Studio Ghibli found in Koganei, Tokyo, is a Japanese animation powerhouse founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. This article talks about the studio’s journey from the beginning to now.
In 1984, the success of “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” marked the inception of Studio Ghibli. Miyazaki and Takahata, both seasoned figures in Japanese cinema, joined forces to create a studio that would redefine animated storytelling.
Five Ghibli movies rank among Japan’s highest-grossing anime films, with “Spirited Away” securing the second spot, earning over 31.68 billion yen in Japan and surpassing $380 million worldwide. The studio boasts numerous awards, with “Spirited Away” clinching the prestigious Golden Bear in 2002 and the 2003 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
In 1996, a strategic partnership with The Walt Disney Company marked Studio Ghibli’s international venture. Disney became the sole distributor for Ghibli’s films outside Japan, leading to re-dubbing of several classics. This collaboration continued until 2005, when Studio Ghibli became an independent entity.
October 2001 witnessed the opening of the whimsical Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. A haven for Ghibli enthusiasts, the museum features exhibits inspired by Ghibli films and exclusive animations not found elsewhere.
In 2008, Toshio Suzuki passed the presidential baton to Koji Hoshino. The studio experienced a brief hiatus in 2014 after Miyazaki’s retirement, sparking speculation about its future. However, Ghibli continued to create, and “The Red Turtle” in 2016 showcased its global collaborative spirit.
In 2017, Hayao Miyazaki, despite announcing retirement, decided to direct a new feature film. The studio, resilient and dynamic, ventured into 3D CG animation with “Earwig and the Witch,” set to premiere in 2020. The financial report in August 2021 reflected stable growth.
April 4, 2023, marked Koji Hoshino’s resignation as chairman, transitioning into a representative director role. This decision preceded the release of Miyazaki’s final film, “The Boy and the Heron,” scheduled for July 14, Miyazaki said this would be his last movie and the end of an era for Studio Ghibli. But after The Boy and the Heron was released, it became very popular and even won Movie of the Year. So now, that’s no longer true Miyazaki has announced he’s working on a new action-packed adventure film.
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