Let's learn Japanese from Ghibli movies: A dish from Castle in the Sky (1)

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation company and well-known for producing creative and thoughtful works. Hayao Miyazaki is a world famous animator and has created many fantastic movies such as Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service and so on.

The themes in his movies range from environmentalism, to independence of children, love, and war. Not only children but also adults enjoy his works and rethink who we are and what living in the world means.

While there are numerous aspects or angles to watch his works, one of the most important keys is, I believe, "eating." (diet).  Miyazaki may think eating (food) is the most important for living things. I see some mouthwatering food in Ghibli movies, which always make me feel hungry and nostalgic. 

Now, I would like to introduce you dishes that I like in the movies.
Be patient! I bet you are getting hungry for sure. Besides, You can learn Japanese too.

 Meatballs-laden Soup (in "Castle in the Sky")

via

Let't take a look at the conversation between Pazu and a clerk in English.

Pazu：Meatballs for the Boss.

A clerk：You are working late tonight, Pazu.

Pazu：Yeah, things are really busy for change.

A woman：Back to work?

Pazu：Yup!

Now, let's read the conversation in Japanese. (from the original movie)

パズー(Pazu)：おじさん、肉団子二つ入れて。

                     (Ojisan, Nikudango Futatsu Irete.)

店員(ten-in)：珍しく残業かい？

                                (Mezurashiku Zangyo-kai?)

パズー：うん、今日は久しぶりに忙しんだ。

                  (Woun, Kyowa Hisashiburini Isogashinda)

女性(jyosei)：まだ仕事？

                             (mada shigoto?)

パズー：うん。

<words>

肉 (niku)=meat

団子 (dango)＝ball

珍しく (mezurashiku) ＝for change, after a long time

残業 (zanggo) ＝overwork
まだ (mada) =still
仕事 (shigoto) ＝work

Comparing two versions in English and Japanese, you might find something interesting. While Pazu says "meatballs for the boss", he doesn't mention "the boss" in Japanese. This might happen because in English version, the fact that Pazu has to work late under his boss is emphasized and the English one needs to mention he has to bring dinner to his boss. 

On the other hand, the Japanese original version doesn't mention who will have the meatballs. So, I had thought the meatballs were Pazu's dinner not for his boss before I watched the English version.



<Recipe>
Meatballs-laden Soups

Ingredients:
・minced pork
・carrot
・onion
・potato
・celery
・diced tomatoes
・ketchup
・stock cubes
・salt and pepper


Cut all vegetables into dice and add a pan with water and stock.
Make meatballs and grill them on the pan before adding to the soup.
Season with salt, pepper and ketchup.
Simmer for a while and done!

If you add soy source and sliced ginger instead of ketchup,
the soup gets more Japanese like.