If there were a contest for the strangest, most puzzling yet most coveted official anime collectible, the “rice ball figure” from the masterpiece Spirited Away would definitely rank near the top.
Recently, Japanese animator Tomohiro Furukawa shared an interesting post on social media. He said that when he excitedly mentioned the “Haku rice ball figure” at his studio, the room suddenly fell silent because no one there had ever heard of it.
After some effort, Furukawa found another social media user who owned the same item, making him feel like he had “found a secret club.” Many young otaku and netizens also expressed their complete surprise under the post.
Hayao Miyazaki’s uniquely unexpected gift
If you’re an anime fan who discovered the world of Ghibli after 2000, it’s completely normal not to know about this item since it’s extremely rare. Yet despite its obscurity, it’s considered one of the clearest representations of the creative philosophy of the genius director Hayao Miyazaki, far beyond today’s elaborate and expensive figures.
In 2001, Spirited Away premiered and caused a sensation, breaking box office records and becoming an immortal icon in animation worldwide. By 2002, when the film was released on VHS and DVD, the producers decided to offer a special gift to encourage pre-orders.
Usually, studios include posters, keychains, character standees, or shiny plastic models. But Ghibli took a different route. They gave fans a hard plastic rice ball.
The power of simplicity: How a rice ball moved millions to tears
Let’s recall one of the film’s most poignant scenes. When Chihiro first enters the spirit world, she is terrified to see her parents transformed into pigs. In this strange, lonely place without anyone she knows, she feels utterly helpless.
At that moment, Haku appears and hands her a rice ball. As she eats, Chihiro cries. The warmth and kindness she suddenly receives in that moment of despair carry a profound emotional weight far beyond a simple meal.
When people are at their weakest, a comforting word, a warm meal, or a helping hand can bring greater strength than any grand heroic rescue.
Interestingly, the packaging of this rice ball figure features an image of director Hayao Miyazaki himself shaping rice balls, along with a thoughtful message. For him, the rice ball is more than food, it symbolizes labor, life, and survival.
Timeless value that defies trends
If this collectible were released today, it might face harsh criticism online for being too simple and seen as a cash grab.
Yet history tells a different story. Many loyal Ghibli fans have treasured and kept this plastic rice ball in glass cases for over 20 years. The mindset behind merchandise two decades ago was very different. Modern producers focus on commercializing characters, while Ghibli cared deeply about the value of the work itself.
Sometimes, what truly touches people’s hearts is the simplest thing, without any flashy appearance. Just like the most iconic scene in Spirited Away, where a small girl sits curled up in a corner, eating a rice ball with tears streaming down her cheeks.