Anyone else read this blurb about how Studio Ghibli was almost renamed Studio Scirocco?
Hayao Miyazaki proposed that the studio’s name be changed to “Studio Scirocco” (Scirocco is the Italian name for a hot, humid wind that originates in the Sahara Desert and blows across Southern Italy), however the staff objected to the name saying that it sounded “weak.”
Where do they come up with this stuff? Well, according to Wikipedia…
Scirocco and Sirocco are Italian names where the greek word for the wind “σιρόκος” (sirokos) comes from, while jugo is its name in Croatia and ghibli in Libya. The sirocco reaching the south of France contains more moisture and is known as the marin.
So Studio Ghibli is named after a Mediterranean wind… That isn’t nearly as profound as a name like, oh say “Sea Slugs!”. As for the real nutmeat of the article, check this out:
Suzuki also mentions in the interview that he doesn’t feel that Miyazaki will ever be able to create a character as iconic as Totoro, much like how Walt Disney strived, but never managed to surpass his own creation of Mickey Mouse. However when Suzuki told Miyazaki this, Miyazaki became angry and told Suzuki, “I’ll do it.”
Oh snap!
This post was written by...
Kabitzin – who has written 1970 posts on Sea Slugs! Anime Blog.
One of the founders of Sea Slugs, I handle most of the blog admin tasks while wearing my I AM BOSS shirt. I like my action series well choreographed, and my romance series extra trashy. I also have a soft spot for puns.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The definition of Scirocco made me laugh.
I’ll be waiting for Miyazaki to make a new, fantastic anime with spectacular characters in it. I’ve always enjoyed his stuff.
Gotta paste that to the Totoro-lover… see if she sides with Totoro or Miyazaki, haha.
Hahaha. Maybe Miyazaki just hated being compared with Walt Disney.