Hayao Miyazaki: What You Can Imagine

[@slashusr]

When my daughter was ten, the film "Ponyo" was going to play at a small theatre out in the country -- right next door to a comprehensive art supply shop that I knew of. She loved to draw, though she was at the very beginning of finding form and feeling, so I hatched a plan. She was bound for a school where Japanese was to be taught as a second language and I had been preparing her for that anyway, so this presented a real opportunity. We had such a lovely day out. The movie made us both laugh and cry, so moving was the subject and so incredibly beautifully told in the inimitable artistic and emotive style of Myazaki. Afterward, I took her to the art store and bought everything needful for her to advance her learning and create characters, scenery, etc. She blossomed before my eyes into an accomplished and emotive anime artist, and went to yet another level using the 24" Wacom Cintiq I bought for her birthday a few years later. We sat together and watched every Miyazaki film made. He was her number one hero and influence and I am indebted to him forever both for bringing us so much joy and for giving her the first spark and then an aspirational target for her creativity.

[@carlamolina695]

This made me cry, it's so cute these film united you and your daughter, no doubt she is going to be a great artist and remember you as huge part of her journey

[@smoothrich1780]

ummm.. cultural appropriation isn't okay..

[@rogers505]

Smoothrich wtf does that has to do with this

[@refatahmed4246]

You're an amazing father. I want to be like you when I grow up.

[@narimaneme2144]

INSPIRING! THANK YOU! BLESS YOU, BOTH YOU AND YOUR LOVELY DAUGHTER!

[@mikeyh6379]

The ending where you have Miyazaki talking with scenes from his movies overlay-ed and syncing up with what he says: amazing.

[@sammich3000]

Mikey H its from the movie about Ghibli. check it out it's on Netflix and its great

[@jesterssketchbook]

i never cry......and i cried (hearing the longing and creativity in his voice even when he's retiring, overlaid with his most beautiful moments he's brought us over the years)

[@shadokat6858]

Idk if you did too but that part made me teared up. Lol

[@lizardman6515]

Made me tear up. All those movies make up precious parts of my heart

[@NeonAtary777]

absolutely! it's really beautiful I have tears in my eyes 🥹💖

[@DrSchnuggles]

I seriously don't want him to ever die...it would break my heart into million pieces

[@meghanavinukonda2476]

I can't even imagine that...

[@anoopgupta2502]

😭😭😭

[@kalemercer7053]

Hayao Miyazaki is the Stan Lee of anime, He may leave but will never be forgotten. R.I.P Stan, Im not sure if they ever met, but they will be the best of friends.

[@LyTran-oq2of]

Break OUR hearts

[@tyrstone3539]

I have to meet him before he dies

[@tomimn2233]

What I can gather from Miyazaki is this: He _doesn't do_ anime. Anime just happens to be his storytelling medium of choice. In fact, at times he comes off pretty harsh towards the 'otaku' culture in general.

[@jmiquelmb]

An then he's also been best friends for years with a huge otaku, anime director Hideaki Anno.

[@punkseth1]

it's so nice that he has been harsh to the nasty otaku culture :)

[@jmiquelmb]

I highly doubt it. Miyazaki is not a fan of gore and over the top action.

[@soupnotfound]

I believe most Japanese are against "otaku" culture because it can seem over top and is usually a negative concept in Japanese culture.

[@SoAS26]

maybe he didnt like anime, but there is a good reason to choose it...anime opens a world where anything is possible and the art portrays all emotions very deeply. For films regarding art, anime is one of the best choices

[@memequeen728]

“Isn’t it fun to see things that way. Feels like you could go somewhere far beyond, maybe you can.” (New fav quote)

[@TreeDragon]

God, I came back to this again after a few months. I needed that time to process this sucker emotionally. You nailed it with the "...he was drawing the realities he wanted to experience", and it's that one line/that one idea that really gets me in the feels as an aspiring artist (read: virtually nobody). Thank you for this.

