Pom Poko 1994
"A Fantastic Tale Of Survival"
Pom Poko (1994), directed by the legendary Isao Takahata, is a heartfelt and visually inventive animated adventure that blends fantasy with biting social commentary.
Director: Isao Takahata
Cast
Makoto Nonomura
Shoukichi (voice)
Nijiko Kiyokawa
Old Fireball / Oroku (voice)
Shigeru Izumiya
Gonta (voice)
Norihei Miki
Seizaemon (voice)
Yuriko Ishida
Kiyo (voice)
Megumi Hayashibara
Sasuke (voice)
Yumi Ichihara
Koharu (voice)
Akira Kamiya
Tamasaburo (voice)
Takehiro Murata
Bunta (voice)
Gannosuke Ashiya
Inugami Gyobu (voice)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pom Poko (1994) about?
Pom Poko (1994) follows a group of tanuki (raccoons) in Japan's Tama Hills as they face displacement due to urban expansion. Forced to adapt, they hone their ancient shapeshifting skills to stage elaborate ruses against developers, blending humor, folklore, and a poignant critique of environmental change.
Who directed Pom Poko?
Isao Takahata, the acclaimed co-founder of Studio Ghibli, directed Pom Poko. Known for his emotionally rich storytelling, Takahata crafted a film that balances fantasy with sharp social commentary.
Who stars in Pom Poko?
The voice cast features Makoto Nonomura, Nijiko Kiyokawa, Shigeru Izumiya, Norihei Miki, and Yuriko Ishida, bringing the tanuki's adventures and transformations to life with charm and depth.
Is Pom Poko (1994) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you love animation with heart and substance, Pom Poko is a gem. Its blend of humor, folklore, and environmental themes makes it a standout in Studio Ghibli's catalog, offering both entertainment and food for thought.
How long is Pom Poko?
Pom Poko runs for 119 minutes, or roughly 2 hours of immersive animated adventure.
🎥 Trailer
About Pom Poko (1994) — A Ghibli Classic of Magic, Humor, and Environmental Heart
Pom Poko (1994), directed by the legendary Isao Takahata, is a heartfelt and visually inventive animated adventure that blends fantasy with biting social commentary. Set against the backdrop of Japan's rapid urbanization, this Studio Ghibli masterpiece follows a community of clever tanuki (raccoons) as they resist the encroachment of modern development on their ancestral Tama Hills home. Using their ancient shapeshifting abilities, the tanuki stage elaborate, often hilarious disguises—from humans to teapots—in a desperate bid to reclaim their disappearing habitat. The film balances whimsy with poignant themes of environmental loss, cultural identity, and the absurdity of progress, all wrapped in Takahata's signature blend of humor and melancholy.
With its richly detailed animation and emotionally layered storytelling, Pom Poko transcends the typical animated fare. The tanuki's misadventures—ranging from chaotic street performances to poignant reflections on their vanishing world—create a unique atmosphere that's equal parts playful and profound. The film's message lingers long after the credits roll, making it a standout in the adventure-fantasy genre and a must-watch for anyone who appreciates animation with depth.
