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The initial plan for Totoro’s introduction in My Neighbor Totoro was a lot different, and Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film, E.T., changed that. During an interview after the Ghibli Fest (via Screen Rant), Toshio Suzuki, the producer of the movie, revealed that Hayao Miyazaki wanted to introduce the titular character in the opening scene. Suzuki had a different plan in mind. He explained:

I wanted to tease the audience, so I told him, ‘Look at E.T…. E.T. doesn’t show up until halfway through the movie.’

As a result, Totoro appears much later in the movie. This wasn’t the only change My Neighbor Totoro underwent; there were many such small and big changes. And most of them have added to the intrigue and experience of the movie. Here’s what these changes looked like.

Another Huge Change My Neighbor Totoro Underwent

Totoro’s introduction wasn’t...

In 2023, prominent animation director Takeshi Honda collaborated with Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki on the latter's coming-of-age fantasy epic, The Boy and the Heron. Recently, Honda returned to Ghibli to create an animated short for Marushin -- a company that has been partnered with Studio Ghibli for over 30 years.

Initially founded in 1966, Marushin is a popular manufacturer of high-quality towels in Japan. The company became a licensing partner with Studio Ghibli in 1994, thus allowing Marushin to release collaborative products bearing motifs and themes from Ghibli's works. As detailed on Marushin's official site, Studio Ghibli recently helped its 30-year-old affiliate create its first-ever TV commercial. The short features a small white dog happily chasing after various objects, including Porco Rosso's red seaplane and the little car driven by Sousuke's mother in Ponyo. By the end of the commercial, the dog is sitting with a bright yellow towel at its feet. Cbr...

Hayao Miyazaki’s movies have always been in a league of their own. Ghibli movies are seldom compared to any other creations purely due to how unique and visually immersive they are. However, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle might be the competition that Ghibli movies never expected to receive.

Timeless pieces like Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron have upheld the golden standard of anime movies. However, the anime movie industry has been seeing a phenomenal shift ever since Demon Slayer: Mugen Train debuted, and the wave is only expanding with the recent Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Brings a New Standard to Anime Movies

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train shocked the anime world by grossing over $500 million worldwide. It broke plenty of box office records and even became the highest-grossing movie in Japan, surpassing Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. This was the first time that...

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogy’s first movie is out, and early reviews suggest that Studio Ufotable has gone above and beyond anything they have ever attempted before. Even their work on the Demon Slayer anime and the Mugen Train movie has been overtaken by the latest production.

By the looks of it, the studio has even brought in outside staff to make sure that the movie is one of the remarkable ones that fans have come across. It was recently revealed that Shinya Ohira, a famous animator and director, worked on one of the fight sequences in Infinity Castle.

Demon Slayer Film’s Animator Partook in Ghibli Oscar Winners

Shinya Ohira has been a part of several iconic anime movies over his decades-long career. He worked on the iconic movie, Akira, in which he drew parts of the elevator scene as well as the famous explosion scene. His style...

Oscar-winning director Hayao Miyazaki’s epic fantasy masterpiece will be shown in a brand new 4K restoration across the biggest cinemas screens. The special programming will be another way for audiences to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Studio Ghibli.

The hand-drawn, animated feature is an original story written and directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, produced by co-founder Toshio Suzuki, and features a musical score from Miyazaki’s long-time collaborator, the renowned composer Joe Hisaishi. The IMAX version of the film was created from a new 4K restoration directly overseen by Studio Ghibli’s own Atsushi Okui, who has been involved in nearly every major Studio Ghibli project since he first started at the studio in 1993.

From the legendary Studio Ghibli, creators of Spirited Away, and Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki, comes an epic masterpiece that has dazzled audiences worldwide with its breathtaking imagination, exhilarating battles, and deep humanity.

Hayao Miyazaki Nearly Made an R-Rated Horror Film That Could’ve Redefined Studio Ghibli (Photo Credit – Netflix)

Studio Ghibli has built its reputation on thoughtful narratives involving wonder, nature, and quiet reflection. Films including Spirited Away, Totoro, and Princess Mononoke beautifully combine fantasy aspects with real emotion to capture the curiosity of audiences from children to adults. Yet at one point, the studio almost took a far more darker approach.