[@JD.Editor]

That one line was probably the biggest reason why I wrote the essay in the first place. I noticed it right away when I first saw one of his films.

[@debutant1277]

Tree Dragon beautiful

[@greyleaf]

It's so funny- I was never really drawn towards anime as a whole during my upbringing, but I had always remembered bits and pieces of the movie Spirited Away, as if it were a weird dream I had as a young child. I did in fact see it when I was very young, and just so happened to stumble across it again here in the past year. I've watched it almost 10 times since, honestly being able to call it one of my all-time favorite movies now, because I understand and can so deeply relate to the core message. Rediscovering this movie led me to binge watching almost all of Miyazaki's films, and I'm so glad I have.. His works have reignited a spark inside me that I thought was lost years ago, and it just goes as a testament that you don't have to be raised on a particular genre or subculture to discover and appreciate it later in life. I honestly feel far more impacted by his films than I ever would have as a child watching them.

[@maxtrautwein4485]

Hooo I feel exactly the same!! I also have some weird dream like flashbacks of the movie. I think I watched it when I was very young and now I can remember the emotion I had when I first saw it. I can’t even describe the emotion

[@m.c.s1306]

When the boy and the heron came out, I knew I needed to see it as it would be a once in a lifetime experience, and I couldn’t have been more right.

[@kibitz2327]

Very impressive, great video essay.

[@JD.Editor]

Thank you

[@metatoto]

This was awesome. Miyazaki's movies have a special place in my heart and this was a great example as to why. To me Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Satoshi Kon, Mamoru Hosoda and Makoto Shinkai are some of the greatest filmmakers in the world, even though they make animated movies only.

[@JD.Editor]

Animated films are some of the best films

[@jmiquelmb]

I remember watching 2001 several years later than End of Evangelion, and realising he's a huge an of the movie.

[@jasewrangler1980]

Shinkai and Kon, not so much, but the others for sure. I will say, however, that if those are your top filmmakers, you should broaden your horizons outside of Japan. There are waaay more filmmakers than that.

[@metatoto]

Well, you're assuming that I don't know filmmakers outside of Japan or animation, which I'm not sure why. Do people have to be restricted to only a handful of people they consider great? I have at least 30-50 filmmakers that I consider great, and these are only 5 of them. And why not Kon and Shinkai? Kon managed to produce some beautifully edited and structured movies in his lifetime, including scenes that you see references in Aronofsky's works, who is another great filmmaker. Shinkai, on the other hand, stands out of all the five I mentioned. His works, excluding Kimi no Na Wa which I haven't seen yet, are all essays on a standard human life itself. 5 Centimeters per Second resonates so well with the idea of how two people, lovers or not, grow apart over time. Not to mention, each of his works are visual masterpieces and pretty much on top of the animation game.

[@jasewrangler1980]

Honestly, I think Shinkai is the worst of the bunch. His films boil down to formulaic and cliched teen dramas with shallow characters and stories. Many of his movies ride on sentimental nostalgia and striking visuals (which isn't necessarily bad, but not my cup of tea). Granted, Your Name was his best, but in the end was a rehash of what I described earlier. Kon is overrated imo. His movies are psychological messes. Perfect Blue, often touted as a psych thriller masterpiece, often came off as mostly stylistic flair while lacking in any sense of cohesion. His best work is honestly a TV show; Paranoia Agent.

[@electronistwolf9744]

Wow. This essay is amazing. When I heard Hayao Miyazaki was going to retire, I cried. His films have been with me for many years, and I simply don't want him to stop. His films share his beauty, his expression, his imagination, and that's why I don't want him to go away. But, I support his choice, even though it may be sad, his films will forever be with me until I die. But, before my final days, I want to make animations as beautiful as Hayao Miyazaki. Although it may be a long time, before I animate, I want to share what inspiration he has shared with me. Wow, um, that turned emotional, sorry! 😟

[@JD.Editor]

Go and learn the craft. We'll be waiting for what you make

[@electronistwolf9744]

JD Thompson I'll try my best!

