05 What's the deal with fish girl on a cliff? (Ponyo)

<p>On this episode of <em>Ichimon Japan</em> we ask: What's the deal with "fish girl on a cliff?" And by "fish girl on a cliff" we mean the 2008 Studio Ghibli film <em>Ponyo</em>.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Topics Discussed<br /></strong></h2> <ul> <li>The general reception of <em>Ponyo</em></li> <li>Whether <em>Ponyo</em> was better received in the West or in Japan</li> <li>The "catchiness" of the theme from <em>Ponyo</em></li> <li>A review of the major events of <em>Ponyo</em></li> <li>Ponyo's fondness of human blood</li> <li>The meaning of Ponyo's name and an analysis of why Sosuke chose the name Ponyo</li> <li>Some of the omissions found in the English dub</li> <li>The relationship between Sosuke and Risa</li> <li>Sosuke's mother's reckless driving and her carefree personality</li> <li>Why Sosuke does not call Risa "mom" or "mother" (i.e. the prevalence of <em>yobisute</em> in <em>Ponyo</em>)</li> <li>Some of the most memorable scenes in <em>Ponyo</em></li> <li>Random <em>Ponyo</em> trivia</li> <li>The peculiar interaction between Ponyo, Sosuke, and the stranded young couple holding a baby</li> <li>Some of the themes and possible messages found within <em>Ponyo</em></li> <li>Speculation about what the supposedly planned <em>Ponyo</em> sequel could have been like</li> <li>What Hayao Miyazaki has said about what might happen to Ponyo and Sosuke after the end of <em>Ponyo</em></li> <li>Whether Ponyo and Sosuke's relationship could be described as "romantic"</li> <li>How we think <em>Ponyo</em> stacks up to other Studio Ghibli films</li> <li>Whether we enjoyed <em>Ponyo</em> or not</li> <li>And more!</li> </ul> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>We Want Your Questions<br /></strong></h2> <p>Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to