This Gave Me Goosebumps (The Ending) Spoiler

The part of the whole scene that gets me everything is when Taeko's 10 year old self tuggs on the arm of her 27 year old self kinda saying "time to let go of the past".


Without Mercy
Man is like a beast
Even if you are hard on yourself
Be merciful to others.

Toshio stumbling over the memory of one of Taeko's classmates makes my throat tighten every time!

i agree, loved the ending

I was trying to think of another Ghibli ending that could come close to the 'beauty' of this one. Maybe 'Porco Rosso,' which to me was also a little about nostalgia (I remember as I left my hometown 3 years ago after my 10 year high school reunion, I was looking out the bus window, with the end some playing, and thinking how parts of the area I saw had interacted with my life).

I still remember being perplexed when the one kid suddenly threw himself on the ground, and then you realize that it 'explains' Toshio's stumble.


It's a bit more of a 'simple' story about having to grow up. Usually, stories that involve someone growing up are about young people that need to make big decisions, like taking over kingdoms, or becoming presidents of companies. 'Only Yesterday' takes that concept and makes it probably the most accessible to the modern person as I can think of.

I did wonder if Takahata got letters from people saying how the film changed their life, and made them take a step forwards themselves.


"Thanks, guys." "So long, partner."

- Toy Story 3 (9/10)