[@paulstaker8861]

The part with the rooftop is great.

[@berengerdietiker22]

The takeaways from Hayao Miyazaki are invaluable and incalculable.

[@ILLFilms]

That storyboards advice is spot on. Changed my game.

[@barbz001]

This video essay made me tear up a little bit, it's wonderful isn't it? I watched Chihiro for the first time in theathers when it premiered...I was 10 years old, and I was with my dad...you could imagine what I felt as kid watching Spirited Away...it always gets to me, every single time, I get caught up by this wonderful world of color, and music, to realize at the end of the movie, that I'm crying. It was a beautiful essay, thank you.

[@alexandraprytkova387]

Yeah, I totally teared up too... I'm 27, and my first Miyazaki was Princess Mononoke, when I was 8 or 9. I remember watching it, rewinding the tape, watching it again, and so on for days... I can't watch a Miyazaki movie without crying, truth be told. Not only is he my childhood, but he taught me to keep that piece of inquisitive, sincere and open childhood, deep into my adult life. And every time I feel like I'm becoming too "old", I turn on one of his movies, and my inner-child rejoices.

[@jesterssketchbook]

im an aussie GUY and i cried a the end of this video lol

[@cenobiten]

I've seen a lot of video essays on the works of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki, and i think this definitely one of the better ones. it isn't just mindless gushing over the mastery he pertains, and it doesn't have a hidden agenda of showing of how good your film tastes are; i thought it was a real insight into Miyazaki's creative process and it helped me think about my creative process. - great video.

[@tomokokuroki3085]

Nya, right? and contrasts a lot with some of the comments on the video. Im surprised at the amount of pretentious people who rush to comment on things like this "Yes, yes, I think EXACTLY the same as Miyazaki, that is, we are smart and the other idiots. Everyone else does shit. Right? That is what Miyazaki says. I'm smart and cool, right? Tell me I'm smart and cool!" That and those who are not able to hide their cultural racism "Miyazaki is right. Japanese art is crap. Yes, I know that Miyazaki is Japanese and I like his art, buuuuut is almost as if he were not Japanese, come on, if we closeour eyes we can imagine that he is American and make an exception with him"

[@carlosspencer5369]

This video was amazing, great job

[@JD.Editor]

Thank you

[@ImaginArt24]

Can this work for comics as well?

[@ahuevaseaheevo5027]

I could not be more agree with the things that you said on this video. Hayao Miyasaki marked a before and after in the way we see dreams, he is simply a genius and it will stay as a legend forever

[@KynaNg123]

His self-awareness conveyed through artistic storytelling is simply beautiful and breathtaking. I will never tire of his movies

[@IGamingStation]

"Films are far more compelling when they show you how to feel instead of telling you how to feel." Samurai Jack isn't a movie by any means, but I love how this cartoon relies mostly on visuals rather than words.

[@IT-vy7kx]

Thank you for pointing that out!

[@urbaezpablo]

For anyone wondering the BeautifulPiano piece at the very beginning is called "6th Station" and it's one of my fav. Pieces

[@JD.Editor]

Yes it's very nice. Every note in this video was played by me to avoid copyright issues but they are all taken from scores of studio ghibli films and a little improvisation

[@AutumnGracy]

The Sixth Station is my favorite piece as well. I like to listen to it late at night. It evokes an otherwordly, pensive feeling. Spirited Away is my favorite Ghibli movie, and the train scene is my favorite part, so that song feels like the quintessence of the movie for me. There always seemed to me to be a very, almost uncomfortably deep meaning behind the imagery of that scene. Like it reveals some hidden truth about the human condition. The tracks through an endless ocean met only with sky, the faceless shades of the passengers (all melancholic and weary), the station in the middle of nowhere, with the tunnel that leads underground to some unknown place ... Especially, that little girl on the platform, waiting for someone who has not yet arrived, and may never--it was all very unsettling to me, every time I watched. It's rather haunted me. I think it feels this way because it's a sort of visual depiction of purgatory--not in a religious sense, but in the sense that it embodies an eternity of waiting, an eternal uncertainty, an eternal journey forward. Maybe it's just me, but in the quiet moments, that feels very much like the underlying current of modern life. Weird, liminal spaces of time, where you reflect on where you've been and where you're going, and it feels like you're traveling forever. It's probably why we all start feeling thoughtful when we gaze out a window on a long ride.

