Umi ga Kikoeru

Ocean Waves

Characters

Yutaka Matsuno

MAIN

Taku Morisaki

MAIN

Rikako Muto

MAIN

Morisaki Taku no Haha

SUPPORTING

Akiko Shimizu

SUPPORTING

Yumi Kohama

SUPPORTING

Tadashi Yamao

SUPPORTING

Okada

SUPPORTING

Rikako no Chichi

SUPPORTING

Kouchou

BACKGROUND

Okami-san

BACKGROUND

Kawamura

BACKGROUND

Minarai

BACKGROUND

Ocean Waves (1993): A Subtle Ripple in Studio Ghibli’s Legacy

“The waves of youth crash gently, leaving echoes of nostalgia and unspoken love.”

When you think of Studio Ghibli, vibrant fantasies like Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro likely come to mind, brimming with magical creatures and sweeping narratives. But nestled quietly in their catalog is Ocean Waves (Japanese title: Umi ga Kikoeru, or I Can Hear the Sea), a 1993 made-for-TV anime that trades fantastical grandeur for the tender, messy realities of teenage life. Directed by Tomomi Mochizuki and crafted by a younger generation of Ghibli animators, this 72-minute coming-of-age drama offers a meditative, understated exploration of love, friendship, and maturation. While often overshadowed by Ghibli’s more celebrated works, Ocean Waves is a hidden gem that deserves a closer look for its raw authenticity and emotional nuance. This review dives into what makes the film uniquely compelling, its strengths and flaws, and why it remains a poignant, if underappreciated, chapter in Ghibli’s storied history.

A Simple Story, Rich with Subtlety

Set in the coastal city of Kōchi, Japan, Ocean Waves follows Taku Morisaki, a high school student whose life is upended by the arrival of Rikako Muto, a sharp-tongued transfer student from Tokyo. The story unfolds through Taku’s nostalgic reflections as a college student returning home, triggered by a fleeting glimpse of a familiar figure at a train station. What emerges is a delicate love triangle involving Taku, his best friend Yutaka Matsuno, and the enigmatic Rikako, whose aloof demeanor and manipulative tendencies stir tension and fascination.

Unlike Ghibli’s fantastical epics, Ocean Waves is grounded in the mundane: school trips, classroom gossip, and the awkward push-and-pull of teenage relationships. The plot is episodic, with key moments like a disastrous trip to Tokyo where Rikako ropes Taku into accompanying her to confront her estranged father, or a school trip to Hawaii marked by petty dramas. There’s no grand villain or world-saving quest—just the quiet turmoil of youth, where feelings are as fleeting and unpredictable as the titular ocean waves. This simplicity is both the film’s charm and its challenge, offering a slice-of-life narrative that feels intimately real but occasionally meandering.

A Bold Experiment by Ghibli’s Young Blood

Ocean Waves holds a unique place in Studio Ghibli’s history as their first television film and the only one not directed by founders Hayao Miyazaki or Isao Takahata. Instead, 34-year-old Tomomi Mochizuki helmed the project, leading a team of younger animators in their 20s and 30s. The film was envisioned as a low-budget, quickly produced showcase for Ghibli’s emerging talent, with a motto of “fast, cheap, and high quality.” However, it famously went over budget and schedule, with Mochizuki reportedly developing a peptic ulcer from the stress.

This behind-the-scenes context adds depth to the film’s significance. It’s a snapshot of a studio taking risks, allowing unseasoned artists to flex their creative muscles. The result is a film that feels rawer than Ghibli’s polished masterpieces, yet still carries the studio’s signature attention to detail. The hand-drawn animation, while not as lush as Princess Mononoke, captures the serene beauty of Kōchi’s seaside and the subtle expressions of its characters. Background artist Kazuo Oga and art director Naoya Tanaka ensured the visuals retained Ghibli’s quality stamp, even if outsourced to studios like J.C. Staff and Madhouse.

Characters: Flawed, Human, and Unforgettable

The heart of Ocean Waves lies in its characters, who are refreshingly imperfect. Taku (voiced by Nobuo Tobita) is a relatable everyman, honorable yet naive, caught between loyalty to his friend and his complicated feelings for Rikako. Yutaka (Toshihiko Seki) is the quieter, more reserved best friend, whose unspoken affection for Rikako sparks tension. But it’s Rikako Muto (Yoko Sakamoto) who steals the spotlight. She’s a polarizing figure: talented, intelligent, and beautiful, but also selfish, manipulative, and emotionally guarded due to her parents’ divorce and her displacement from Tokyo. Her arc is the film’s most compelling, unfolding gradually to reveal the pain beneath her prickly exterior.

Rikako’s behavior—borrowing money from Taku, slapping him during arguments, or dragging him into her personal dramas—can frustrate viewers. Some criticize her as unlikable, arguing the boys’ infatuation feels unearned. Yet this is precisely what makes her authentic. Teenagers often make poor choices, driven by insecurity or impulse, and Rikako embodies that messy reality. Her interactions with Taku, including moments of vulnerability (like sleeping in a bathtub during their Tokyo trip), hint at a deeper connection that only becomes clear in hindsight. The film’s final scene, where Taku spots Rikako at a train station and she waits for him, suggests a mutual recognition that feels earned, if understated.