Apparently hidden behind Ghibli’s gentle image was a surprising idea and that was an adaptation of Parasyte, the horror manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki. Although it sounds far removed from Ghibli’s world, the project was seriously discussed and Hayao Miyazaki himself was interested. However, the idea faded before it began, not because it didn’t fit, but because someone else already owned the rights.

Parasyte (2014) pic.twitter.com/xRWhqTynMS

— Anime Vibes (@finalformlab) May 16, 2025

Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki Considered...

The Boy and the Heron was Studio Ghibli’s most recent movie, and it was also the most different of Hayao Miyazaki’s works. For most of his films, the symbolism and messages are quite clear and emotionally impactful. His latest movie, however, lacks the clarity of his previous masterpieces.

The root of why the movie was an incoherent mess is Hayao Miyazaki’s grief. The Boy and the Heron is hailed as his most personal work yet, despite his previous movies having elements of his life infused into them. So, what was different about the way he portrayed it in this movie?

While his other works have subtle references to his life and experiences, Mahito wasn’t just anyone; He was Hayao Miyazaki himself. That’s why the audience couldn’t relate to it.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Most Personal Ghibli Movie Feels Emotionally Flat

Grief is a powerful emotion.

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.

Totoro is making his way back onto the big screen.

As part of Gkids and Fathom Entertainment’s Studio Ghibli Fest, “My Neighbor Totoro” will be re-released in theaters across the country July 19-23. Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 film follows sisters Satsuki and Mei, who relocate to a country home alongside their father to be close to their hospitalized mother. As the two children explore the countryside, they stumble upon creatures, including forest spirit Totoro.

Screenings will include both English dubbed and Japanese versions. Audience members can stick around after the film ends for a “Creating the Characters” bonus featurette that will include Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki.

This year’s Studio Ghibli Fest consists of an eight-film lineup, including “The Boy and the Heron” (the first time the film returns to theaters after its 2023 release).

Tickets for “My Neighbor Totoro” are available at GhibliFest.com. July 19, 20 and 23 are...

Last summer, fans saw this Certified Fresh Studio Ghibli anime movie return to theaters over a decade following its original release, and this year, we’re having the same treat! Per Gkids Films' official X (formerly Twitter) account, The Secret World of Arrietty will head back to theaters as part of this year's Ghibli Fest. It will be available in select theaters for a limited-time run, both in its original Japanese with English subtitles and in English dubbed form.

Beginning Sunday, June 22, The Secret World of Arrietty plays in theaters but will sadly conclude its run on Tuesday, June 24. This comes a year after the film returned to theaters on June 9 and 11, 2024. Its re-release was announced alongside another fan-favorite, When Marnie Was There, which was also celebrating its tenth anniversary at the time. Plus, it was re-released in both Japanese and English dubbed audio on June 10 and 12, 2024.

For those unfamiliar with the popular Ghibli Fest,...

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’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...

As the weekend approaches, it's time once again for the Bam Smack Pow team to bring you the biggest anime news of the past week. This week, we're ramping up to the Summer 2025 anime season with new trailers and information, and taking a look at a showcase of the career of the one of the most important figures in the history of anime.

More information about Dan Da Dan season 2

Last week, Bam Smack Pow reported that the Dan Da Dan movie Evil Eye trailer went live. The movie itself will be a special early look at the first three episodes of the anime's second season, released as a compilation movie. This week, the official trailer for the full season of the anime has been released, which you can watch above.

Also notable is the announcement from Netflix that "On The Way", the opening for Dan Da Dan season 2 will...

A Look At Studio Ghibli’s 10 Highest-Grossing Movies! (Photo Credit – Netflix/Instagram)

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, is the world’s most acclaimed and famous animation studio. The studio has entertained global audiences for several decades now and is renowned for its sheeny hand-drawn artistry and imaginative storytelling.

Studio Ghibli has changed the global dynamics of the film industry with its numerous critically and commercially successful movies, and its works have transcended age and culture. Below are the top 10 highest-grossing Studio Ghibli movies of all time, a testament to the studio’s global influence and enduring legacy.

1. Spirited Away ($358M)

At the top of the list sits Hayo Miyazaki’s most famous masterpiece, Spirited Away. It is the story of a young girl named Chihiro who becomes trapped in a mysterious spirit world. There, she encounters a host of enchanting and eerie characters...

Hayao Miyazaki is the number one opposition of CGI and AI-assisted animation. The director and creator has expressed his opinions on such endeavors plenty of times, and has always upheld hand-drawn animation over everything else. But Miyazaki did not build his hatred without ever giving technology a chance.

In fact, CG techniques are used in Ghibli movies during the production process. Miyazaki has incorporated CG techniques into his hand-drawn movies like Spirited Away, so he isn’t completely averse to the idea. But he has never liked creating a movie entirely out of computer-generated images.

Hayao Miyazaki once made a CG animated short movie

After the release of The Wind Rises, Hayao Miyazaki announced his retirement, which, as every anime fan knows, eventually failed. Toshio Suzuki, the producer of Ghibli, realized that Miyazaki still wanted to work on projects. Thus, he asked the director if he wanted to create a...

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...

Studio Ghibli is the best animation studio in the world, and whenever there is a topic about anime movies, Ghibli Studio comes up first.

Anyone who has ever watched a single Ghibli movie must have imagined themselves as the movie’s characters because the creative animation and artwork it creates make everyone feel so alive and fresh. However, in recent times, everything has been trying to be a Ghibli character by using different AI.

Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki founded Studio Ghibli and invited another amazing animated movie director, Isao Takahata, who worked with Miyazaki to produce movies like Grave of the Fireflies.

Ghibli Movies Ranking From Worst To Best Some of the Best Studio Ghibli Movies in the Image: Image Credit: Studio Ghibli

This list will discuss Studio Ghibli Movies Ranked from Worst to Best, including the IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Fandomwire ratings.

RankMovie TitleYearDirectorIMDb RatingFandomwire Rating24Earwig and...

Hayao Miyazaki is retiring? No kidding. We’ve heard that before. If you’re a longtime fan of Studio Ghibli, you know the drill by now: Miyazaki ‘retires,’ and then makes another timeless classic a couple of years later like nothing even happened. From Princess Mononoke to The Wind Rises, every film was supposedly his final bow, until the next one showed up.

But The Boy and the Heron? This one hits differently. It doesn’t read as another chapter. It reads as the epilogue, the final, bittersweet goodbye. And now, in a new interview from Gkids, the U.S. distributor of the film, Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki may have just confirmed what fans have long feared but secretly kinda accepted: Miyazaki has retired. For real this time. No take-backs!

The Boy and the Heron: A farewell that actually feels real this time

Suzuki discusses in the interview how...

Many have argued that AI technology poses an existential threat to the modern animation industry. In the midst of a new AI-art trend inspired by the legendary Studio Ghibli, Goro Miyazaki -- Ghibli's managing director and the son of studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki -- is still confident that Ghibli's continued success is dependent on both his father and Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki.

As reported by Japan Today, the popular AI-based program ChatGPT recently released a new image creator that allows users to instantly generate illustrations based on Ghibli's iconic animation style. Goro Miyazaki, who directed Tales of Earthsea (2006) and From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) at Ghibli, acknowledged in a recent interview how sophisticated AI generators have become in just a few short years. Consequently, he believes that filmmakers will continue to use it as both a conceptual and a production tool. "It wouldn't be surprising if, in two years' time,...

Just like how Oppenheimer and Barbie were released around the same time, leading to the Barbenheimer phenomenon, Japan’s anime scene has its own version of it. How? Studio Ghibli released My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies on the same date in 1988.

My Neighbor Totoro is marked by its delightful vibe that is able to entertain and touch viewers of all ages. It is one of the most popular works of Hayao Miyazaki, with Totoro being Ghibli’s mascot. Grave of the Fireflies, on the other hand, is an anti-war movie by director Isao Takahata.

My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies were released as double feature | Credits: Ghibli

Both movies have completely different themes and visuals. One has the ability to leave its audience grieving, while the other gives viewers a ray of hope.

Grave of the Fireflies and My Neighbor Totoro were the predecessors to...

Roger Clark is well aware of what humanity and tragedy are; that is what Arthur Morgan, the character from Red Dead Redemption 2 he gave his voice, is about. The voiceover artist sensed something similar that’s depressing not just to him but to the entire community of artists who pour their hearts in for months, even years, to craft something: the AI trend that turns anything into Studio Ghibli’s in-house animated style images.

Recently, he took his thoughts to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on all this AI-madness that’s taking over the internet.

You’re hurting the original art, you’re hurting your audience and you’re hurting yourself.

— Roger Clark (@rclark98) March 28, 2025

Studio Ghibli was co-founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki, Isao Takahata, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. Since then, it has been delivering its films using its traditional hand-drawn animations. That makes it almost four decades of legacy,...

For the past few days, the internet has been going mad over a new trend that has taken over the entire world and has forced almost every social individual to be a part of it. This trend involves turning their pictures and snapshots into Studio Ghibli-style animation and posting them back on the internet in order to gain views, likes, and comments from the masses.

Studio Ghibli is one of the biggest animation studios in the world, co-founded by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki along with Toshio Suzuki, Isao Takahata, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. The studio has created some of the greatest anime movies in the world, including The Boy and The Heron, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Ponyo, etc.

The unique animation of Studio Ghibli has recently become wildly popular because of the ongoing trend, but what fans don’t realize is that this trend is a direct hit to the anime industry.

In 1988, Studio Ghibli released Grave of the Fireflies -- a heartbreaking war film set during WWII in Japan. Recently, Studio Ghibli president and producer Toshio Suzuki recounted when his team showcased the movie to one of Japan's foremost critics, a moment he now looks back on as one of the "happiest" times of his life.

Per Oricon and PR Times, Studio Ghibli recently unveiled two special teaser visuals for an event titled "Takahata Isao Exhibition: The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation." Starting June 27, this exhibition will commemorate Isao Takahata's prolific animation career, which produced renowned works like Anne of Green Gables (1979), Only Yesterday (1991), Pom Poko (1994), The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013) and many others. In addition to Heidi from Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974), one of the teasers depicts a heartwarming visual of Setsuko and Seita, the young protagonists of Grave of the Fireflies. While addressing the upcoming exhibition,...

Princess Mononoke North America Re-Release Box Office: IMAX Version Earns Winning Numbers In A Day (Photo Credit – Netflix)

Ghibli Studio is one of the most popular production studios in Japan, known for its amazing animations. The 1997 classic Princess Mononoke’s remastered version has been re-released in the United States exclusively in IMAX theatres. The film has earned more than films like Captain America: Brave New World and Mickey 17. Keep scrolling for the deets.

The animated feature was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The fantasy film was set in the Muromachi period of Japanese history and follows a young Emishi prince who journeys west to cure his cursed arm and becomes embroiled in the conflict between Irontown and the forest of the gods. There is also a feud between Lady Eboshi and a human girl raised by wolves named San. The animation was produced by Toshio Suzuki and animated by Studio Ghibli.

Hayao Miyazaki is a man of words and staunch ideas that have often stirred up controversy. He sure is the grumpy mastermind, but there’s one thing we know about him. And that is, he never backs down, especially when it comes to his movies.

For one thing, we know he isn’t merely an animator or a filmmaker; he is a storyteller and an auteur. His methods revolutionized the Japanese animation industry for decades and inspired a whole generation of filmmakers. And while there were inspirations and influences, he had rivals as well.

San in a still from Princess Mononoke | Credit: Studio Ghibli

One of the most common rivalries and controversies that the Studio Ghibli founder had was with the American studio, Disney. They’ve had a feud over the years regarding ideologies as well as creative approaches. But Miyazaki had a solid reason for dropping the acclaimed story Mulan,...

Hayao Miyazaki has been on the verge of retirement plenty of times already. The Studio Ghibli director first announced his retirement in 1997 and three more times after that over the course of two decades. But as we all know, none of these attempts have been successful.

Everytime, the creator has gone back to the drawing board and come up with more and more creative ideas. Fans expected that after The Boy and the Heron, Miyazaki’s latest film, he would finally be ready to retire. But he is nowhere near done yet because the creator’s head is already swarming with ideas.

The Boy and the Heron is no longer Hayao Miyazaki’s last movie The Boy and the Heron isn’t Hayao Miyazaki’s final movie | Credits: Ghibli

When The Boy and the Heron was announced, it was supposed to be the last Hayao Miyazaki film. But the director...

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,...

It's hard to find a fan of Studio Ghibli who has not watched the entire catalog of movies animated by the now-legendary studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki. However, Ocean Waves may just be the exception. Aired in 1993 on Nippon TV, Ocean Waves is a rare Ghibli movie that never appeared on the big screen in Japan, at least until now.

As reported by @MangaMoguraRE on X, Ocean Waves will air in Japanese theaters for the first time starting on July 4, 2025. This touching, coming-of-age romantic drama explores themes that are not usually the focus of Ghibli movies, with adolescent characters going through high school and university.

Ocean Waves Is a Hidden Gem in Ghibli's Catalog The Made-for-tv Movie Was Created by Ghibli's Younger Staff

Ocean Waves has a peculiar history. It was the first Ghibli movie not directed by Miyazaki, and it was an attempt to...

Disney and Studio Ghibli formed a partnership in 1996 which enabled Disney to be the sole distributor of Ghibli films in the USA. Hayao Miyazaki was promised uncut versions of the movies would be released in theaters, but it was hardly so.

Disney and Ghibli’s deal wasn’t a walk in the park | Credits: Ghibli

In fact, both companies got into loads of issues with each other. Ghibli was trying to preserve the integrity of its films, while Disney tried to bend the plots to make them easier for the American audience to digest.

Ghibli executive recounts Disney’s nefarious actions with Ghibli movies Ghibli staff had problems dealing with Disney employees | Credits: Ghibli

Stephen Alpert is a former senior executive of Studio Ghibli who headed their international department. He acted as Ghibli’s spokesperson with foreign third parties and was a crucial element during Ghibli’s negotiations with Disney and Miramax Films.

With another week ending, the Bam Smack Pow team is here once again to share the biggest anime news of the past week. The week that was brings some noteworthy theatrical debuts, along with confirmation of new entries coming for long-running series.

Unfortunately, we have some sad news for anime and video fans to begin with.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure on Netflix Voice actor Dave Mallow dies, aged 76

As reported by Anime News Network, veteran voice actor Dorothy Elias-Fahn has shared that prolific fellow voice actor Dave Mallow has died. He was 76. Mallow will be well-known to fans of anime and video games of the 1990s and early 2000s. Over the course of a decades-long career, Mallow voiced roles in many well-known series across English dubbed anime, video games and, in particular, was a recurring voice in various iterations of Power Rangers over the years.

Before his retirement in 2019, Mallow's voice...

Studio Ghibli and Disney are two of the most influential animation studios in history, but their worldviews are as disparate as night and day. Disney has built a global empire by taking its beloved characters and turning them into billion-dollar franchises, whereas Studio Ghibli has deliberately shied away from over-commercialism.

A still from Hayao Miyazaki’s film Princess Mononoke. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

This stark contrast is no accident as Ghibli’s reluctance to mass merchandise is a deliberate choice to preserve the artistic integrity of its films even at the cost of lost profit. In a recent interview, Toshio Suzuki, co-founder and former producer at Ghibli, disclosed some of the lesser-known studio regulations that will blow your mind.

Studio Ghibli’s reluctance towards merchandising

In an interview with Yahoo! News, Studio Ghibli’s co-founder and former producer Toshio Suzuki opened up about the studio’s approach to limit Ghibli’s beloved characters from being over-commercialized.

Hey, you know Hayao Miyazaki, don’t you? That legendary director and one of the top brass at Studio Ghibli? Well, he’s nearly as well-known for announcing his retirement as he is for his incredible contributions to the world of animation. Fans and professionals alike have completely learned not to believe his retirement announcements.

The legendary Studio Ghibli filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. | Credit: Oscars via YouTube

Though he’s announced he’s retired from filmmaking a thousand times, he just can’t resist coming back. His latest film, The Boy and the Heron (2023), was announced to be his last, but rumor has it he’s already considering another big film.

The unstoppable Hayao Miyazaki: A history of abandoned retirements

So recently, Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki, Miyazaki’s longtime friend, and collaborator, has openly admitted during an interview with a French media house called Liberation that he has given up...

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...

Hayao Miyazaki came out of retirement for the umpteenth time to create The Boy and the Heron, and his return was marked with an Oscar. While Spirited Away is widely celebrated as the most popular Ghibli movie, The Boy and the Heron is no less of a wonder. In fact, Miyazaki has poured his heart and soul into the making of the film.

The Boy and the Heron stands apart from the usual Ghibli films that have a warm and cuddly atmosphere. Instead, it focuses on loss and grieving. Many have called it Hayao Miyazaki’s most autobiographical film.

The Boy and the Heron breaks away from the mold of Studio Ghibli films The Boy and the Heron depicts how Mahito’s life is affected by war | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli protagonists are often hopeful, inspiring, and incite a spell of warmth inside viewers. However, The Boy and the Heron...

It’s not every day that Eiichiro Oda publicly praises some other studio, but it seems like that’s exactly what happened last week! After his recent meet-up with Studio Ghibli’s co-founder the other day, Oda left absolutely impressed by the studio’s atmosphere.

Ponyo, directed by Hayao Miyazaki | Credit: Studio Ghibli

He couldn’t help but be vocal about this experience, so it must have been significant even for him. This is even more important judging on the rather harsh working conditions in other competing studios within the industry. That’s why, Oda’s heartfelt comment holds much more value than one can think of.

Oda wholeheartedly praises Studio Ghibli’s working atmosphere! Chihiro and Haku in a still from the film | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Eiichiro Oda, the man, the myth, the legend behind the global sensation manga and anime series One Piece, recently commented on how much...

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...

A running gag in the anime community is the fact that, despite announcing his retirement several times over the last few years, Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki is still actively working as a film director. Recently, a group of passionate animation students in France collaborated to make a short explanation about why the critically acclaimed filmmaker refuses to leave the industry.

Per Catsuka, a YouTube Channel called Chrispy Animations recently uploaded "Miyazaki" -- a 15-second "mini-film" that follows the director as he tries to adopt new hobbies such as gardening, cooking and table tennis. However, he cannot seem to master any of them. After a tedious series of failures, the video shows Miyazaki returning to his work with a sigh of resignation. The animation was initially posted on Instagram by Christopher Carter (@chris_carter_art), one of the animators who was involved with the project. Cbr readers can check out...

Hayao Miyazaki, the iconic filmmaker behind Studio Ghibli, has long been recognized for his meticulous storytelling and profound philosophical themes. From My Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away, his films have made an everlasting impression on the world of animation.

Ponyo by Hayao Miyazaki. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, behind the scenes of his filmmaking career, there exists a lesser-known story about how one of his personal ambitions was sacrificed for the sake of a project that would later divide audiences. For instance, Miyazaki wanted to revisit Ponyo, however, the Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki convinced him to pivot to The Wind Rises instead.

Steering Hayao Miyazaki toward The Wind Rises

During an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences event of 2014, honoring Oscar-nominated animated films, Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki revealed the shocking fact saying Miyazaki had initially planned to make a sequel to Ponyo, one of his most emotionally complex films.

Studio Ghibli is an icon for animation films, revered globally for its ability to craft timeless stories that blend imaginative fantasy, poignant themes, and breathtaking visuals. Since its founding in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, the studio has set a benchmark for animated cinema. Its movies transcend cultural boundaries, offering tales that are as meaningful and heartfelt as they are visually stunning. From whimsical adventures to profound reflections on life and humanity, Studio Ghibli's works have shaped the animation industry and redefined what storytelling in this medium can achieve.

Nature as a theme and as a character sits at the very core of Hayao Miyazaki‘s films, many of which deal with the complex interdependence between humanity and the natural environment (the very meaning of the word ecology) – not to mention their destructive relationship. This is what Léo Favier’s French documentary discusses, although not always as directly, as rigorously or as thoroughly as one might wish.

“Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature”, a made-for-tv documentary, is very standardized in its formal approach to its subject matter: a traditional voiceover tells audiences about the Japanese director, his life and works, while the comments are illustrated with shots and scenes from his numerous movies. At other times, various experts are interviewed on camera to share their thoughts about Miyazaki and the way he approaches nature in his films. The fact that the documentary was first shown at the 2024 Venice Film Festival has...

Discussing the brilliance of Hayao Miyazaki’s works wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Princess Mononoke. This 1997 animated epic inevitably stands out as a cinematic masterpiece; rich with multifaceted characters and complex themes of humanity’s relationship with nature, which also became the highest-grossing movie in Japanese history at the time of its release.

Prince Ashitaka from Princess Mononoke | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, its journey to the United States was filled with numerous controversies, revealing how cultural and artistic differences between East and West collided. And it also displayed how the power dynamics within Hollywood played a major role in diminishing its potential impact in America. But what are the challenges that Princess Mononoke had to face in America? Let’s discuss it!

The cultural divide: Bringing Princess Mononoke to the West

Princess Mononoke is a complex philosophical story that defies simple interpretation. The movie portrays characters who challenge traditional notions of good and evil,...

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki. Ever since its debut, the studio has released one beloved anime film after another. Its filmography is filled with movies that have achieved critical and commercial success.

But have you ever thought about the origin of the studio, and especially what the name Ghibli itself means? The name was chosen by Hayao Miyazaki on pure coincidence but later defined the studio in a remarkable manner.

The origin of the Studio Ghibli name Studio Ghibli’s name was inspired by an Italian aircraft | Credits: Studio Ghibli

In a Studio Ghibli documentary called The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness, Hayao Miyazaki revealed how he came upon the name Ghibli. In the documentary, Miyazaki admitted that Ghibli was just a random name that he got from an airplane. The plane in question is the nickname of the Italian Saharan scouting plane,...

Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki are names that resound across the entire world as hallmarks of quality creation and excellent direction. But it was not always the case, as even these legendary names had struggled to penetrate into the Western market a few decades back.

Princess Mononoke by Hayao Miyazaki. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

When Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke premiered in the United States in 1999, it marked a pivotal moment for Studio Ghibli and was going to be their ticket to fame and recognition in the international market. This was the studio’s first major uncut release in the country since there was the infamous heavy editing of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

Determined to protect the film’s artistic integrity and deliver only the best content and entertainment to the audience, Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki had famously sent Miramax’s Harvey Weinstein a samurai sword with the note, “no cuts.

This March, the curtain will finally rise on RSC's (Royal Shakespeare Company's) stage adaptation of My Neighbor Totoro. Ahead of the show's return to London's West End, RSC has revealed the new and returning cast members who will bring the anime's story to life.

A joint collaboration between Nippon Television and RSC, My Neighbour Totoro utilizes innovative puppetry techniques and creative stage effects to retell Hayao Miyazaki's classic tale. Per Variety, the show's production team is currently gearing up for Totoro's upcoming round of performances, which will be held at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from March 8 through Nov. 2. While Ami Okumura Jones reprises her role as Satsuki -- Totoro's spirited 10-year-old protagonist -- Singaporean actor Victoria Chen will be making her RSC debut as Satsuki's four-year-old sister, Mei.

Related Studio Ghibli Revives Its Sweetest My Neighbor Totoro Keychain Series in Official Re-Release

Studio Ghibli's beloved mascot...

For a long time, Western audiences have largely viewed animation, particularly Japanese anime, as a medium restricted to children or as something “vulgar”. However, in 2001, Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece Spirited Away introduced a seismic shift in the global perception of anime.

This Studio Ghibli movie did something unthinkable: it not only captivated audiences worldwide but also became the first anime film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.

The famous train scene of Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away wasn’t just a movie; it was a statement that elevated anime from a niche subculture to global acclaim. And, behind the film’s success lies a complex history of challenges, cultural perceptions, and a director who refused to compromise his artistic integrity.

Spirited Away: The theme that resonated globally

For years, animation in the West was often dismissed as childish entertainment or a popular comedy medium.

Studio Ghibli is often idolized as the best anime studio in Japan. Ghibli fans hero-worship Hayao Miyazaki and cannot tolerate any kind of criticism regarding the popular director. However, very few of them know the reality of Studio Ghibli.

Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Ghibli might be better than the average anime studio in Japan and has continued to wow audiences with its quality, animation, and capturing storylines. But what lies underneath the revered name, is a cruel work environment, take it from an ex-Ghibli staff and an industry veteran, Hirokatsu Kihara.

Those who work at Ghibli leave soon, never to return Ghibli’s toxic work culture is exposed by ex-staff member who worked on Kiki’s Deliver Service | Credits: Studio Ghibli

In an interview with Dazed, Hirokatsu Kihara expressed some of his spicy opinions regarding Studio Ghibli. Kihara was the production coordinator of Nausicaä of the...

Look Back, the animated movie based on Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot story, was recently revealed to be the highest-rated anime movie of 2024 in a new ranking reveal. The film’s critical and commercial acclaim sets the stage for the upcoming Chainsaw Man anime movie in 2025.

The official social media account for Letterboxd, the social network website for casual moviegoers and film aficionados, shared its 2024 statistics on X (formerly Twitter). Among the many film categories was the top 10 highest-rated animation of 2024. The Look Back anime movie was #1, followed by The Wild Robot at #2 and Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle at #3.

Related Official Oshi no Ko Artist Reveals the 2025 Anime Movie She Can't Wait to Watch

Even professional manga creators can't wait for the release of one of 2025's biggest Shonen Jump anime adaptations.

'Look Back' Has Been a Hit Anime Praised by Studio Ghibli President, Original Creator & More The Letterboxd 2024 Year in Review: https://t.

Over the years, Studio Ghibli has accumulated plenty of fame. Hayao Miyazaki has delivered one movie after another that broke through people’s expectations as well as box office records. But the controversies left in his wake are no small matter either.

Ghibli movies might be targeted towards children, but they also contain messages for adults. Hidden political commentary or social issues are scattered throughout the films. One of his most controversial movies is The Wind Rises, a film that almost made Miyazaki a national enemy.

Hayao Miyazaki refused to make The Wind Rises as it was impossible to cater it to children Jiro Horikoshi in The Wind Rises by Hayao Miyazaki| Credits: Studio Ghibli

Hayao Miyazaki makes anime movies for children, but he also includes deeper messages within them. He came up with the idea of The Wind Rises as he was drawing a manga. Producer Toshio Suzuki suggested turning it into a movie,...

The legendary filmmaker and the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki has always been a revered name in the anime industry for his deep introspective storytelling. However, there was one movie that sparked immense skepticism even from someone like Miyazaki, and that movie is none other than The Wind Rises; which was released in 2013.

Hayao Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises was different from his most works | Credit: Studio Ghibli

This animated historical drama, which was later nominated for an Academy Award, almost didn’t make it to the big screen. The Wind Rises is perhaps one of Studio Ghibli’s most divisive works, dealing with themes of war, love, and ambition through the lens of historical figures; which was drastically different from Hayao Miyazaki’s earlier works like Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro.

Hayao Miyazaki’s initial vision for The Wind Rises

In an interview via Animation World Network...

Hayao Miyazaki is known for creating movies with strong themes of environmentalism, anti-war sentiments, and impactful female leads. Very few Studio Ghibli movies check off the list as magnificently as Princess Mononoke. The movie paints a very vivid picture of the relationship between humanity and the environment.

The movie had very different receptions in the East as compared to the West. Nonetheless, it still stands as one of the most legendary works of Hayao Miyazaki, especially since he never bent to the will of Disney to compromise the integrity of the film.

Neil Gaiman thinks Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke is more relevant than ever Ashitaka and San in Princess Mononoke | Credits: Studio Ghibli

While many of you might know the rocky history of Princess Mononoke during its initial release in the USA, you might be unaware of another person’s contributions to the film. Neil Gaiman, the author of popular books like Good Omens,...