The Cat Returns (Japanese Audio)

About The Cat Returns (Japanese Audio)

"The Cat Returns" is a Japanese animated fantasy film released in 2002. It tells the story of a young girl named Haru, who saves a cat from being run over, only to find out that the cat is a prince in a kingdom of cats. As gratitude, she is showered with gifts and marriage proposal by the cat king, but Haru seeks help from the Cat Bureau to escape from the kingdom.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by Hiroyuki Morita, produced by Toshio Suzuki, screenplay by Reiko Yoshida, and animated by Studio Ghibli. The film is a spin-off of "Whisper of the Heart," based on the manga "The Cat Returns" by Aoi Hiiragi.

Actors

• Chizuru Ikewaki as Haru Yoshioka, who played the character with a youthful and charming aura, bringing out the innocence of Haru.
• Yoshihiko Hakamada as The Baron, he voiced the character with a resonance that conveys dignity and leadership.
• Aki Maeda as Yuki, she was voicing as a mysterious and friendly character who guides Haru.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Cat Returns is Studio Ghibli's first film not to be directed by founders Hayao Miyazaki or Isao Takahata.
• The movie was originally planned to be a short in-flight film for Japan Airlines.
• The characters of Muta and the Baron previously appeared in "Whisper of the Heart".

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Yuji Nomi, who is a long-time collaborator with Studio Ghibli.
• The movie features the song "Kaze ni Naru" composed by Ayano Tsuji and became a catchy tune associated with the film.

Quotes

• "Always believe in yourself. Do this and no matter where you are, you will have nothing to fear." - The Baron
• "The one thing you must never do is stop believing in yourself and the possibility of happiness." - Yuki