New Star Trek Ship Pays Off A 36-Year-Old Anime Easter Egg Most People Missed

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Fans of Star Trek know the show loves hidden references and inside jokes. It’s common to see nods to the original series, the show’s unique computer interfaces, or deep cuts from Trek history. But the franchise also frequently references things from the real world – scientists, artists, books, and places. The newer shows continue this tradition, with a recent episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy including a subtle tribute to a well-known fan. However, the first such reference actually appeared almost 40 years ago.

The sixth episode of Starfleet Academy, titled “Come, Let’s Away,” features the abandoned ship, the USS Miyazaki, which cadets are tasked with repairing. This is likely a tribute to the famous Japanese animator and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. Interestingly, the ship’s name is a callback to a hidden Star Trek reference that appeared in a Studio Ghibli film back in 1989.

There’s a TOS Easter Egg Hidden in a Studio Ghibli Classic

The story “Come, Let’s Away” features a dramatic hostage crisis unfolding on the Miyazaki, a ship name that will likely resonate with fans of anime and film. Those familiar with Studio Ghibli classics like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away will recognize the reference – it’s a nod to the creative team behind Starfleet Academy.

The writers of the recent episode seem to be fans of Hayao Miyazaki, and it turns out Miyazaki (or someone at Studio Ghibli) was a fan of Star Trek! Studio Ghibli’s 1989 film, Kiki’s Delivery Service, helped define the “slice-of-life” anime style and became a beloved classic for many who grew up in the ’90s. A subtle Star Trek reference appears right at the beginning of the film, as Kiki’s father packs the car for a trip that’s ultimately cancelled. If you look closely, you’ll notice the car’s license plate reads “1701”—a number that seems too deliberate to be a coincidence.

Fans of Star Trek might recognize this as a nod to the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701), the iconic starship captained by Kirk in the original series. It’s arguably the most well-known ship in the entire Star Trek universe.

It’s incredible that after 36 years, the creators of Starfleet Academy have finally acknowledged a hidden detail from the classic anime film Kiki’s Delivery Service. Many fans are also praising Episode 6 as one of the best in the series so far. If you haven’t seen this new Trek show yet, it’s available on Paramount+.

Did you understand that little nod to something else? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-21 23:41