Studio Ghibli is one of the most famous and influential animation studios in Japan and the world. It was founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki, who wanted to create original and imaginative stories with high-quality animation. Some of their most popular films include My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle.
Studio Ghibli has had a huge impact on Japanese film exports, as their movies have been widely distributed and acclaimed internationally. According to Guidable, Studio Ghibli is associated with some of the most iconic anime movies within and outside Japan, further boosted by never-disappointing soundtracks and plots you grow to treasure for long after you watch a Ghibli movie [1]. TIME magazine also notes that Spirited Away shattered preconceived notions about the art form and also proved that, as a film created in Japanese with elements of Japanese folklore central to its core, it could resonate deeply with audiences around the world [2].
Some of the reasons why Studio Ghibli movies are so appealing and impactful are:
- They balance fantasy and reality, creating immersive worlds that are both magical and relatable. For example, Kiki's Delivery Service is about a young witch who moves to a new city and faces challenges of growing up and finding her identity [1].
- They appreciate scenic beauty and nature, showing stunning landscapes and environmental themes. For example, Ponyo is about a fish-girl who falls in love with a human boy and causes a natural disaster that threatens both worlds [1].
- They address important issues and messages, such as feminism, war, pacifism, consumerism, family, friendship and love. For example, Princess Mononoke is about a conflict between humans and forest spirits over natural resources [3].
Here are some images from Studio Ghibli movies that illustrate their impact on Japanese film exports:
My Neighbor Totoro (1988) is one of the most beloved and recognizable characters of Studio Ghibli. He is a giant furry creature who befriends two sisters in rural Japan. The movie is a celebration of childhood imagination and wonder.
Spirited Away (2001) is the highest-grossing film in Japanese history and the first anime film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It is about a girl who gets trapped in a spirit world and has to work in a bathhouse to save her parents.
Howl's Moving Castle (2004) is based on a British novel by Diana Wynne Jones, but it also incorporates elements of Japanese culture and history, such as the Sengoku period and the firebombing of Tokyo. It is about a young woman who is cursed by a witch and joins a mysterious wizard in his moving castle.
[1] https://guidable.co/culture/studio-ghibli-and-its-impact-on-japans-anime-culture/
[2] https://time.com/6081937/spirited-away-changed-animation-studio-ghibli/
[3] https://www.unpublishedzine.com/film/heroines-spirits-and-pigs-hayao-miyazakis-historical-impact-on-cinema/