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A fan-favorite voice actor from the Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise has opened up about his ideal ship from The Legend of Korra -- and it has nothing to do with romance.

During an appearance on the latest episode of the Avatar: Braving the Elements Podcast, legendary voice actor Dee Bradley Baker discussed the various fanships of different characters from The Legend of Korra. Rather than offering any romantic pairing of his own, however, Baker had a completely different kind of fanshipping in mind. "I don't think of it in terms of... romantically reframing a relationship.... Mine would be to have Tenzen and Beifong as President and Vice President of the United States.

Throughout his career, Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has created anime films with independent, forward-thinking female protagonists, many of whom are viewed as idyllic role models for young women. According to Toshio Suzuki, who has served as Ghibli's main film producer since its founding, Miyazaki's admiration for women stems from his relationship with his mother.

Per The Observer, Suzuki recently sat down to an interview in the UK to discuss his decades-long partnership with Miyazaki, who is known primarily for works such as My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984), PrincessMononoke (1997) and Spirited Away (2001). Prior to Ghibli's opening, Suzuki also worked alongside Miyazaki on...

My Neighbor Totoro has long stood as one of Studio Ghibli's most beloved works, but for Hayao Miyazaki, the film carried a more personal weight, as he described the movie as being born from a feeling of "accumulating a debt."

Before working on My Neighbor Totoro, Miyazaki had directed two films, both of which were set in foreign or fictional regions. This made the legendary animator feel that he had accumulated a debt to Japan, the country where he was born and raised. "Up until now, I had continuously made works set in foreign countries or fictional countries of unknown nationality, and I gradually began to feel like I...

Alright, Studio Ghibli fans, we are here with the list you have been waiting for: the top 10 best Studio Ghibli main characters of all time. When Studio Ghibli creates a main character, they don’t just give them a name and a plot to follow; they breathe a soul into them. These aren’t just anime heroes; these are individuals you could imagine having tea with, arguing with, or following into battle.

Some are bold and fearless, some are quiet and stubborn, and a few are, well, giant fuzzy forest spirits. But they all have one thing in common: they stay with you long after the movie ends. So let’s skip the slow build-up and jump right into the ultimate list of Ghibli’s greatest leads, the characters who can completely make you laugh, cry, and sometimes even make you question your life’s choices.

1. Nausicaä From Nausicaä of...

In August 1945, the Japanese city of Hiroshima was hit by a 9,700-lb atomic bomb, destroying millions of lives and changing the course of history forever. To impart the devastating reality of war to the next generation, Studio Ghibli is collaborating with the city of Hiroshima to host free screenings of its 1988 WWII feature, Grave of the Fireflies.

Per Anime News Network and Comic Natalie, the Hiroshima City Cinematographic and Audio-Visual Library is showcasing Ghibli's iconic wartime masterpiece as part of its "Cinematheque of Peace." This event is designed to commemorate the 80 years that have passed since the bombing of Hiroshima. From July to September 2025, the library will showcase numerous educational works about WWII and the atomic bombs. An original 35mm print of Grave of the Fireflies will be screened on Aug. 10 and 11. Additionally, the standard admission fee will be waived for viewers under 25 years of age. Adults over 25 and seniors...

As co-founder of the esteemed Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki has worked on amazing anime and movies alike during his tenure, but one underrated success is getting access to a much larger screen. Sherlock Hound will be premiering in Japan’s theatres in the fall, and feature additional events to promote the series with former crew members.

Originally having aired in 1984, Sherlock Hound is a retelling of the Sherlock Holmes novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring anthropomorphic dogs as the characters within this classic series. Miyazaki worked on approximately six to eight episodes before disputes with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s estate led to a short hiatus, forcing his attention to new projects.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Sherlock Hound Returns to the Spotlight After Its Debut 40 Years Ago Adapted into Two Feature-Length Films for Japanese Theatres

As one of Miyazaki’s most underrated anime classics, Sherlock Hound is a must-see in theatres,...

It’s not an easy task to rank the best Studio Ghibli films. After all, how can anyone put numbers in front of the iconic and inspiring movies created by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata? Yet, people need a starting point, and this list might help its readers understand what exactly works in their favor.

Ghibli movies have various recurring themes like environmentalism, anti-war, friendship, and the romanticization of a simple life and mundane activities. With these themes, Ghibli has brought forth new stories time and again. Sometimes it explores childish innocence, or a coming of age story, and at other times it shows conflicts between humans and nature. Yet, one might be able to find a favorite in this list of best Studio Ghibli movies.

10. Ponyo

Despite there being several contenders, Ponyo deserves a spot on the list of best Studio Ghibli films. It’s a movie that parents...

