Hayao Miyazaki is a crazy prolific illustrator, director and animator. While you might not recognize the name, you’ll certainly be familiar with his work. Co-founder of Studio Ghibli, he’s responsible for films like
Spirited Away,
Howl's Moving Castle and
My Neighbor Totoro.
Ignoring anime clichés like bouncy-bouncy school girls, exaggerated eyes and ultra violence, Miyazaki has found an international audience with whimsical, family orientated films. If you’ve seen any of his features you’ll know it’s all windswept fields, high adventure, female leads and environmental undertones, i.e. the sort of stuff that can gross $300 million at the cinema and see your mantle piece collapse from all the awards.
Point being, Miyazaki is responsible for some of the most lavish animated films in history. Working in film and production since the 1970s, he’s been named one of Time magazine’s Most Influential People, won several Academy Awards, and is often referred to as the Walt Disney of Japanese animation – minus the Nazi tendencies and the whole cryogenically frozen thing.
And did we mention he’s an incredible illustrator? Well he is.
My Neighbor Totoro:
Howl's Moving Castle:
Spirited Away:
Studio Ghibli promo: