TRACING PRINCESS-SHIP IN STUDIO GHIBLI FILMS: AN ECO-FEMINIST CRITIQUE OF UNEXPECTED PRINCESSES OF JAPAN

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Since its establishment in 1985, Studio Ghibli has produced a series of films whose main protagonists were princesses but mostly with stories far different from the traditional princess narratives in Western film. The paper will focus on how Ghibli reinvents princess-ship through the perspective of eco-feminism, specifically exploring how gender fluidity relates to personal growth over environmentalism. Qualitative content analysis was made from five purposively selected films on the aspects of characterization, narrative structure, and cultural element integration in shōjo. The basis for analysis will include the portrayal of gender roles, the crossing of femininity with nature, and the subverting of conventional princess archetypes. Findings reveal that Ghibli princesses exhibit a blend of traditionally masculine and feminine traits, challenging societal norms and offering more complex, multidimensional female protagonists. Unlike Western princess narratives, particularly those popularized by Disney, Ghibli’s heroines often operate outside traditional gender expectations, emphasizing agency, resilience, and a deep connection with nature. The study concludes that Studio Ghibli’s approach promotes a progressive, feminist perspective, encouraging young audiences to embrace diverse models of femininity.