my neighbor totoro, hayao miyazaki

Image by 大臣官房人事課, licensed under CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

SUMMARY

  • The upcoming release of original image boards of various Hayao Miyazaki films has excited fans all over the world.
  • Toshio Suzuki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, provides commentary and highlights what Isao Takahata said about Miyazaki's films.
  • Miyazaki's films cannot be replicated by anyone except Miyazaki himself.

In the world of animation and film, Studio Ghibli stands as an inspiration for creativity and artistry, producing films that have gone over and crossed the borders of animation with its core of humanity. At the heart of it is Hayao Miyazaki. With the support of the co-founders, the late Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli has reigned over the animated film genre for years. The three have built a legacy like no other in the animation industry.

Castle in the Sky. Castle in the Sky. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

The recent release of an exclusive collection of original image boards from Studio Ghibli’s iconic films has reignited conversations about the brilliance and beauty of Hayao Miyazaki. These image boards will capture the breathtaking visuals and detailed worlds of nature-filled films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke. They undoubtedly highlight what Takahata was referring to when he said that Miyazaki’s genius was an unparalleled and irreplaceable figure in the anime industry.

The Image Boards Are A Window Into Miyazaki’s Mind

My Neighbour Totoro. My Neighbour Totoro. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

The exclusive release of original image boards from Miyazaki’s films will be a significant moment in the memories of fans and cinema buffs alike. The series will debut on December 5, 2024, with exclusive never-seen-before image boards from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Castle in the Sky. The original image boards will undoubtedly portray the heart and soul of the films. Miyazaki’s attention to detail is what makes Studio Ghibli films so beloved, with each frame evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

The co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Toshio Suzuki, comments on the upcoming release while highlighting what their late co-founder, Isao Takahata, rightfully felt about Hayao Miyazaki’s films:

The main feature of Hayao Miyazaki when making a movie is that he first draws an image board. In the image board, the information necessary for the film, time, space, character’s expression, personality, movement — everything is drawn, and it was Isao Takahata [late Studio Ghibli co-founder] who told me that no one other than Miyazaki could do this. However, until now, there has never been a full-scale collection of Miyazaki’s image boards. I may be the one most looking forward to this publication.

This also shows how strong the partnership was between the Studio Ghibli founders, who all respected each other’s crafts but especially recognized the genius of Hayao Miyazaki. It’s endearing to know that Suzuki will be eagerly waiting for the release of these image boards to the public.

The Legacy of Hayao Miyazaki

 Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. [Credit: Toei Company]

The excitement around artbooks and image boards of his work just enforces how much more special the legacy of Hayao Miyazaki is. His films aren’t just great stories, they are masterpieces of art that deserve their own publications and separate appreciations. His influence on the world of animation will never be forgotten, even beyond the anime industry like in The Legend of Korra.

Isao Takahata’s statement rings true even today with the recent release of The Boy and The Heron. Even legends in the industry comment that Miyazaki will never be surpassed and consider him as their biggest rival. The release of these image boards will only garner more attention to how detailed his mind and art are.

AnimeAnime movieshayao miyazakistudio ghibliToshio Suzuki

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Written by Bidisha Mitra

Articles Published: 100

Bidisha is an Anime Content Writer at FandomWire with years of experience in writing for all realms. If she's not busy watching reruns of Bungo Stray Dogs for the hundredth time, she is studying Kanji to bring out the best cultural nuances to her anime writing.