Hollywood dinosaur franchise reboot “Jurassic World Rebirth” charged into first place at the South Korean box office for the July 4–6 weekend, grossing $5.6 million from 804,654 admissions across 1,645 screens.

According to Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council, the film accounted for 45.2% of the market. Including earlier weekday previews, the film has now grossed $7.3 million in Korea.

South Korean film “Noise” moved up to second, in terms of admissions, with $2.3 million and 326,270 admissions, bringing its cumulative total to $4.7 million. Directed by Kim Soo-jin, the psychological horror stars Lee Sun-bin as Ju-young, a woman haunted by disturbing sounds tied to her sister’s disappearance.

Brad Pitt’s “F1” dropped to third from last week’s pole position with $2.6 million from 320,675 admissions. The film has amassed $7.8 million in total gross. DreamWorks’ “How to Train Your Dragon” placed fourth, earning $687,056 and bringing its Korean total to $12.3 million. Disney-Pixar’s “Elio” followed in fifth,...

Hollywood racing drama “F1,” starring Brad Pitt, debuted atop the South Korean box office for the June 27–29 weekend, grossing $2.8 million from 347,422 admissions across 1,584 screens.

According to Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council, the film accounted for 37.8% of the weekend market. It has now earned a cumulative $3.8 million from 482,490 admissions.

DreamWorks’ “How to Train Your Dragon” moved to second place with $1.08 million and 152,226 admissions. The film has now reached $11.4 million in Korea after four weekends on release.

In third, local title “Noise” opened with $1.08 million from 147,849 admissions across 878 screens. Directed by Kim Soo-jin, the supernatural horror centers on Ju-young (played by Lee Sun-bin), a woman coping with hearing impairment who becomes haunted by strange sounds tied to her sister’s disappearance. The film has earned $1.4 million to date.

Disney-Pixar’s sci-fi animation “Elio” dropped to fourth with $851,140 from 124,484 admissions, bringing its cumulative total to $3 million.

Another local film,...

Hayao Miyazaki is known as a legendary movie director alongside Studio Ghibli for a good reason. His directorial work has a place in the hearts of fans as some of the most well-known and beloved movies of all time. However, two movies are often considered to be among Ghibli's masterpieces, despite having been made before the studio's founding. One of those is Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Miyazaki's second major feature film as a director, based on his own manga of the same name.

Last year, two new art books were released in a new series that would showcase the image board displays for Miyazaki's various works. The first two of these were Hayao Miyazaki Imageboard Complete Works 1: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Hayao Miyazaki Imageboard Complete Works 2: Laputa: Castle in the Sky, while the third did the same for My Neighbor Totoro.

Some cliche somewhere said that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ This has proven to be the case for me and especially when it comes to fan art. I have always sought out great fan art and have wanted to share it with as many people as possible. “Awesome Art” is the outlet for that passion. In this column, I will showcase the kick-ass artwork of some great artists, with the hopes that these artists get the attention they deserve. That’s the aim. If you have any questions or comments, or even suggestions of art or other great artists, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.

The Boy and the Heron by Conor Fenner-Torra

Castle in the Sky by John Dunn

Howl’s Moving Castle by Raf Banzuela

Kiki’s Delivery Service by Conor Smyth

My Neighbour Totoro by George Townley

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind...

Gachiakuta is the upcoming Shonen anime that has garnered much intrigue amongst fans. But while fans are raving about it, not many of them might know that the inspiration behind the original manga actually came from a Ghibli film directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Miyazaki has delivered beautiful and classic anime movies for decades and has become a maestro in his field. Thus, many creators have drawn inspiration from his works, and one of them is Kei Urana, the author of Gachiakuta.

Gachiakuta draws inspiration from Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

It might be instantly clear to some avid anime watchers how the two works are related. Still, it needs some more clarification. In an interview with Pika Édition, a French publication company, Kei Urana admitted that he did some research on Nausicaa and about its slums and dumps in order to create Gachiakuta.

Par la suite,...

Some of Japan's finest theatrical films are produced by Studio Ghibli, a company known both its beautifully woven narratives and its gorgeous animation. To celebrate the studio's biggest fantasy classics, official storefront Donguri Sora has re-released a beloved watercolor greeting card collection spotlighting some of Ghibli's most popular anime icons.

Donguri Sora's watercolor-style greeting cards feature richly detailed illustrations inspired by My Neighbor Totoro, Nausicaa of the Valley ofthe Wind, Princess Mononoke and Porco Rosso. Each of these films was written and directed by legendary Ghibli director and co-founder Hayao Miyazaki. While the full set consists of 12 cards, only eight of them have been given a reissue for 2025. The majority of the illustrations spotlight Totoro, who has a specific design for each season. Each card is sold individually and costs roughly 550 yen (or US$3.77), tax included. Official images of the collection can be viewed below.

