As any Studio Ghibli fan will testify, an afternoon spent binging Hayao Miyazaki classics is guaranteed to leave a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Now we know this feeling is backed by science.
A study published by JMIR Serious Games, a peer-reviewed journal focused on how gaming is connected to education, health, and social change, looked into how the brain responds to both watching films produced by the Japanese animation studio and playing the open-world game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
The researchers gathered 518 postgraduate students and divided them into four groups. Some played Breath of the Wild and some watched Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service, while others did both and a control group did neither. Researchers then measured feelings of exploration, calm, skill mastery, purpose, and life happiness via a brief questionnaire.
The results matched what fans have intrinsically known for years.
Those who played Breath of the Wild reported higher levels of life happiness than those who didn’t. Peacefully roaming the world of Hyrule, perhaps stopping by a pond or cooking a meal under the stars, creates “a relaxing form of escapism” for players away from life’s daily stresses, permitting a chance to “recharge mentally.”
For an added boost of happiness, however, the researchers found both playing the game and watching the Studio Ghibli films produced the best results.
This comes down to the Studio Ghibli films’ unique ability to induce nostalgia. “Films such as My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service often focus on the small, everyday wonders of life, such as playing in the countryside or sharing mealtime with family,” the research noted.
“By shining a spotlight on ordinary moments and turning them into something magical, Miyazaki’s works tap into a universal longing for the innocence and wonder of childhood. This kind of warmth can evoke nostalgia for times when people felt safe and cared for.”
Previous research backs up the positive mental health effects of these leisure-time activities. Studies have shown that casual gaming can be an effective way to unwind and relax, while open-world games in particular have been shown to significantly enhance cognitive escapism, promote relaxation, and improve overall mental well-being.
Now your weekend plans are sorted. You’re welcome.