transforms into something extraordinary, uniting the tired team over a shared moment of comfort.
Hayao Miyazaki is often recognized for his serious and occasionally daunting demeanor (perhaps clarifying why one staff member was taken aback upon discovering he was the evening's cook). Below are some uncomplicated yet profound quotes from the iconic filmmaker about life and creativity.