[@inabyss]

You said it beautifully. Can't say it better. It truly invokes a profound, nostalgic and yet an otherworldly feeling. Ghibli movies are so intimately connected to our lives despite being in the world of fantasy. Wish somehow we could be a part of this as well. Have a good day

[@dawn1503]

SpaceBound thank you so much, I was going to ask about it

[@dragonreborn6488]

This man's dedication literally makes me teary eyed just thinking about it. Beautiful work.

[@donidino3349]

I loved your point about how Miyazaki tells his stories with visuals first.

[@Taospark]

Thanks for the brief look, especially at how he did storyboards.

[@JD.Editor]

Of course!

[@onlyiloveunicorns1239]

I know I might be late, but I already missed him. I watched every single movie he made, in English and Cantonese. I watched it at least all movies at least 20 times. I missed him so much, and I will never forget what he inspired me in my childhood. He was my hero. My first movie animator. He's so special to me, and will also be. Hayao Miyazaki, your movies have inspired me to be strong, like princess mononoke. You taught me not to be lazy like Chirho. Taught me to swim like Ponyo, be grateful for life and my parents from tales of the earth sea(terru) and taught me so much more. Thank you so much.

[@KaregoAt]

I just love him so much and it's moments like these when mortality hits me the hardest. One could turn to bitterness, but instead it just makes me a bit wistful. We're truly lucky to live in a time in which we get to experience his work.

[@Eli1993.]

i am so honored to share the same birthday as him and i love his movies.

[@tangentyes3323]

Now, THIS is a video essay. Clear, concise, doesn't waste time trying to impress people with big concepts and jargon, edited very well with a great message that is communicated very clearly. Nice job, a lot of youtubers could learn from this video

[@JD.Editor]

Much appreciated. Thanks for watching

[@jonathancitra]

Miyazaki is the best animator I've ever seen. I always enjoy watching his works and I think his way to story-telling us is so unique and enjoyable. I wish I'll able to watch this kind of content in the future. God bless Miyazaki...

[@arthurg1425]

Childhood should be having fun and enjoying things, so that as a teenager you try and figure it all out, and as an adult you can view and enjoy everything from many different views as well as help change things, letting you appreciate the world and accept it all as you grow older. But what do I know, im only so far along on my own path to adulthood

[@pauloliva8858]

That part where he was describing what he saw out the window really got to me.. He's a true artist indeed. Thank you for the video, you really described Miyazaki Sama's work really well 👍

[@lexugax]

I wish Miyazaki would produce another last movie... or two.

[@williamguzman7488]

In some ways, Miyazaki creative genius reminds me of Stephen King’s style: he writes real characters in a unreal scenario.

[@jaymerete5346]

tim burton

[@NuageAuSol]

Thank you. Keep doing it!

[@StopCopCity1312]

That's why Miyazaki says that Anime was a mistake. That Anime is trash. The world is one that he wishes and imagines it would be. The people on the other hand, are depicted as is. 90% of Japanese animators keep using characters that have come before as inspiration and create this weird sort of inspirational inbreeding, less real people and more cardboard cutouts of tropes. Those animators need to get out of their offices and simply observe people like Hayao Miyazaki does.

[@MohinderPictures409]

I agree 100% with that. Thank god I'm a European because here we see animation as art that tells us a story. And I also think that a big problem with generic animes is that they are made by otakus for other otakus. Otakus are very autistic, and autistic people usually don't have any kind of social lives, so they don't know how real people act.

[@tomokokuroki3085]

@@MohinderPictures409 You clearly don't know what an autistic is, otherwise you wouldn't use the term as a generic insult. Do you also use "mute", "blind" or "crippled" as a synonym for moron? It seems to me that the one who has a serious socialization problem here is you and not so much that strange mental idea that you have about lovers of Japanese culture.

[@lederp8096]

@@tomokokuroki3085 You are right. Being autistic is a medical condition. I think the proper term would be anti-social. Even so, I believe there are otakus who are kind and can be just as successful as many other people but watch things like anime because they can't socialize with others easily.

[@kalaicellona4106]

@@fitzgerald1104 uu

[@zoinksscoob6523]

@aj oliva ok dude u do you

[@dinosaurfilms7425]

Also why the hell does this have so little views?? I thought this was a sublime video essay. Subscribed & liked.

[@JD.Editor]

Sublime, what an adjective. Thank you very much.

[@skyblue_icecream]

He spent a whole lot of his life doing what he liked and thats rlly admirable its inspiring to hear that he made whats impossible possible thru his films and i think maybe you don need any thing to inspire you but just one thing imagination.

[@Angel-fl8my]

thank you for this

[@JD.Editor]

You're welcome

[@hrpang]

I liked that last thing Miyazaki said. Essentially, he reminds you of childhood. You always used to imagine, sitting in the back of your parent's car, a man just over and across passing buildings and obstacles.

[@51lodb]

Thank you for making this short film. I'm a big fan of Miyazaki and I have all his films, but I wasn't aware that he starts with an idea and not a script. Your mention of how he works had a profound effect on my thinking about storytelling. Thank you!

[@sablewings2693]

This is amazing and inspirational for artist. I'll admit, I began to tear up.

[@nicolea7532]

I think this video is the best video essay I’ve listened to on Studio Ghibli. Less praise, more sharp observation and analysis. Great Job! I really enjoyed it!!

[@howltae]

I still believe that somewhere over this world his film characters actually exist

[@edsbored]

What a beautiful interpretation of Miyazaki’s intentions in his films. Thank you for sharing.

[@JD.Editor]

Much appreciated. Thanks for watching!

[@HarlequinGrim_Mania]

So beautiful; incredibly articulate and sincere. Thank you.

[@josephcallahan1664]

Excellent! I liked Miyazaki's films before and I appreciate them more now.

[@kai-pingliu4510]

What a lovely montage during Miyazaki's monologue. Well done.

[@woodlandpricess]

His movies changed my life and I couldn't be more thankful

[@mewka1990]

Thank you, as a writer and philosopher this greatly inspires me to do my work differently! Storyboarding indeed is handy, as it visualizes the story you feel. That it is easier to put in words!

[@gilletteguy]

Hayao Miyazaki. I can't put words into how amazing of a human being he is. I'm honestly speechless over his work.

[@kingvahagn2011]

As some have already said, that part of the video with the ghibli clips being played along with Miyazaki's words was extremely well done.

[@tuhi009]

Totoro is my all time favorite Anime movie. I dont know how to explain it but the movie makes you feel very warm and genuinely happy inside. Miyazaki is a masterful story teller. Great video. Keep it up.

[@anik4921]

I came back to it

[@laralou594]

This is so beautiful! I can see Miyasaki and the Movies even brighter! Thank you for sharing🌤

[@narimaneme2144]

Enjoying what you're making? are you kidding? I ADORE WHAT YOU MAKE IN YOUR BRILLIANT VIDEOS!!! YOUR ANALYSIS IS BEYOND LOGICAL. IT IS EMOTIONAL AND INSPIRING! I FEEL THE SINCeRITY BEHIND! JUST AS MIYAZAKI DROWS WHAT HE IMAGINES YOU TELL WHAT YOU FEEL! SO KEEP IT UP YOU BEAUTIFUL SOUL! AND TELL US MORE! I LIKE LISTENING TO YOU!

