Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece, Spirited Away, is by far one of the most representative and beloved anime films of all time. The story of Chihiro as she traverses a fantastical and dangerous new world is one that has inspired countless fans over the years. Its impact is such that even celebrities have felt a connection with Hayao Miyazaki’s movie.

The perfect example of this trend is none other than the world-famous pop star and actress Ariana Grande. While not often talked about, the artist has shared in the past that her experience with this amazing anime movie pushed her to tattoo the main character on her right arm. Grande also shared what the significance of one of Miyazaki’s masterpieces was for her in a moving Instagram post.

Ariana Grande Does Not Hide Her Love for Spirited Away

Her Tattoo Is a Reminder of Her iration for Chihiro

Out of all the amazing films that have been released by the critically acclaimed Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away holds a special place in fans’ hearts. For many, this was one of the movies that marked their childhood, as well as introducing them to the fascinating world of Japanese animation. The story, art style, and cast of this beautiful film are largely the reason behind its major success, with the protagonist, Chihiro, having become an icon of powerful and independent female characters.

The beloved artist, Ariana Grande, seems to share this iration for the girl by getting a tattoo of the character back in 2018. In a post that not many anime fans knew about, the singer shared with the world the first look at a tattoo that depicted Chihiro in the iconic pose seen in the poster of the movie. After sharing the news with the world, Grande published a small but significant message talking about the impact that Miyazaki’s work and his characters had on her.

The text talks about the impressive journey into maturity that the protagonist of the film experienced during the plot. Grande began by assuring that while Chihiro began the film as a scared child, by the end of it, she had become a powerful and fearless girl who would do anything to protect her friends. Although the message has been forgotten with time, the tattoo of the protagonist can still be seen on the right arm of the artist as a reminder of her love for what many consider one of the greatest anime movies in history.

Chihiro Is a Character Worth iring

She Is More Than Just a Brave Girl

Even though not many anime fans were aware of the message posted by Grande to her social media s, this small text perfectly encapsulates what has made Chihiro so beloved throughout the years. As the artist pointed out, the girl began the movie as a fearful and naïve child who wanted nothing more than to return to her old life. Most of the first half of the movie is spent following Chihiro as she tries and fails to adapt to the fantastical world around her.

As her adventure progresses, so does her maturity, to the point where she becomes a completely different person. Gone was the girl who would run scared or cry for small reasons, letting her true strength flourish and shine. Chihiro became a brave leader, capable of helping those whom others had abandoned, like the fan-favorite No Face. Her journey is one that has inspired millions of children to find their inner power and become shining examples for others.

Anime’s Influence Continues To Expand

Celebrities Keep Talking About Their Love for the Genre

When Spirited Away was first released back in 2001, the anime industry was barely beginning to establish itself outside of Japan. While the 90s had several incredible shows that fans fondly, their impact on culture was quite niche. Today, more than two decades later, anime has become one of the pillars of pop culture, and artists like Ariana Grande are proof of this. Besides the singer, several celebrities have openly talked about their love for the genre.

Whether it is Timothée Chalamet walking down the red carpet holding a Beyblade or Megan Thee Stallion’s album being a love letter to the genre, the impact of anime cannot be denied. This is amazing news for followers of Japanese animation, as these are signs of the success the industry has outside its own country. If things continue as they have been for the last couple of years, anime is almost guaranteed to keep bringing joy to international fans for many decades more.