Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece Princess Mononoke has been newly remastered in 4K digital quality, 28 years after its original release. The film will be screened nationwide in IMAX theaters starting on the 24th. Ahead of its release, an IMAX premiere screening and stage greeting were held on the 20th at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku in Tokyo. Appearing on stage were Yoji Matsuda (voice of Ashitaka), Yuriko Ishida (voice of San), and Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki, who looked back on their memories of the film and shared behind-the-scenes stories.

Matsuda commented, “It’s deeply moving to see the film on such a large screen again after 28 years. I’m looking forward to the incredible quality of the IMAX visuals and sound.” Ishida added with a smile, “I feel truly happy to have the chance to see Princess Mononoke again in this form, even after all these years.” Producer Suzuki said, “I hope this film becomes a big hit once more.”

The talk session also revealed casting secrets from the audition process. Matsuda recalled, “I wasn’t even told the title when I auditioned. I later found out I was the main character when I heard my own voice in a movie trailer at a theater,” surprising the audience. Suzuki explained, “We had some difficulty choosing Ashitaka, but ultimately, the fact that Matsuda did such a great job as Asbel in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was the deciding factor.”

Ishida reflected on how she got the role: “I was shocked when Mr. Suzuki from Ghibli showed up at my agency. I never imagined I’d receive an offer.” Suzuki laughed as he revealed, “You played Okiyo in Isao Takahata’s Pom Poko, right? When you greeted us back then, I caught a glimpse of Hayao Miyazaki’s face. I’ll never forget it, his upper lip was twitching. She wasn’t chosen for her voice, but because she was Miyazaki’s type.” His humorous remark drew laughter from the crowd.

On recording sessions, Ishida admitted she struggled with Miyazaki’s strict direction. “I was completely in ‘after-school detention’ mode,” she said, laughing. “Even when everyone else finished, I had to stay behind. For example, when I had to say the line ‘Are you going to die?’ to Ashitaka after he’s shot with a bullet while saving me, Miyazaki told me, ‘Say it as casually as if you were saying “Aren’t you wearing any pants?”’ It was a very difficult request,” she recalled, revealing the tough yet memorable experience.

Matsuda shared, “Without this film, I wouldn’t be who I am today,” while Ishida said proudly, “When I tell people overseas that I played San, I’m treated with great respect.”
Suzuki concluded, “Having audiences watch the film again brings me the greatest joy. This project reminded me that movies are made for the viewers, not for ourselves.”
Originally released on July 12, 1997, Princess Mononoke drew 14.2 million viewers and earned 19.3 billion yen at the box office. With the 2020 re-release, the numbers rose to 15 million viewers and 20.18 billion yen (according to Kogyo Tsushinsha). The film became a nationwide phenomenon.

Depicting the intertwined fates of Ashitaka, San, the people of Tatara Ba, and the gods who dwell in the Forest of the Deer God, the film explores the timeless theme of conflict between humanity and nature, earning global acclaim.

The Studio Ghibli–supervised 4K digital remaster enhances every detail, from the deep greens of the forest to the characters’ nuanced expressions and epic battle sequences. The IMAX version delivers breathtaking immersion with ultra-high-definition images and powerful sound, allowing audiences to feel as though they’ve stepped directly into the world of Princess Mononoke. It offers a chance to rediscover the film as if seeing it for the first time.

Source : ORICON NEWS