Studio Ghibli Returns Stunning Watercolor...

The American Manga Awards announced its 35 nominees across seven categories, ahead of the 2025 ceremony scheduled to take place on Aug 21 at the Japan Society in Manhattan.

This year’s ceremony is being held in conjunction with Anime NYC, which is expected to attract over 100,000 fans to the Jacob K. Javits Center from Aug 21-24, 2025.

Titles such as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run, Ashita no Joe, and The Apothecary Diaries are among this year’s nominees, which span seven categories: Best New Manga, Best Continuing Series, Best One-Shot Manga, Best New Edition of Classic Manga, Best Translation, Best Lettering, and Best Publication Design.

The award aims to recognize and honor manga creators, stories, and the publishing professionals who bring them to readers in the US & Canada.

Here is the full list of the nominees:

Best New Manga

Hikaru in the Light! Volume 1 by Mai Matsuda (Scholastic Graphix / Azuki) Dragon...

The nominees are officially in for the second annual American Manga Awards! The 2025 edition will reveal its winners during Anime NYC—which will be held August 21-24 at the Javits Center in New York City—and you can see everyone who is up for the honors as voting registration opens. Before we get to the nominees, this year’s recipient of the Manga Publishing Hall of Fame Award is Studio Proteus. The manga translation and publishing team helped pave the way for manga’s notoriety in North America, including releases like Blade of the Immortal , Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind , Ghost in the Shell and more. Here are the 2025 American Manga Awards nominees: Best New Manga Hikaru in the Light! Volume 1 by Mai Matsuda Scholastic Graphix / Azuki Dragon and Chameleon Volume 1 by Ryo Ishiyama Square /Enix Manga & Books The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy...

Alright, anime fans, brace yourselves, because this might shake your Studio Ghibli-loving heart a little. When you think of the greatest anime movie of all time, you’re probably thinking of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. It’s classic Hayao Miyazaki magic, period. You’ve got a fearless princess, giant bugs, toxic jungles, and a vibe about saving the world, total chef’s kiss.

It’s literally the movie that kicked off Studio Ghibli. No argument there. But Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe? You know, the guy who made space jazz sound so much cooler than any other show? Well, he doesn’t rate Nausicaä as the best anime movie of 1984. Nope. His favorite? Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer. Yes, the strange one with the alien girl and a time loop. Let’s unpack that wild pick.

So, what even is Beautiful Dreamer, and why is this Watanabe’s favorite anime movie?...

Princess Mononoke is considered to be a landmark film in Hayao Miyazaki’s filmography. It was the most expensive animated film at the time, using CGI and other digital techniques alongside hand-drawn animation. It also had one of the biggest marketing campaigns in Japan at the time. At the box office, the film broke several records to become the highest-grossing Japanese film.

Miyazaki’s themes explored in the film were also revolutionary, as it presented a feminist portrayal of characters. American studios were impressed with the performance of this Studio Ghibli film, and Disney secured the rights to distribute it.

Disney’s Miramax label was tasked with dubbing it into English and releasing it. Harvey Weinstein initially approached Quentin Tarantino to write the English screenplay, but he turned down the offer.

Quentin Tarantino turned down writing Miramax’s version of Princess Mononoke Prince Ashitaka in a still from Princess Mononoke...

Studio Ghibli, the beloved anime studio behind My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), is helping fans gear up for the rainy season in style. Official Ghibli storefront Donguri Sora recently re-released a popular umbrella collection highlighting some of Ghibli's most iconic characters.

For summer 2025, Donguri Sora's "Rain Goods" catalog now features folding umbrellas with unique designs inspired by Howl's Moving Castle (2004), My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) -- three iconic films directed by world-renowned Ghibli co-founder Hayao MIyazaki. Each umbrella is relatively large, with sizes ranging between 47-50 cm. Additionally, each one features a Uv protection rate of 99%, making them handy accessories for especially hot days as well. Official images can be viewed below.

Studio Ghibli Re-Releases 'Rain or Shine' Umbrellas for Howl, Totoro & Kiki Anime Fans

As with many Ghibli products, Donguri Sora's Totoro, Kiki and Howl-themed umbrellas feature many clever nods to their respective films. My...

Studio Ghibli’s prestigious reputation consists of truths and exaggerations. The company has spent 40 years as a world leader in quality animation while independently funding projects based on prior successes — until their sale to Nippon TV in 2023.

Behind every great library of art is a machine that needs to sell it, and Ghibli, which turns 40 this June, is no different. As much as we laud the altruistic, ethical enterprise established by Toshio Suzuki, Isao Takahata, and Hayao Miyazaki, Ghibli can be just as cynical as its Western counterparts.

