From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

From Up on Poppy Hill (Kokuriko-zaka Kara) is a heartfelt drama from Studio Ghibli, released in 2011. Directed by Gorō Miyazaki, with a screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki, this film beautifully captures the emotions of youth, the importance of preserving history, and the bittersweet nature of first love.

Set in Yokohama in 1963, it follows Umi Matsuzaki, a diligent high school girl, and Shun Kazama, a passionate student fighting to save their school’s clubhouse. As they grow closer, unexpected family secrets come to light, forcing them to confront their emotions and the past that connects them.

Movie Details

The Daily Life of Umi Matsuzaki

The story takes place in Yokohama, 1963, a time when Japan was preparing to host the Tokyo Olympics, marking a period of rapid modernization. In the middle of this changing world, Umi Matsuzaki lives in an old boarding house named Coquelicot Manor, where she takes care of her family while her mother works abroad. Every morning, she raises signal flags from the house’s rooftop, a tribute to her father, a sailor who went missing during the Korean War. Though she doesn’t know if he will ever return, she continues the tradition, as if calling out to him across the sea.

At school, a movement is growing among the students to save the old clubhouse, known as the Quartier Latin, from being demolished. The building, filled with books, artifacts, and memories, represents the past and history that the students refuse to let go of. Among the passionate voices leading the charge is Shun Kazama, a member of the school newspaper, who writes an article urging students to protect the clubhouse.

Friendship Forms Through a Protest

Umi’s quiet life changes when she gets involved in the movement to save the Quartier Latin. One day, she witnesses Shun performing a reckless stunt—jumping from the school rooftop into a pond—to grab attention for the cause. His daring act, printed in the school newspaper, sparks discussions, and soon, Umi finds herself drawn into the movement.

Curious about Shun, Umi visits the Quartier Latin and sees the chaotic yet charming world inside. The students, despite their differences, work together to restore the old building, hoping to prove its value to the school administrators. Impressed by Umi’s intelligence and determination, Shun asks her to help improve the newspaper. As they spend more time together, a bond begins to form, and Umi finds herself enjoying school life in a way she never had before.

A Sudden Discovery That Changes Everything

As their friendship deepens, Shun starts to feel uneasy. One day, he visits Umi’s home and notices a photograph of her father, a picture that matches one he has seen before. The discovery leaves him in shock, and he suddenly begins avoiding Umi. Confused and hurt by his sudden coldness, she doesn’t understand what has changed.

Shun finally reveals the truth—they might be siblings. Years ago, when he was a baby, he was adopted, and the photograph suggests that Umi’s father and his own past are connected. The news leaves both of them heartbroken, as the innocent feelings they had developed are now overshadowed by uncertainty.

Despite the confusion, they continue working together to save the Quartier Latin, focusing on their shared goal while keeping their emotions buried. They prepare to meet Tokumaru, an influential figure in charge of the school’s decisions, to persuade him that the clubhouse deserves to remain standing.

The Fight to Preserve the Past

Determined to make a difference, Umi, Shun, and their friends work tirelessly to restore the clubhouse, cleaning, repairing, and organizing it so that it can shine again. Their dedication pays off, and when Tokumaru finally visits, he is deeply impressed by their efforts. Moved by their passion, he agrees to halt the demolition, ensuring that the Quartier Latin will continue to stand for future generations.

Though Umi and Shun should be happy about their success, the weight of their possible sibling connection keeps them emotionally distant. Umi, however, refuses to let go of her feelings completely. In a desperate search for answers, she and Shun visit Onodera, an old friend of her father’s, hoping to uncover the truth about Shun’s past.

The Truth and a New Beginning

In a moment of relief and joy, they finally learn the truth—Shun’s real father was a close friend of Umi’s father, but they were not actually related by blood. After Shun’s biological father passed away, Umi’s father took care of him temporarily before he was later adopted by another family.

The news lifts the emotional burden they had been carrying, allowing them to finally embrace their feelings without fear. As they sail home on a small boat, looking at the lights of Yokohama, Umi and Shun share a quiet, meaningful moment, knowing that their bond is real and unbroken.

What From Up on Poppy Hill Teaches Us

This film is more than just a love story—it is a reflection on change, history, and the importance of preserving the past while moving toward the future. It reminds us that:

1. Preserving history is important – The fight to save the Quartier Latin symbolizes the value of holding onto meaningful places and traditions.
2. Love is not always simple – Umi and Shun’s relationship is complicated by unexpected obstacles, but their connection remains strong.
3. Memories shape who we are – Umi’s ritual of raising signal flags for her father shows how deeply we hold on to loved ones, even when they are gone.

My Honest Review on Up on Poppy Hill

This film stands out among Studio Ghibli’s works for its historical realism and emotional depth. Unlike their fantasy films, this story is grounded in reality, capturing the nostalgic beauty of 1960s Japan.

The animation is stunning, with vibrant depictions of Yokohama’s streets, harbors, and sunsets. The music, composed by Satoshi Takebe, perfectly complements the atmosphere, filling the film with a melancholic yet hopeful tone.

If you love coming-of-age stories, gentle romance, and historical settings, From Up on Poppy Hill is a must-watch. It is a beautifully made film that leaves you with a deep appreciation for both love and heritage.

FAQ – From Up on Poppy Hill

1. Is From Up on Poppy Hill based on a manga?
Yes, it is based on the manga Kokuriko-zaka Kara by Chizuru Takahashi and Tetsurō Sayama.

2. Is this film connected to any other Ghibli movies?
No, but its themes of nostalgia and youth are similar to films like Whisper of the Heart.

3. Do Umi and Shun end up together?
Yes, after learning they are not actually related, they accept their feelings for each other.

4. What does the title From Up on Poppy Hill mean?
It refers to Umi’s home, which sits on a hill covered in poppies, where she raises the signal flags each morning.