Pom Poko

Pom Poko (Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko) is a 1994 Japanese animated film produced by Studio Ghibli, written and directed by Isao Takahata. The film centers on a group of Tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs) in the outskirts of Tokyo who fight against the destruction of their forest habitat due to suburban development. They use their magical shapeshifting abilities to scare away humans and protect their home. The film depicts the Tanuki in realistic, anthropomorphic and cartoonish forms and integrates Japanese folklore about their magical powers. The title "Pom Poko" comes from the sound of tanuki drumming their bellies. The movie explores environmental destruction, tradition vs. modernity, and the impact of Japan’s economic growth, and it is a blend of humor, folklore, and social commentary.