The dynamic between the trio is elevated by the film’s nostalgic framing. Taku’s reflections as a college student add a layer of wistful clarity, capturing the universal experience of looking back on youth with a mix of fondness and regret. As one reviewer noted, “It feels like when you’re an adult and look back to the younger years with nostalgia and thoughts: why did I do this?”

Strengths: A Meditative Take on Youth

Ocean Waves excels in its quiet authenticity. It’s a film about the small moments that shape us: a heated argument, a shared glance, or the ache of unrequited feelings. The animation, though simpler than Ghibli’s theatrical releases, is serene and evocative, with Kōchi’s coastal backdrop serving as a metaphor for the ebb and flow of emotions. The soundtrack, often praised for its emotional resonance, sets a reflective tone that guides viewers through Taku’s memories.

The film’s brevity (72 minutes) is a strength, keeping the story focused despite its episodic nature. It’s also a masterclass in subtlety, with unspoken emotions conveyed through glances and silences—a quality some argue resonates deeply with Japanese cultural sensibilities, where “the unspoken speaks with greater eloquence than words.” For viewers who connect with its introspective vibe, Ocean Waves is a time machine to the awkward, formative years of adolescence.

Flaws: A Ripple, Not a Tsunami

Despite its charms, Ocean Waves isn’t without flaws. Its minimalist plot can feel aimless, lacking the narrative drive of Ghibli’s bigger hits. Some viewers find the story “too quiet, too unambitious,” with unrealized potential given the studio’s talent. The love triangle, while emotionally rich, occasionally feels cliched, and Rikako’s abrasive behavior can alienate audiences who don’t buy the boys’ devotion. The animation, while solid, doesn’t match the visual splendor of Miyazaki’s works, and the pacing can drag despite the short runtime.

The film’s ending has also sparked debate. Some praise its open-ended ambiguity, seeing it as a realistic nod to the unresolved nature of youth. Others, however, find it unsatisfying, arguing it romanticizes a potentially toxic dynamic between Taku and Rikako. Additionally, the lack of an English dub (it’s Japanese with subtitles only) may limit its accessibility for some audiences.

Why It Stands Out

What makes Ocean Waves unique is its departure from Ghibli’s fantastical norm. It’s a grounded, character-driven drama that feels like a precursor to modern “mumblecore” films, capturing the messy authenticity of teenage life. Unlike Only Yesterday, which blends nostalgia with deeper introspection, or From Up on Poppy Hill, which offers a broader love story, Ocean Waves is unapologetically small-scale. Its focus on flawed characters and everyday dramas makes it relatable, especially for those who’ve navigated the turbulence of youth.

The film also holds historical significance as a bold experiment for Studio Ghibli. It’s a testament to the studio’s willingness to take risks, even if the result wasn’t a commercial or critical juggernaut. Its limited release in North America (not until 2016 by GKIDS) and status as a “secret” Ghibli film add to its allure as a discovery for fans.

Who Should Watch It?

Ocean Waves is best suited for viewers who appreciate slow-burn, character-focused stories over action or fantasy. Fans of Studio Ghibli’s quieter works, like Whisper of the Heart or Only Yesterday, will find much to love. It’s also a must-watch for those interested in Ghibli’s history or coming-of-age tales that prioritize emotional truth over tidy resolutions. However, if you prefer the spectacle of Spirited Away or dislike unlikable characters, it might feel underwhelming. As one Reddit user put it, “If you do not care for subtlety or quiet reflection, do not see this film.”

Final Verdict: A Quiet Gem Worth Rediscovering

Ocean Waves may not be Studio Ghibli’s crowning achievement, but its understated charm and emotional honesty make it a standout in its own right. It’s a film about the fleeting, often confusing waves of youth—friendships tested, hearts bruised, and lessons learned through hindsight. While its simplicity and flawed characters won’t resonate with everyone, those who connect with its nostalgic, meditative vibe will find a deeply human story that lingers like the sound of the sea.

Rating: 7.5/10
A beautiful, if imperfect, meditation on adolescence that proves even Ghibli’s lesser-known works have a unique voice.

Where to Watch: Ocean Waves is available on Netflix, Max, or through DVD/Blu-ray releases by GKIDS. Check regional availability for streaming options.

For Further Exploration: If you enjoy Ocean Waves, consider reading Saeko Himuro’s original novel or its sequel, I Can Hear the Sea II: Because There Is Love, for more context on Rikako’s journey. Fans of similar vibes might also enjoy From Up on Poppy Hill or the live-action drama Kids on the Slope.

This review aims to capture the essence of Ocean Waves while highlighting its unique place in Studio Ghibli’s legacy. Have you seen the film? Share your thoughts below or let me know if you’d like more details about its production or cultural context!