[@heretikal]

You have no idea how happy this video essay made me. Thank you so much for this!

[@hashamreyaz4948]

this video is just as beautiful as Miyazaki's films. Thank-you so much for making this.

[@JD.Editor]

Thank you for watching

[@SuberDuberUberEvan]

This video is a gift. Please... continue making more.

[@princessthyemis]

This made me cry. Miyazaki is just so amazing and inspirational. His films are mindblowing.

[@ioshinigami2165]

Only people with no soul would dislike this video. great homage to a brilliant artist

[@ALI_FA17]

Very creative indeed! Gives me inspiration to create my own exceptional creativity! To create films, music & books

[@ReginaFera]

This was incredible, and I think you cut right down to the heart of Miyazaki's film making: the heart of humanity. Miyazaki captures our resilience, and the capacity to imagine and enact a better future for not only ourselves, but also for the generations to come after we have passed on. We are going to need creative solutions based on empathy and our own understanding of our shared humanity. Miyazaki is one of the few storytellers that gives me hope for our future here on earth in this regard.

[@JD.Editor]

Creativity is a way of revealing humanity. Perhaps the art is the answer.

[@olymolly3637]

i remember watching the movie during a one-hour work break (animation studio), where the characters build a giant airplane and run it through a vast field... the windy grass field literally made me cry quietly. i noticed my coworker (who sat in front of me) changed his expression when he noticed mine but didn't prod me on it, because he was also watching his own show at that moment. Hayao-sensei's works resonate with me unlike any other animation works.

[@falabsi]

My favourite is Howls Moving Castle and every peace of art he ever produced I couldn't find one I didn't enjoy. Thank you I enjoyed your work, would love to see more and learn more :)

[@TheSecondFest]

I really appreciate your opinion and insight. Please continue this kind of observation.

[@markshellhammer3117]

Well done! Miyazaki continues to inspire so many of us who strive to tell a story with visual media. I've always loved his sense of the absurd and his compassion for just being human.

[@JD.Editor]

Very well put. Thank you

[@jesaispasvraimentquoiecrireici]

5:27 to 6:15 = Most awesome/creative/ingenious way of telling something through editing. Thank you so much!

[@nvwest]

I'm adding this to my storytelling list. Like it a lot!

[@brendanmcnally9145]

You did a great job here, JD. You knew what you wanted to say and you said it. Like you comments about storyboarding!! and also how HM doesn't know that much about his story when he starts. Very useful to know. Thanks!

[@s.k.bradford297]

I really enjoyed this. I'm someone who really wants to love Miyazaki films but I don't quite understand the love people normally have for them. That began to change when I saw The Wind Rises as it was the first Miyazaki film I connected with. But breaking down his films is something I've always wanted to hear someone talk about but never really sought it out. I stumbled upon your video on Reddit and I'm glad I watched it. Please do more of these!

[@JD.Editor]

Thank you very much. Could you link me where you found this video on reddit?

[@s.k.bradford297]

Sure! It's here in the anime sub: www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/5i75g9/hayao_miyazaki_what_you_can_imagine/

[@riadhfenina2319]

I can't believe,no I don't want to believe that Hayao Miyazaki is retiring 😭

[@kamokurii]

I wish to see more of your videos anylizes of Hayao Miyazaki movies and his studio. Also other respective animators around the world like Hayao Miyazaki himself. Thank you.

[@blastedgoat]

Loved this look at Miyazaki I would show it to anyone. This is a great overview of why I love his films so much, well done! Spirited Away is my favorite but I haven't seen them all yet :)

[@proxima-nova]

This was awesome, I saw it in my recommended videos and I'm glad I clicked! I think I subconsciously noticed that the details of his characters and his animations are what make his films so vibrant and realistic, but you've explained it in plainly in your video so now I can actually notice and appreciate his films in full rather than just saying "this is a beautiful movie." Thank you :)

[@thecrajjehone]

This made me tear up omg

[@the_timinator77]

I wish I saw this video when you first released it! This has GREATLY helped me just now with my creativity and where I want to take it; I've struggled with what I should do with my creative abilities, and this has clarified my view! Thank you JD Thompson! (and, of course, Mr. Miyasaki!)