Ghibli’s branding as an ethical animation studio isn’t unfounded. Rayna Denison, author of “Studio Ghibli: An Industrial History,” has admired the thoughtful way Suzuki, Takahata, and Miyazaki constructed the studio.

“They put deep thought into what they wanted to do with their studio before they founded it,” Denison told IndieWire. “You get early interviews with Miyazaki saying things like, ‘If...

A rare piece of Studio Ghibli artwork by Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno has been rediscovered and will soon make its public debut.

Per Oricon, the image is an original layout of the heavy cruiser Maya, intended for Studio Ghibli's landmark anime movie Grave of the Fireflies,which Anno worked on as a key animator ahead of its 1988 premiere. The artwork will be exhibited at the Takahata Isao Exhibition: The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation, which opens June 27 at Azabudai Hills Gallery and runs through Sept. 15. Anno's Maya layout will be presented alongside a harmony cel based on the sketch, which features a painterly technique "for greater realism, resembling fine art."

Rare Studio Ghibli Artwork Rediscovered for Grave of the Fireflies Image via Akiyuki Nosaka / Shinchosha / Isao Takahata / Studio Ghibli

When Anno's long-lost Studio Ghibli artwork makes its exhibition debut, it will be a part of a larger gallery...

Both Hayao Miyazaki and Hideaki Anno are maestros in the anime industry. But did you know that both knew each other? Their relationship dates back to the 1980s when Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was released. Anno was a huge part of the project as a fresher.

Anno appeared almost like a savior just 5 months before the release of Nausicaa when the entire team was beset with delays. He was a curious fella and a recent dropout who had captured the attention of Miyazaki himself. But Anno’s weird way of dropping out of the sky made Miyazaki interested in him, which only increased once he saw Anno’s way of living and art style.

Hayao Miyazaki had a curious first impression of Hideaki Anno

When Anno first arrived at Topcraft, the studio which created Nausicaa before the creation of Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki had a curious encounter with Hideaki Anno.

Do you remember what it’s like to first fall in love? And of course, it doesn’t necessarily have to be romantic love. It’s that thing you encounter or experience that stops your heart and shifts your entire world. Studio Mappa takes us right into the heart of that feeling in their latest original anime “Zenshu” from director Mitsue Yamazaki and writer Kimiko Ueno.

on Crunchyroll

by clicking on the image below

Anime-directing prodigy Natsuko Hirose has achieved remarkable success with her first series. Many are looking forward to her next work: a coming-of-age cinema release focused on first love. This proves difficult for Natsuko, as she’s never fallen in love before. After an experience with a bad clam, she wakes up in the world of “A Tale of Perishing”, the dark fantasy movie that first sparked her passion for animation. She has also...

Hayao Miyazaki is a true maverick when it comes to storytelling and animation. His ideas, thoughts, and approaches have shaped people’s outlook on life, art, and society as a whole. It isn’t surprising that his films inspire awe and self-reflection.

He blends fantastical elements with realism, which makes every story unique. The same goes for Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata, who was in a league of his own. He gave us one of the most jarring movies, underlining the realities of war.

While both are seasoned animators, it was clear that Miyazaki was scared of his colleague. This had to do with Takahata’s different way of living and his key approach. But this also means that both Ghibli directors are visionaries in every aspect.

Hayao Miyazaki is scared of Isao Takahata

While the internet calls him a grumpy old man, we know one thing about Hayao Miyazaki:...

Oftentimes, movie makers change their style and appeal after becoming globally famous. In order to appeal to a larger audience base, they lose exactly what made them unique. But there are also directors and creators like Hideaki Anno and Hayao Miyazaki who cling to their sentiments and styles, never to bend to popular opinion.

And this is probably one of the reasons why directors like Anno and Miyazaki are so famous. They offer a quality that is unbeatable and unique, a flavor that can only be tasted in their works. This is why Neon Genesis Evangelion and Ghibli movies are still such landmarks in the anime world.

Hideaki Anno does not consider the foreign audience in his works

Hideaki Anno, the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion, has received fame and recognition through his works. After the initial success of the original anime, he created Rebuild of the Evangelion, a set...

The collection of anime films created by Hayao Miyazaki is recognized on a global level. Almost every Miyazaki movie has been a worldwide success, and some have even earned him awards and accolades of the highest level. But whenever the topic of Miyazaki and his works is discussed, fans only recall a handful of them, and one of them is Spirited Away.

Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away was released in 2001, and it was Miyazaki’s first film that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 75th Academy Awards. It was one of the most successful productions by Studio Ghibli, and to this day, Spirited Away serves as an inspiration for many creators. However, there is another Miyazaki movie that might be even better than Spirited Away.

