Whisper of the Heart: Embracing the Creative Process

Listen to your heart and keep chasing your dreams. In this article, I explore the parallels between "Whisper of the Heart" and the creative journey.

Country roads, take me home…

Trust Studio Ghibli to weave a beautiful film together around a teenage girl's journey to self-discovery and Olivia Newton John’s rendition of the country classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

Whisper of the Heart (1995), is one of those soft-hearted, warm films that’s just full of joy and parallels to life - at least for me personally. It’s a Ghibli gem that has left a lasting impact on how I perceive my life’s journey and creative pursuits.

I rank this film as one of my favorite Ghibli movies - up there with the likes of Spirited Away, Kiki Delivery Service, and Laputa: Castle in the Sky. Yet it’s incredibly underrated - in fact, a lot of people don’t even know it’s a Ghibli film. Well, I’m here to educate you today.

Directed by the Yoshifumi Kondo (who was meant to be Hayao Miyazaki’s successor, before he tragically passed away months after the film’s release), it's a heartwarming story about chasing your dreams, even when the path gets tough.

The film follows Shizuku Tsukishima, a 14-year-old bookworm who struggles to find her place in the world. But when she meets Seiji Amasawa, a skilled violin maker, she's inspired to chase her own dreams as a writer to match his passion - even when it gets tough.

The story mirrors many aspects of my own entrepreneurial and creative journey. Like Shizuku, I too began with a passion and a dream, and have faced uncertainties and challenges at every turn (don’t worry, no pity needed!).

For me, Whisper of the Heart stands out amongst other Ghibli films for its relatable, down-to-earth exploration of the creative process and the long and winding road to self-discovery. Shizuku, like many of us, is a ‘diamond in the rough’, struggling to find her true voice.

In the early stages of my startup, LFG, and especially throughout my early career, I often felt like Shizuku, filled with ideas but sometimes unsure of how to bring them to fruition. I believe many of us can relate to this…right?

"There's always a voice inside me that says, 'Things won't go that smoothly.'"
- Shizuku Tsukishima

What I love most about this film is its honest portrayal of this journey. It's not always easy, and there will always be someone better than you. But that's okay.

The characters in Whisper of the Heart accept that they are at the beginning of their journey and that mastery takes time and effort. This mindset has been crucial for me. Like the characters, we too, must understand that growth and self-improvement are lifelong processes, and that it's okay to start from scratch and make mistakes.

"I can't tell if I have talent or not, until I try." - Seiji Amasawa

The film reminds us to listen to our inner voice and follow our passions, no matter how scary it may seem.

The drive to pursue what genuinely excites and motivates me has been essential. In the face of doubts and difficulties, it's this inner voice that keeps me pushing forward, much like Shizuku's determination to pursue her writing.

Whisper of the Heart also highlights the importance of inspiration and mentorship. Just as Shizuku is inspired by Seiji's dedication to violin making, I have found mentors and peers in the startup community whose passion and perseverance fuel my own. These relationships are invaluable, providing support and motivation when the journey gets tough.

This sentiment has inspired so many creatives that even the Lofi Girl YouTube channel uses Shizuku’s animation as a cozy backdrop for students and young artists to relax/study to lo-fi hip hop beats.

"You see that rough surrounding stone? You can polish it all you want, but it'll still be worthless. But there might be something much more valuable inside that you can't yet see." - Shirou Nishi

I view Whisper of the Heart as more than just a movie - but a reminder for myself to listen to my own heart and pursue my passions, even when it feels scary.

I believe it's a reminder for all of us that dreams are worth fighting for, and that perseverance and courage are just as important as talent.

And let's not forget the aesthetics - the colors, animation, and soundtrack of the film are like a warm hug for the soul. It's like Ghibli knew exactly what we needed to hear.

So, if you haven't seen this film yet, or if you’ve ever felt lost or uncertain about your path, do yourself a favor and give it a watch. Trust me, you won't regret it!

“It’s nice, isn’t it? Your dream will come true.” - Shizuku Tsukishima

Thanks for reading,
D. Han