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YumeTwins Kawaii Culture BlogIsao Takahata and the Founders of Studio Ghibli

Isao Takahata and the Founders of Studio Ghibli

By James Lau
August 01, 2024
A scene from My Neighbor Totoro, which is an example of what makes a good story.

Hayao Miyazaki and his colleagues played a role in creating and succeeding Studio Ghibli. Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma brought their unique talents to the studio! Let’s look at their influence on the studio and highlight the works they contributed to!

Isao Takahata

Isao Takahata sitting as his work desk. He had black hair.
Takahata directed four films for Studio Ghibli in his lifetime. Image via BFI

Isao Takahata was a famous film director, producer, and co-founder of Studio Ghibli. Takahata began his career at Toei Animation, where he directed his first feature film, Hols: Prince of the Sun. The film was an artistic success, leading him to team up with Hayao Miyazaki. Over the years, Takahata directed several films, including Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Pom Poko, and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

Princess Kaguya reaching for cherry blossoms.
Isao Takahata’s most recent work was “The Tale of the Princes Kaguya.” Image via Bright Wall/Dark Room

Isao Takahata had a significant impact on Studio Ghibli’s success. His films are known for their emotional depth and realistic portrayals of human experiences. His work helped Studio Ghibli become famous for its high-quality animation and storytelling. With Takahata’s help, Studio Ghibli has created some of the world’s most beloved and critically acclaimed animated films, setting a high standard for the industry.

Toshio Suzuki

Toshio Suzuki. He has short hair and glasses.
Toshio Suzuki is the general manager of Studio Ghibli. Image via Financial Times

Toshio Suzuki started his career at a company called Tokuma Shoten. In 1978, he met Hayao Miyazaki and convinced him to turn his manga, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, into a film. This film’s success led to the founding of Studio Ghibli in 1985. Suzuki went on to produce many of the studio’s most successful films, including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.

A scene from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, where Princess Nausicaä is riding on a glider.
Toshio Suzuki produced “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”. Image via IFC Center

Suzuki’s ability to recognize great stories and talent helped Ghibli’s movies succeed and reach a global audience. He was known for his dedication and passion for animation, often working tirelessly to ensure the success of each project. Suzuki had a massive impact on Studio Ghibli, and thanks to his leadership, Studio Ghibli has become a symbol of high-quality animation and storytelling, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.

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Yasuyoshi Tokuma

Yasuyoshi Tokuma sitting as his desk in a gray suit.
Tokuma executive produced many of Studio Ghibli’s earlier films. Image via Ghibli Wiki.

Yasuyoshi Tokuma was a businessman and film producer. He founded the Tokuma Group and served as the president of Daiei Film, among other influential positions in the film and publishing industries. Tokuma was known for his dynamic personality and deep knowledge of animation. He played a key role in recognizing the talents of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and supported their early works and creative vision.

A scene from My Neighbor Totoro. He is in a meadow with the two main protagonists.
Yasuyoshi Tokuma was an executive producer for “My Neighbor Totoro”. Image via Conde Nast Traveler

As the studio’s first president, he provided crucial financial support and guidance, helping establish and sustain the studio. Tokuma was an executive producer for many Ghibli’s famous films, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Princess Mononoke. He forged a partnership with The Walt Disney Company, which helped distribute Ghibli’s films internationally, aiding the studio’s growth and global success.

Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki on the step-and-repeat at an awards ceremony. He has white hair, white beard and glasses.
Miyazaki directed “Spirited Away” in 2001, which went on to be the highest-grossing film in Japanese history. Image via Asahi

Hayao Miyazaki is a famous animator and filmmaker. He started drawing at a young age, inspired by artists like Osamu Tezuka and films from Toei Animation. After graduating from university, he joined Toei Animation and worked on various projects, including “Future Boy Conan” and “Lupin III.” Miyazaki is admired for his beautiful animation, imaginative stories, strong characters, and themes of nature, pacifism, and flight.

Kiki riding her broom in the sky. She's one of many female characters that are popular.
“Kiki’s Delivery Service” was the beginning of Studio Ghibli’s popularity in the West! Image via Character Design References

Miyazaki’s impact on Studio Ghibli is monumental. Studio Ghibli became famous worldwide thanks to his films and dedication to high-quality animation. His storytelling and artistic vision helped create a unique style that set Ghibli apart from other studios, focusing on hand-drawn animation and richly detailed worlds. Miyazaki’s work at Studio Ghibli has inspired many animators and continues to influence the world of animation.

Why were Hayao Miyazaki and his colleagues important to Studio Ghibli?

Hayao Miyazaki’s films are known for their imaginative worlds, strong characters, and themes that connect with audiences. Miyazaki’s commitment to hand-drawn animation and attention to detail set a high standard for the industry, ensuring that each Ghibli film is a masterpiece. His work at Ghibli has made the studio known for its quality and creativity. Without Miyazaki’s direction, Studio Ghibli would not have achieved its iconic status.

Four people, including Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata are walking down a street. Black and white photo.
What other facts do you know about Studio Ghibli? Image via Tokyo Weekender

Overall, Hayao Miyazaki and his colleagues, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma, were instrumental in shaping Studio Ghibli into the animation powerhouse it is today.

The studio’s films remain beloved worldwide, influencing new generations of animators and filmmakers. Studio Ghibli’s enduring success is a testament to the extraordinary collaboration of its founders. Did you know about Studio Ghibli’s founders? Did you learn something new in this article? Let us know in the comments below!

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