This movie is none other than Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, which was released in 1984. It was...

Earlier this year, a talented Lego designer presented their original concept for a 4,000+ piece set inspired by the many works of Studio Ghibli. With thousands of supporters now rallying behind the creator, an official Ghibli-inspired Lego set is one step closer to becoming reality.

"The World of Studio Ghibli," a Lego set inspired by several of studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki's films, is currently being featured on Lego Ideas -- a site where Lego fans can submit prototypes for official consideration by the Lego company. Originally posted on Feb. 27, 2025 by site member "Janrssx," the design features memorable scenes, architectural structures and characters from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Ponyo. On April 6, the set officially reached its target goal of 10,000 supporters, allowing it to progress to Lego's "review" phase.

Studio Ghibli...

Premiered earlier this year, Studio Mappa’s original anime, Zenshu, once again put the spotlight on the anime industry. Any mention of the Japanese animation industry sparks a mixed response from the audience. On one hand we have the bleaker aspects such as the debilitating working conditions, stereotypical representations, and fan service.

The flip side of that perception is the myriad worlds that have been brought to life with revered 2D animation. From cultural phenomena like the Big Three anime to comedy series like Nichijou and Gintama, the anime industry has allowed fans to experience a wide range of emotions.

Natsuko in Zenshu anime | Credits: Studio Mappa

It would not be unfair or incorrect to say that anime, as a medium, has actually influenced the lives of many. Zenshu brings the good, the bad, and the ugly all to life. However, the focus on the good is delightful and honors the legacy of renowned animators.

Generative AI is a branch of artificial intelligence which is trained off of a vast array of existing, human-created data, including text and images. It "creates" remixed content based on a user's prompts. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is the most widely-used generative AI tool. Recently, a ChatGPT trend was developed where users prompted the AI tool to generate images mimicking Studio Ghibli's iconic, thoughtfully crafted art style.

The Studio Ghibli filter sparked backlash and debate. The trend brings up ethical concerns about violating copyrighted works, and about its immense environmental impact. The co-founder of Studio Ghibli himself, Hayao Miyazaki, criticized AI in art heavily from its very inception. It's understandable to assume a simple Studio Ghibli trend would be innocuous, but it's important to understand the effects of generative AI on the things that are inherently important to humanity and should be taken into careful consideration, like art and the environment.

Studio Ghibli's dark fantasy classic, Princess Mononoke (1997), made its IMAX debut in North America on March 26. Remarkably, the film earned over $1 million on day one of its release.

Ghibli's North American film distributor, Gkids, shared the news of this exciting box office win via its official X (formerly Twitter) page. For comparison, the IMAX release of Studio Ghibli's 2023 feature, The Boy and the Heron (titled How Do You Live? in Japan), earned the equivalent of US$1.7 million during its first three days in Japanese theaters -- a record-breaking total at the time. Princess Mononoke's latest theatrical re-release presents a gorgeous 4K restoration of the original film in select theaters across the U.S. and Canada.

Studio Ghibli's 40-Year Anniversary IMAX Release Finds Major U.S. Box Office Success The 4K restoration of Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke in #IMAX has officially grossed over $1 million in its first day. 🔥Showtimes continue across the US & Canada,...

Some anime protagonists face adversity, but then there are those whose lives seem to be nothing but torment and suffering. For these characters, every moment is a battle, whether against external forces, their inner demons or both. Their struggles are intense, shaping their worlds and molding them into figures of pain, resilience and often, tragic heroism.

From early trauma to ongoing suffering, these characters endure hardships that seem almost insurmountable. Their journeys are marked by devastating losses, betrayal and relentless violence, making their quest for survival or vengeance an agonizing trial. Through it all, they show immense strength, though often at the cost of both their humanity and sanity.

NausicaäCarries the Weight of a Dying World on Her Shoulders in Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Streaming on NetflixImage via Studio Ghibli

Few anime protagonists shoulder as much responsibility as Nausicaä. Orphaned at a young age, she carries the...

Mappa studios’ Zenshu is one of the most popular isekai anime of Winter 2025 and certainly among the ones with a unique premise. It features the young and prodigious animator, Natsuko Hirose, who is spirited away to the land of her favorite childhood anime film, A Tale of Perishing. There, she is gifted with the magical ability that allows her to use her talents as an animator to create things that will aid her new friends in battle.

Because Natsuko has watched and studied A Tale of Perishing so thoroughly, she has extensive and accurate knowledge of the characters, as well as every major event that will take place. With this knowledge, coupled with the power to bring her illustrations to life, Natsuko can heed her magical pegbar’s words and “draw new fates” to change the course of her favorite story.

