In the section dedicated to diplomatic gifts, the Élysée Palace has the honor of presenting an exceptional piece: an original celluloid depicting Porco Rosso, the iconic character from the eponymous film directed by Hayao Miyazaki in 1992. This gift was presented to the President of the Republic during his official visit to Japan, from March 31st to April 1st, 2026.
Porco Rosso, whose real name is Marco, is a former Italian pilot who fought during World War I. After leaving the army in refusal of war, he is transformed into a pig. The scene depicted on this celluloid is particularly famous: Porco Rosso declares over the phone to Madame Gina, his childhood friend, a line that has become cult in Japan: "A pig that does not fly is just a simple pig."
This symbolic gesture is part of a shared admiration. Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki, the film's producer, explained that their choice was partly motivated by the words of the President of the Republic regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Studio Ghibli, most of the celluloids from the old films have been destroyed. Only about a dozen of these rare pieces are preserved per film. This celluloid, numbered and dated, bears a handwritten note from Toshio Suzuki: "Mr. Macron!! Sorry," expressing his regret at not being able to deliver the gift in person.
