Pom Poko

Synopsis

Tokyo's relentless expansion takes a heavy toll on the natural world and its inhabitants. As green spaces shrink and animal habitats vanish, the Tanuki—magical shape-shifting beings—are especially impacted. One particular Tanuki clan struggles to defend their cherished forest against the encroaching city. With their territory shrinking and tensions rising among various Tanuki factions, the elder Oroku insists that strong measures are required. Determined to protect their homeland and secure a future for their offspring, the Tanuki settle their differences and band together. Their plan: use their shape-shifting powers to scare humans away from the forest by sabotaging construction projects. However, their early attempts soon reveal the true scale of the obstacle. Can they succeed as a united front and reclaim their forest, or will the grief and rage from witnessing nature's devastation doom them in a confrontation with humanity?

Background

The film won the 1995 Annecy International Animated Film Festival for Feature Film. It also won Best Animation Film at the 49th Mainichi Film Awards.