Natsuko Hirose Saved Unio’s Life With the Power...

When you hear the name Studio Ghibli, you can’t help but envision those gorgeous hand-drawn animations, fantastical worlds, and tales that truly pull at your heartstrings. Founded by the incredible Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the studio has been a staple of animated films for decades, providing us with such classics as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbor Totoro.

Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo is the only Ghibli short live-action film. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, what many fans don’t realize is that Studio Ghibli has already dipped its toes into live-action filmmaking. Unlike the grand two-hour animated epics for which the studio is known, this venture into live-action is a mere nine minutes long. It’s called Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo, and it’s a completely different setting than one would associate with Ghibli, offering a terrifying vision of destruction that feels more...

Fans of Hayao Miyazaki's 1984 film Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind have been whispering about a possible sequel for some time. However, newly-surfaced comments from the renowned director and his industry colleague, Hideaki Anno (Neon GenesisEvangelion), suggest that a Nausicaa continuation is still a long way off, if it's ever coming at all.

As reported by French anime blogger Catsuka, Hayao Miyazaki and Anno, who famously served as a key animator for Nausicaa, recently met together at Miyazaki's "Butaya" office in Tokyo. On X (formerly Twitter), Studio Khara (Rebuild of Evangelion films) featured a photo from this meetup, which depicts Anno beside a clean-shaven Miyazaki. According to Catsuka, Anno made a reference to the potential Nausicaa sequel that Ghibli fans began speculating about back in 2023, although not a good one for fans still hoping to see a follow-up movie someday. "He's [Anno] happy to see Miyazaki in good health,...

Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary filmmaker behind Studio Ghibli, is rarely seen outside promotional material for his films. However, a recent photo of the beloved animator has surfaced, offering fans a rare glimpse of him in a casual moment. What makes this image particularly interesting is that it shows Miyazaki without his signature beard, which is an unusual sight for those accustomed to his iconic look. The photo was taken in front of the entrance of Nibaraki, a location with ties to his early career, and was captured by a veteran employee who worked on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

The image from @khara_inc2 on X has drawn attention not just because of Miyazaki’s rare public appearance, but also due to the presence of Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno. Anno, a longtime friend and collaborator of Miyazaki, played a key role in the development of Nausicaä,...

Few anime filmmakers can rival Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Their films are breathtaking works of art captivate and inspire, appealing to audiences of all ages with their diverse stories and stunning animation. However, anime isn’t for everyone.

Some find the style too exaggerated or dislike the recurring tropes often seen in the medium. Yet even those who claim anime isn’t for them may reconsider after watching these Studio Ghibli films, realizing the genre is far more diverse than they ever imagined.

Ponyo Will Bring the Entire Family Together for a Wondrous Studio Ghibli Adventure Streaming On Hulu

One extreme misconception those who dislike anime have is that films are for adults only. They've seen genres like ecchi and harems, and have decided from that information anime won't fit their lifestyle. However, some Studio Ghibli films are perfect to watch with the whole family.

Ponyo is the adorable...

Studio Ghibli mastermind Hayao Miyazaki is known for his master storytelling and animation, but fans often point out that he sorta strays away from the source material when adapting manga or novels. Some of his most well-known adaptations include Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), based on Diana Wynne Jones’ novel of the same name, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), loosely adapted from his own manga.

Hayao Miyazaki’s film The Boy and the Heron. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

While both are masterpieces, both have been criticized for deviating from the original source material. Given this history, one might expect The Boy and the Heron (How Do You Live? in Japan) to be another questionable adaptation. However, in this case, Miyazaki’s decision to deviate from the original was the right one.

The Boy and the Heron: A personal story disguised as an adaptation

The first thing you should know...

The 1980swere a fertile era for anime, sometimes referred to as the medium's "Golden Age". This was the era of films like Akira, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and Barefoot Gen. In terms of TV, it saw the rise of several legendary franchises, from the mecha drama of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam tothe world-changing battles of Dragon Ball Z....

Studio Ghibli co-founder and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki is a well-known environmentalist whose works address the ecological conflicts facing humanity. Next month, a 2024 film highlighting these themes will screen in Washington D.C.

A subtitled version of Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature, an 82-minute documentary by French Director Leo Favier, will be presented for free as part of the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital (Dceff) on March 29. Prior to its debut at the Venice Film Festival in August 2024, it was billed as the first documentary to focus exclusively on the titular director's connection to nature and the environmental themes that inform his films. The AFI Silver section of the American Film Institute's official site provides a detailed description: "Thanks to exceptional access granted by Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature uses numerous film excerpts and rare archival footage from Japanese television to uncover the life of Miyazaki and...

