Ghibli quotes that resonate with the heart! A collection of inspiring lines that give you strength when you’re feeling down

People often say something is tough, but if it’s work you’re doing earnestly, isn’t there no such thing as a job that isn’t tough?Toshio

Toshio is an original character from the 1991 Studio Ghibli film Only Yesterday.

His line, “People always say something is tough, but if you’re working hard at it, isn’t every job tough?” is a quote that resonates in any era.

Taken on its own, the word “tough” might sound negative, but whether it’s work or a hobby, the more earnestly you put yourself into it, the tougher it feels.

It’s a message that teaches us there’s nothing easy in this world when you’re truly committed.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Live your own time.Baron

Baron, a character from the 2002 Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns, which was released as a spinoff of Whisper of the Heart.

His line, “Live your own time,” is a memorable quote addressed to the protagonist, Haru Yoshioka, to gently steady her wavering heart.

Everyone has their own allotted time and place—and for some, a role or position as well.

Choosing to change those with intention isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if it’s an escape from reality, it might be good to remember this quote and think it over once more.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Even when life doesn’t go well, it’s sometimes necessary not to blame yourself too much and to think that society is at fault.NEW!

These words teach us the importance of not blaming ourselves too much and of paying attention to problems in social structures and the environment.

For example, there are young people who want to become full-time employees but have few job openings and are forced to work in non-regular positions or for low wages.

There are also situations where tuition and housing costs are so high that people can’t pursue their dreams.

If we only think, “It’s because I didn’t try hard enough,” we can be crushed by the logic of personal responsibility.

What matters is recognizing the issues in society and its systems, speaking up, and calling for improvement.

These words convey the message that, in addition to individual effort, it’s necessary to adopt a perspective that reexamines fairness and the broader environment of society in order to make our lives and futures better.

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kepiko

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How you stack the stones is up to you.great-uncle

The character known as the Great-Uncle from Studio Ghibli’s 2023 film The Boy and the Heron—an adventure action fantasy set during the Pacific War era—teaches us through his famous line, “How you stack the stones is up to you,” that our lives are for us to decide.

Life is a series of choices, and the future branches depending on our answers.

At times we get swept along by those around us or find ourselves unable to go against someone, but in the end, everything comes down to our own judgment.

It’s a quote that tells us we can reach any future depending on ourselves.

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Hoshino Takashi

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There are dangers you don’t need to challenge.pod

From Studio Ghibli’s The Secret World of Arrietty: Pod [There are dangers you don’t have to challenge.] #shorts

Arrietty, a Studio Ghibli film released in 2010 as animator Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s directorial debut.

The famous line by Pod, who appears as Arrietty’s father—“There are dangers you don’t need to challenge”—surely comes from a life spent side by side with peril.

Attempting something without understanding your own abilities or the circumstances around you is reckless, not courageous.

This quote teaches us that deliberately choosing to avoid something can also be necessary to achieve our goals.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Go forth as you believe.Jill

Jhil, a character from the Studio Ghibli film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind—released in 1984 and adapted into a kabuki play in 2019—speaks the memorable line, “Go forward as your beliefs guide you.” Addressed to his daughter Nausicaä, the words convey a deep sense of trust between them.

Whether in our daily work or in pursuing dreams and goals, we sometimes find ourselves paralyzed by anxiety and doubt.

In such moments, it is often our convictions that help us take the first step.

This quote offers a tailwind of courage to follow the path you believe in.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Everyone, we’re starting over from the beginning. Let’s make this a good village.NEW!Lady Eboshi

This is a famous quote from Princess Mononoke.

It teaches us the strength to hold on to hope even in the midst of hardship.

Even if we fail or things fall apart, it gently encourages us: “You can always try again.” Rather than regretting the past, it reminds us that what matters is what we do from here.

And if we join forces—not alone, but together—we can surely create a kinder, warmer place than before.

Especially when we feel down, these words seem to say, “It’s okay, it’s not over yet,” filling us with the courage and hope to move forward.

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kepiko

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