Directed by
Hayao Miyazaki
Made by
Touchstone Pictures
In the year 1918, a young man named Jiro Horikoshi harbors aspirations of becoming a pilot. However, his hopes are dashed when he discovers that his nearsightedness renders him unable to fly. Inspired by a magazine article, he begins to dream vividly of soaring through the skies with his idol, the Italian aircraft designer Giovanni Battista Caproni. In these dreams, Caproni reveals a profound insight: although he has never piloted a plane himself, he believes that creating aircraft is far more significant than flying them. Fast forward five years later, after witnessing the unfortunate failure of the real Caproni Ca.60, Jiro finds himself enrolled as an aeronautical engineering student at Tokyo Imperial University. During a trip home to visit family, he meets a young girl named Nahoko Satomi, who is accompanied by her maid Kinu. Their meeting takes a chaotic turn when the Great Kantō earthquake strikes, resulting in Kinu sustaining a broken leg. Jiro steps in to assist Nahoko in bringing Kinu back to her family home, leaving this first encounter without even learning each other’s names.
The year is 1925, and Jiro graduates alongside his friend Kiro Honjo. Both men secure positions at the aircraft manufacturer Mitsubishi during the turbulent times of the Great Depression. They are tasked with developing a fighter plane, the Mitsubishi 1MF9, for the Imperial Army. However, during testing, the plane tragically breaks apart in midair and is promptly rejected. In a strategic pivot, Mitsubishi sends Jiro and Honjo to the Weimar Republic in 1929 to acquire a production license for the Junkers G.38 aircraft, with intentions to manufacture a bomber. Despite being welcomed by Hugo Junkers, the pair faces obstacles in obtaining the complete plans due to interventions from the Sicherheitspolizei. Disheartened by Japan’s technological lag in aeronautics, Jiro decides to return home, while Honjo stays behind and eventually contributes to the design of the Mitsubishi G4M.
In early 1932, Jiro achieves the position of chief designer for a competition to create a fighter plane sponsored by the Imperial Navy. Unfortunately, his design, the Mitsubishi 1MF10, fails the testing phase in 1933 and faces rejection once again. Seeking solace, he retreats to a summer resort in Karuizawa, where he fortuitously reunites with an older Nahoko, who has been searching for him since their initial encounter. Their connection quickly blossoms into romance, with the aid of a German tourist named Hans Castorp. Castorp, critical of Nazi Germany, discreetly informs Jiro of the serious situation regarding Adolf Hitler’s regime and reassures him about the looming threat of another world war, this time potentially with Japan as an ally. He ultimately has to flee from the Special Higher Police.
Devastating news strikes when Nahoko is diagnosed with tuberculosis. This prompts Jiro to seek her father’s permission to marry her, leading to a heartfelt engagement. However, Nahoko expresses a wish to wait until she fully recovers before marrying. She returns to her family home, and with Jiro needing to remain hidden due to his connection with Castorp, he takes refuge at his supervisor Kurokawa’s residence while working on a new fighter project for the Imperial Navy. Jiro’s commitment to Nahoko leads him to her side after a pulmonary hemorrhage, but after a brief visit, Nahoko decides to check into a mountain sanatorium for her treatment. Unable to cope with separation, she makes a return to Jiro’s side. With her father’s blessing, Kurokawa and his wife assist in a private marriage ceremony, allowing the couple to stay together. Jiro’s sister, Kayo, who is a doctor, warns him of the tragic fate that awaits them, as tuberculosis remains incurable. Despite Nahoko’s deteriorating condition, they cherish their precious moments together.
As Jiro prepares for the test flight of his newest prototype, the Mitsubishi Ka-14, Nahoko, keenly aware of her impending demise, writes farewell letters to Jiro, her family, and friends. In a desperate attempt to return to the sanatorium, she discreetly leaves the house. At the test site, Jiro becomes distracted during what should be a triumphant moment, as a sudden gust of wind hints at Nahoko’s passing.
By 1945, in the aftermath of Japan’s defeat in World War II, Jiro finds himself once again in the realm of dreams, seeking guidance from Caproni. He expresses regret that his magnificent aircraft were utilized for warfare. Caproni reassures him, stating that despite this tragedy, Jiro’s envisioned dream of creating beautiful flying machines was ultimately realized with his masterpiece—the A6M ‘Zero’ fighter. In a poignant moment, Nahoko’s spirit appears to him, encouraging her husband to embrace life ahead. As her spirit fades, Jiro and Caproni walk together into a shared kingdom of dreams, united by their passion for aviation.
Jiro's Dream of Aviation
In 1918, a young Jiro Horikoshi dreams of becoming a pilot, only to have his dreams dashed by his nearsightedness. Inspired by a magazine article, he begins to dream of soaring through the skies, guided by his idol, Giovanni Battista Caproni.
