Ghibli-Inspired Cookbook Explores Miyazaki's Food Philosophy

A new book titled "La cucina incantata. Le ricette tratte dai film di Hayao Miyazaki" (Trenta Editore, Milan 2021) compiles recipes from Studio Ghibli films, analyzing the symbolic role of food in Hayao Miyazaki's animation. Written by Silvia Casini, Raffaella Fenoglio, and Francesco Pasqua, the 144-page volume combines cinematic analysis with step-by-step recipes, including vegan variations. Dishes featured include nimono from "Laputa: Castle in the Sky," mackerel with Dashi broth from "The Wind Rises," Ponyo's ramen, and Zeniba's sponge cake from "Spirited Away." The authors argue that food in Miyazaki's works embodies cultural memory, familial bonds, and sensory joy, with each meal advancing the narrative. Casini stated, "I contacted Raffaella Fenoglio and Francesco Pasqua, I exposed my idea to them and we threw ourselves headlong into this undertaking." The book costs €14.00 and is published by Trenta Editore.