In the world of anime filmmaking, two names stand as titans for their craft: Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon. Though their creations are as varied as they can be in terms of tone, theme, and style, they share an undeniable mastery of storytelling that has left a lasting impact on both Japanese and international anime fans.

A still from Spirited Away. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Miyazaki is famous for his whimsical, dreamlike tales that most often revolve around adventure, childhood, and environmental themes. Whereas Kon established a niche for grown-up, psychological fiction that blur the line between fantasy and reality. In many ways, Satoshi Kon was the perfect parallel to Hayao Miyazaki, a peer force whose brilliance existed in striking contrast to the Ghibli master’s warmth and accessibility.

Satoshi Kon and Hayao Miyazaki: Two masters of different dreams

Hayao Miyazaki is often regarded as an escapist filmmaker. His movies allows...

Poignant and powerful stories which explore one of humanity’s most devastating and calamitous experiences, war is the subject of some of the most acclaimed narratives across mediums & history. Be it a craving for blood-pumping action, intriguing strategies and politics of large-scale conflicts, or the human drama and tragedy in light of the objective horridness of war, military-themed cinema has always uniquely appealed to audiences.

Anime is no exception, and some of the medium’s most impactful cinematic exemplars dive deep into war, examining its horrors and implications through the lens of fiction. From historical films rising up to the challenge of recounting humankind’s history of conflict to mecha and fantasy anime delving into real-life issues through an allegorical lens, incredible anime movies center around the subject of war, each approaching the difficult theme from a novel perspective.

Related10 Best War Anime, Ranked

Some of the anime medium's most...

San, the titular character from Studio Ghibli's 1997 fantasy hit, Princess Mononoke, is one of the company's most beloved female icons. In a surprising act of tribute, a group of Chinese researchers have named their latest discovery after the iconic character.

As detailed on BBC News, a species of deepwater tilefish belonging to the Branchiostegidae family was recently confirmed as an unidentified species. The fish, which dwells within the South China Sea as deep as 200 meters below the surface, has a pale pink body with prominent red cheek stripes under its eyes. Noting this, the research team decided to name it "Branchiostegus sanae," in reference to Studio Ghibli's San. Until recently, there were only 30 described species in the family as a whole, making the finding particularly significant within the realm of oceanic research. "Finding a new species in this group is a rare and fortunate event, especially one as distinctive as Branchiostegus sanae,...

Frank Herbert's "Dune" is one of the biggest and most influential sci-fi books of all time. It has inspired everything from Hayao Miyazaki's "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" to "Star Wars," and so much more.

Though the "Dune" book series is full of fascinating, bizarre, influential ideas, the first book in particular remains a masterclass in telling a simple story that nevertheless contains a wealth of lore and world-building. It's a lived-in and fleshed-out universe where you get a sense of history, politics, characters, and plots moving independently of the main story. The story of Paul Atreides may also appear simple at first: a coming of age tale about a teenage boy finding his destiny and becoming a leader. For movie fans who have only seen the messy yet ambitious David Lynch version, you might think Paul is a clean-cut Campbellian hero who avenged his father...

Since its creation in 1985, Studio Ghibli has enthralled millions of viewers with beautifully crafted stories featuring unforgettable heroes and heroines. In a recent online poll to rate Ghibli's all-time best "masterpieces," Japanese audiences overwhelmingly voted for SpiritedAway, Hayao Miyazaki's iconic coming-of-age fantasy film.

The poll in question was conducted by Ranking.net, which released the results alongside select comments from voters explaining their choices. According to the site, a total of 5,849 people participated, each one ranking their personal favorite Ghibli flicks for the overall data pool. In a landslide victory, Spirited Away (2001) was ultimately deemed Ghibli's #1 magnum opus by 2,476 voters, who collectively awarded it 87 points. In contrast, second and third place winners Castle in the Sky (1986) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) respectively received scores of 85.8 and 84.4. The top 10, ordered from most to least popular, are listed below.

Related'It All Began With This': Studio Ghibli Reveals Rare 50-Year-Old Artwork in New...

In 1988, Studio Ghibli released My Neighbor Totoro -- a film that captured the heart of a generation and helped turn the studio into a household name in Japan and abroad. As a tribute to the movie's legacy, Ghibli is releasing a stunning "Image Board" collection, which includes the first Totoro concept art ever created.

Per PR Times, Iwanami Shoten's Complete Collection of Hayao Miyazaki Image Boards is a multi-volume series that collects 219 early concept and production drawings created by the titular director. Volume 3, titled Hayao Miyazaki Image Board Collection 3: My Neighbor Totoro, will be released worldwide on March 5, with Kinokuniya US handling the book's publication in North America. In addition to dozens of never-before-seen Totoro sketches and storyboards, this release contains the image that, according to Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki, ultimately led to the making of My NeighborTotoro.

