05 What's the deal with fish girl on a cliff? (Ponyo)

05 What's the deal with fish girl on a cliff? (Ponyo)

Author: JapanKyo.com February 18, 2020 Duration: 1:04:53

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's the deal with "fish girl on a cliff?" And by "fish girl on a cliff" we mean the 2008 Studio Ghibli film Ponyo.

Topics Discussed

  • The general reception of Ponyo
  • Whether Ponyo was better received in the West or in Japan
  • The "catchiness" of the theme from Ponyo
  • A review of the major events of Ponyo
  • Ponyo's fondness of human blood
  • The meaning of Ponyo's name and an analysis of why Sosuke chose the name Ponyo
  • Some of the omissions found in the English dub
  • The relationship between Sosuke and Risa
  • Sosuke's mother's reckless driving and her carefree personality
  • Why Sosuke does not call Risa "mom" or "mother" (i.e. the prevalence of yobisute in Ponyo)
  • Some of the most memorable scenes in Ponyo
  • Random Ponyo trivia
  • The peculiar interaction between Ponyo, Sosuke, and the stranded young couple holding a baby
  • Some of the themes and possible messages found within Ponyo
  • Speculation about what the supposedly planned Ponyo sequel could have been like
  • What Hayao Miyazaki has said about what might happen to Ponyo and Sosuke after the end of Ponyo
  • Whether Ponyo and Sosuke's relationship could be described as "romantic"
  • How we think Ponyo stacks up to other Studio Ghibli films
  • Whether we enjoyed Ponyo or not
  • And more!

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

Listen to Japan Station

Check out episode 32 of Japan Station via the link below.

Full Ichimon Japan Show Notes


Curious about why some Japanese words sound so specific or what really lies behind a historical anecdote you heard? Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com digs into exactly those kinds of inquiries. Hosts Tony and Ryan, both holding master's degrees in Japanese Language & Linguistics, use listener questions as a starting point for deep, conversational explorations. Their approach is grounded in personal experience living in Japan and thorough research using Japanese and English sources, which allows them to move beyond surface-level explanations. Within this podcast, you'll hear discussions that weave together language quirks, societal norms, and lesser-known historical threads, all while gently correcting common misunderstandings about the country. It feels less like a formal lecture and more like joining two knowledgeable friends who are eager to share what they've learned. Whether the topic is a subtle cultural practice, the etymology of a phrase, or an event from Japan's past, each episode builds a richer, more nuanced picture. The result is a consistently engaging listen for anyone wanting to move past stereotypes and develop a deeper, more informed appreciation for Japan and its language.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 86

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com
Podcast Episodes
14 Why are vegetables so insulting in Japanese? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are vegetables so unsulting in Japanese? On this episode we are honored to once again be joined by Kyle Broyles of the Tokyo Splosion podcast and Hard Officers YouTube channel…
12 What's better: rural life or city life in Japan? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:39
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's better: rural life or city life in Japan? Topics Discussed The pros and cons of living in rural Japan The pros and cons of living in a big city in Japan Life in Ishikawa Pr…
11 What is the Curse of the Colonel? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:01
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is the Curse of the Colonel? Topics Discussed What the famous Curse of the Colonel is How tall and how heavy the statues of Colonel Sanders that are seen at Japanese KFC loca…
10 What is Panty Town? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:28
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Panty Town? Topics Discussed The town of Shimogigaoka (下木ヶ丘) and its plan to use panty vending machines for publicity The history of the town of Shimogigaoka What fundoshi…
09 Was Momotaro a thief? (All About Peach Bob) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:09
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Was Momotarō a thief? Topics Discussed The folktale/fairy tale of Momotarō Whether Peach Boy is a good English title for Momotarō How old the story of Momotarō is Kunio Yanagita T…
08 What are your Japanese studying tips? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:01
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are your Japanese studying tips? Topics Discussed How and why Tony and Ryan started studying Japanese The structure of Japanese Strategies and tips for studying Japanese and…
04 What's it like being a "fake priest" in Japan? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:34
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's it like being a fake priest in Japan? Topics Discussed What a nisebokushi is The different terminology for priests in Japanese (shinpu vs bokushi) The phenomenon of having…