Film can be magic. At least, in the case of Studio Ghibli they are. Some films that Studio Ghibli has released, such as Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and many more, have aided in cementing Studio Ghibli into the hearts and minds of many around the world. But these timeless pieces of art did not simply spring into existence, like Athena from the head of Zeus. They were created by Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao, who co-founded this studio.
Miyazaki Hayao
On January 5, 1941 in Tokyo Japan, Miyazaki was born. He would go on to study economics at, and graduate from, Gakushūin University. At the age of 22, he began his career as an animator. He began his illustrious career at Tōei Animation, taking on the role of an entry-level animator. It was through his work there that he would meet his future business partner Takahata, and his future wife. Throughout the years, Miyazaki would climb the corporate ladder at Tōei Animation, until eventually leaving in 1971, with Takahata in tow. Finally, in 1985, the pair founded Studio Ghibli.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Since Studio Ghibli’s establishment, it has released many iconic films which have been very highly acclaimed and have garnered several awards. Some of these include Princess Mononoke (1997) which broke box-office records in Japan. Another is the 2001 film Spirited Away that received three highly prestigious awards on its own. Due to the successes of Miyazaki’s films, Studio Ghibli—and subsequently Miyazaki— were catapulted into the public eye. Now, Miyazaki is an incredibly well known director, producer, and animator.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Temporarily in 2013, Miyazaki announced that he was retiring from creating feature films. However, by 2017 he was back to work. According to his producer, Miyazaki came out of retirement as he wished to make something for his grandson.
The impact that Miyazaki has made on the world is a profound one. And there is no doubt that Studio Ghibli—and all its films—will be ingrained into the public conscience for years to come
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Sources:
- “Miyazaki Hayao.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/Miyazaki-Hayao
- Ashcraft, Brian. “The Real Reason Why Hayao Miyazaki Came Out Of Retirement.” Kotaku, Kotaku, 18 Oct. 2017, https://kotaku.com/the-real-reason-why-hayao-miyazaki-came-out-of-retireme-1819641923
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