
What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Wind Rises
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 2013
If you loved The Wind Rises, start with Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Hayao Miyazaki, 2004) — a book on the same thread. Below: 2 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Wind Rises across media.
If you loved The Wind Rises, you are drawn to stories where personal ambition collides with the weight of history.
Books on the same thread

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Hayao Miyazaki · Book · 2004
Explores: Environmentalism, Pacifism, Coming-of-Age.
Like The Wind Rises, this masterpiece explores the moral burden of technology and the struggle to maintain one's ideals in a world threatened by total environmental and political collapse.

Shuna's Journey
Hayao Miyazaki · Book
Explores: hero's journey, environmental stewardship, self-sacrifice.
Much like the protagonist of The Wind Rises, Shuna embarks on a singular, arduous journey where personal sacrifice and dedication are necessary to provide for the future of his people.
Series on the same thread

Future Boy Conan
Series · 1978
Explores: Environmentalism, Loss of Innocence, Technological Dystopia.
This series echoes the somber tone of The Wind Rises by depicting how innocent dreams and human ingenuity must persist even after the world has been ravaged by war.

The Winds of War
Dan Curtis · Series · 1983
Explores: Naval Warfare, Political Intrigue, Family Relationships During Wartime.
This historical drama matches the grounded wartime tension of The Wind Rises, focusing on how personal family legacies are inextricably tied to the inevitable march toward global conflict.

NANA
Ai Yazawa · Series · 2006
Explores: Female Friendship, Dreams and Aspirations, Urban Life.
The Wind Rises captures the intense focus required to chase a lifelong dream, a sentiment echoed here as two women navigate the personal sacrifices demanded by their professional ambitions.

Your Lie in April
Series · 2014
Explores: Grief, Healing Through Art, Overcoming Trauma.
Just as The Wind Rises examines the intersection of art and mortality, this story explores how the pursuit of creative passion can serve as a conduit for healing through grief.
Podcasts on the same thread
Wake Up and Win
Podcast
Explores: anime inspiration, personal growth, goal achievement.
This podcast channels the same spirit of relentless dedication found in The Wind Rises, offering tools to transform the drive of iconic characters into your own personal growth.
Anime Grind
Podcast
Explores: Personal Growth, Goal Setting, Positive Mindset.
If you were inspired by the professional discipline shown in The Wind Rises, this series provides a practical framework for applying that same level of commitment to your goals.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Wind Rises based on a real person?
Yes, The Wind Rises is based on the life of Jiro Horikoshi. He was a Japanese aviation engineer who pursued a lifelong passion for flight and is credited with the creation of the A-6M fighter plane used during World War II.
What is the historical focus of The Wind Rises?
The Wind Rises focuses on the career of aviation engineer Jiro Horikoshi. The narrative explores his dedication to designing aircraft, specifically highlighting his professional journey that led to the development of the A-6M fighter plane during the era of World War II.
Does The Wind Rises depict the creation of a specific aircraft?
Yes, The Wind Rises follows the career of Jiro Horikoshi, an aviation engineer whose work includes the design and creation of the A-6M fighter plane. The film portrays his professional life and his lifelong fascination with the mechanics of flight.
What inspired the main character in The Wind Rises?
The main character in The Wind Rises, Jiro Horikoshi, is inspired by a lifelong love of flight. This passion drives him to become an aviation engineer, ultimately leading to his storied career and the design of the A-6M fighter plane during World War II.