Why Only Yesterday is Studio Ghibli’s Underrated Adult Masterpiece

Is Studio Ghibli’s 1991 classic Only Yesterday (Omohide Poro Poro) its most mature masterpiece? While most Ghibli films focus on fantasy, magic, and grand adventures, Isao Takahata delivered a deeply personal, grounded story about memory, regret, and the reality of growing up. In this video essay, we break down why Only Yesterday hits harder as an adult, how it subverts traditional Ghibli tropes, and why its dual-timeline narrative makes it one of the most underrated animated films of all time. What are your thoughts on Only Yesterday? Drop a comment below! #OnlyYesterday #studioghibli #animereview #isaotakahata #videoessay #ghibli #animeanalysis