Related'i Am Retiring': New 5-Day Anime Film Shows Why Studio...

Believe it or not, it’s really pointless to rate Hayao Miyazaki’s movies, considering how none of his films have ever received below 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, as per popular choice, Miyazaki’s 1984 animated movie Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, seemed to have earned a high Rotten score of 91% on the website.

Hayao Miyazaki | image: 大臣官房人事課, licensed under Cc-by-4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Considering how most of his films turn out to be certified fresh by critics, the 1984 animation ended up being high on the Rotten score. But even then, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind being Hayao Miyazaki’s worst movie, the 2005 Disney dub of the manga ended up being Shia Labeouf’s best film of his 27-year-old acting career.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind crowned as Hayao Miyazaki’s lowest-rated movie

If you’re familiar with Japanese anime and manga projects, Hayao...

Studio Ghibli’s co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki, and Neon Genesis Evangelion’s creator Hideaki Anno are two of the biggest names in the world of anime. While one is an Oscar-winning director, the other is the creator of one of the biggest franchises that helped shape the anime industry by earning worldwide recognition and fame.

Hayao Miyazaki | Credit: Oscars YouTube channel

The two share a bond that might feel complex in the eyes of an outsider, but it is safe to say that they are the perfect definition of a mentor-student relationship. Miyazaki and Anno have worked together in the past and thus have developed a friendship where Miyazaki can say anything to Anno, and the creator of Evangelion can criticize Miyazaki’s works openly.

The perfect explanation of their relationship is seen through a video, which is going around the internet, where Miyazaki is seen taunting Anno while they are...

Studio Ghibli has delighted fans for generations, producing such iconic films such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service, yet many viewers only think of Hayao Miyazaki when they think of Studio Ghibli. However, the studio owes much of its depth, artistry and emotional resonances — and indeed, even the studio’s origins — to its co-founder, Isao Takahata.

Often overshadowed by his more commercially prolific and well-known counterpart, Takahata was a master storyteller and artistic visionary in his own right. His contributions to Studio Ghibli, his impact on the world of animation and his legacy continue to live on in an immeasurable manner. And while not often mentioned in the same breath as Studio Ghibli — like Hayao Miyazaki tends to be — Isao Takahata defined Studio Ghibli as we know it today just as much as Miyazaki did.

Takahata’s Path Merged with Hayao Miyazaki’s at Toei Animation...

Everyone in the anime community hails Hayao Miyazaki as the one director who writes women well. The female protagonists of Studio Ghibli films are role models for anime fans who are longing for great representation without any s*xualization.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was one of Miyazaki’s earliest films directed and written by him. Even the original manga was all his brilliant mind. The titular protagonist of the film is one of his most beloved too.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. [Credit: Toei Company]

The portrayal of Nausicaä isn’t black and white, she’s incredibly complex and seeks understanding rather than violence, despite living in a dangerous world. She values all living beings and her sense of adventure attracts the audience.

On the subject of Nausicaä’s appearance, Hayao Miyazaki talked about the distaste he has for the way Japanese...

Hayao Miyazaki has been at the epicenter of controversies for time immemorial. Be it AI or technology, the legendary filmmaker has stirred the pot on several occasions. This also extends to his viewpoint on anime and violent shows.

His beliefs and ideologies have garnered an array of reactions from viewers. While he is lauded for his staunch belief, there are exceptions to this as well. This may very well be one such case that would shock fans entirely.

Nausicaä in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind | Credit: Toei Company

The 2011 earthquake was quite jarring and it affected Japan in the worst way possible. With many lives lost and people reported missing, it was truly devastating. Following this, Ghibli’s staff decided to halt the production.

What came off as a shocker was the Director’s response to this. His attitude toward his staff and their concerns was labelled as...

Released in 2001, the Oscar-winning film, Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is often hailed as one of the greatest animated movies of all time. With its enchanting world, richly detailed animation, and deeply symbolic storytelling, the movie has garnered universal acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. However, despite its accolades and undeniable artistry, the movie’s ending has left many fans feeling disheartened and unfulfilled.

Chihiro with her parents in Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

The polarizing conclusion has spurred intense debates throughout the years. While some praise the ending’s complex and thematic consistency, others believe that it falls short of Miyazaki’s typically excellent storytelling. But, what exactly are the reasons the ending has disappointed fans? Let’s dive deeper!

The ending of Spirited Away: A mixed bag of resolution

From the beginning, Spirited Away drew viewers into a magical world that felt both otherworldly and familiar. While the...