Meeting Caproni in Dreams
As Jiro dreams, he encounters Caproni, who shares his wisdom about the significance of designing aircraft over piloting them. This moment solidifies Jiro's aspiration to become an aeronautical engineer rather than a pilot.
Pursuing Engineering
Five years later, Jiro enrolls at Tokyo Imperial University as an aeronautical engineering student. This pivotal decision positions him to contribute to the world of aviation despite the challenges he faces.
The Great Kantō Earthquake
During a visit home, Jiro meets Nahoko Satomi and her maid Kinu. Their brief interaction turns chaotic as the Great Kantō earthquake strikes, injuring Kinu and setting the stage for Jiro and Nahoko's relationship.
Graduation and New Beginnings
In 1925, Jiro graduates alongside his friend Kiro Honjo, and both secure positions at Mitsubishi. They are tasked with developing a fighter plane during the challenging period of the Great Depression.
The Mitsubishi 1MF9 Failure
While working on the Mitsubishi 1MF9, Jiro faces disappointment when the plane breaks apart during testing and is rejected. This setback highlights the difficulties in their endeavors to create effective aviation technology.
Journey to Weimar Republic
In 1929, Jiro and Honjo travel to the Weimar Republic to acquire a production license for the Junkers G.38. Despite being welcomed by Hugo Junkers, they encounter bureaucratic challenges that hinder their progress.
Return to Japan
Disheartened by Japan's technological lag, Jiro returns home while Honjo stays behind to work on the Mitsubishi G4M. This decision shapes the future of their respective careers in aviation.
The Fighter Plane Competition
By early 1932, Jiro achieves the role of chief designer for a fighter plane competition sponsored by the Imperial Navy. Unfortunately, his design fails testing in 1933, marking another professional setback for him.
Reunion with Nahoko
After the failure of his design, Jiro retreats to a summer resort where he fortuitously reunites with Nahoko. Their connection deepens into romance, providing Jiro with emotional support during challenging times.
Nahoko's Illness
Devastating news impacts Jiro when he learns that Nahoko has tuberculosis. This prompts him to seek her father's permission to marry her, even as Nahoko wishes to wait until she is fully recovered.
Private Marriage Ceremony
With the help of Jiro's supervisor Kurokawa and his wife, the couple organizes a private marriage ceremony. They cherish their time together, even as Jiro's sister, Kayo, warns of the uncertain future due to Nahoko's illness.
Nahoko's Farewell Letters
As Jiro prepares for a critical test flight of his prototype, Nahoko writes farewell letters aware of her declining health. This emotional burden weighs heavily on Jiro during what should be a moment of triumph.
Dreams and Regret
By 1945, in the aftermath of World War II, Jiro finds himself in dreams once again, conversing with Caproni. He shares his regret that his aircraft designs were used in war, reflecting on the consequences of his creations.
Embracing the Future
In a poignant farewell, Nahoko's spirit encourages Jiro to embrace life as they both walk into a dream world with Caproni. This final connection encapsulates their shared passion for aviation and the love they shared.
Jiro Horikoshi
Jiro is a passionate aeronautical engineer with a dream of designing beautiful airplanes. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including his nearsightedness and the losses in his personal life, he remains dedicated to his craft, embodying perseverance and creativity.
Nahoko Satomi
Nahoko is a gentle and kind-hearted woman who represents love and inspiration in Jiro's life. Her struggle with tuberculosis adds emotional depth to the story, as her bond with Jiro highlights the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments together.
Giovanni Battista Caproni
Caproni is an inspiring figure in Jiro's dreams, embodying the ideal of creativity and innovation in aviation. He represents the mentor figure that guides Jiro toward understanding the significance of his aspirations beyond personal success.
Time period
1918-1945
The film spans several years, beginning in 1918, a time of innovation and war recovery, moving through the turbulent 1920s and the Great Depression. By 1945, the aftermath of World War II affects the characters' dreams and realities, encapsulating a time of both conflict and creativity in aviation.
Location
Tokyo, Karuizawa, Weimar Republic
The movie takes place in various significant locations, including Tokyo, where Jiro attends university and works, and Karuizawa, a serene summer resort where he reconnects with Nahoko. The Weimar Republic is also a focal point, where Jiro and his friend seek advancements in aircraft design amidst the backdrop of political upheaval.
✈️
Ambition
The theme of ambition runs deeply throughout Jiro's journey as he strives to become a leading aircraft designer despite numerous setbacks. His relentless pursuit of excellence embodies the spirit of innovation and the complexity of chasing one's dreams amid personal and societal challenges.
❤️
Love
The film beautifully interweaves themes of love, particularly through Jiro's relationship with Nahoko. Their bond, formed amidst adversity, highlights the emotional struggles and the transient nature of life, as they cherish their time together in the face of illness and impending loss.
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Loss
Loss is a poignant theme, reflected in the tragic fate of Nahoko due to her illness and the destruction wrought by war. This theme serves to illustrate the harsh realities of life and the emotional resilience required to cope with grief and the impermanence of dreams.
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