Hayao Miyazaki -Hayao Miyazaki is one of Japan's most respected and renowned film makers of all time. While known for his breakthrough anime productions containing fantastic storylines, intriguing characters and groundbreaking animation; Miyazaki began his career in animation early on. -He was born in Tokyo on January 5, 1941. He graduated from "Gakushuin University" in the year 1963, with degrees in both political science and economics. His animation career started in the year 1963, when he began as an animator for "Toei Animation" Studios. While illustrating backgrounds and different animations for many of the influential classics, Miyazaki's talent was immediately recognized. In 1971 Miyazaki began a career boost with his co-worker and partner "Isao Takahata", whom began work along with Miyazaki at "Nippon" studios. Miyazaki directed his first television series "Mirai Shonen Conan" (Future Boy Conan) in the year 1978. In 1979 he directed his first feature film, "The Castle Of Cagliostro". Which featured the character "Lupin III" from the highly successful comic series "Monkey Punch". Years prior to his career at Nippon, Miyazaki had began work on an extensive manga series called "Nausicaa Valley Of The Wind". Now with his current success, he then went on to direct the feature film; which sky-rocketed his career to international acclaim. He then established "Studio Ghibli", the animation studio and company which would soon pave way for the renowned animator's success as an international icon. Miyazaki would go on to produce five features over the course of a twelve year period. Such films as "My Neighbor Totoro", "Porco Rosso", "Kiki's Delivery Service" would go on to become international acclaimed hits; all were successful at the box-office in Japan. But nothing would compare to the success of, none other than "Princess Mononoke" (Mononoke Hime); which became the highest-grossing Japanese film ever produced. The film cleared the gateways for anime's success in America & received the award for best film in Japan. -His many great works continue to enlighten the imagination of film making, push the boundaries of conceptual artistic style; and break the boundaries of animation. Miyazaki is a true pioneer of animation and one of Japan's highly respected icons. Back To Anime Notables Main Page Back To Main Page