[@JD.Editor]

Much appreciated. Thank you for watching!

[@sephirothswh0re598]

keep this up Hayao miyazaki you have inspired me to become a director thank you so much

[@neinneinnein3254]

I'm so glad he's making a new film i'm bloody existed!!!

[@sebbo95]

Really great ! You must not stop doing this. I like your reference points a lot too.

[@katiehaire1607]

Excellent overview of the films. Thank you! I will use this video in my art classes to teach about him and the studio.

[@kanchanyadav-yl2ur]

One day I will meet Hayao Miyazaki keep it up your good work love from India

[@IT-vy7kx]

Thank you for this video! As a 4 man game studio, this video is a great tool. Such a brilliant man.. Do what you love, love what you do - the only way I know to push standards and teach others something new.

[@sagetheory]

he is one of the best directors in history and i can also relax and be happy when i see one of his movies

[@arcadia4691]

I wholeheartedly agree that you should keep doing it. It was very well made. And I love his films, anyway. I say that from experience, his movies mean more when you have a love of art as I do. His art and his backgrounds are amazing, I personally studied a certain art from Japan a long time ago, as far back as the 1800's. That love of art easily spreads to other things, as long as you like or appreciate it. Anything from a painting, or even artwork on trading cards. It was Miyazaki's incredible movies that my love of art easily jumped to. His quality and detail are amazing, and over time it improves. The characters created are incredible. Simple, down to earth people. If anyone watches this and you have kids? Have them watch some of the movies. And you do too. Emotional and very clean. Very adventurous and we humans can use some adventure in our lives, real life, or fictional. There are a lot of fans of him out there. I say honestly, he is a genius.

[@BertieFett]

Beautiful video. You've captured the soul of murazaki movies

[@Quasidono]

I just stumbled across this video after finding out that I happen share the same birthday as Miyazaki. His story telling truly is inspiring.

[@OPrincessXJasmineO]

This was a really great video, thank you!

[@ViperAlphaViggoAoki]

I believe it was around 6 years ago, 6 years ago when the dreams started to occur. I was 11 years old and I had a dream about a magical land in which I can only describe as being awfully familiar. It was a land of wonder and beauty. Over the years I had reoccurring dreams of this land, this country. Then it happened. I saw it. I was surfing the internet when I suddenly recognised an image from some website, with a title hovering over the image saying "Spirited Away". I immediately researched this film, and discovered that when I was a child, around 5 or 6 years old, my Japanese grandfather would show me these Studio Ghibli films, they stayed with me and shaped the person that I am today. Today is the one year anniversary of his death, and all I have to say is that I loved him so much. I find it incredibly difficult to describe the feeling Studio Ghibli movies impart on me, but from now on they will always remind me of a distant relationship with my grandfather.

[@Zeldafan1ify]

Thank you so much for this video. My favorite film is definitely Spirited Away as well. I want to follow in Mr. Miyazaki's footsteps, and become an animated film-maker in the style of Japanese anime. I have my ideas, and I want to put them on film. I'd imagine that manga would be a good start to get somewhere (or a web comic, or comic, since I live in the U.S), but ultimately, my inclination is towards making them into animated films. When I was in High School, I thought about becoming a Story Board Artist, to start somewhere, but like I said, my goal is to become the Studio's head, and produce my own movies, like Mr. Miyazaki has done. I am planning on taking some animation classes, to get a scope of how things work, even though I don't want to be an animator. I have no idea where to begin though, or whether I'm going in the right direction. I wish I could become the American version of Studio Ghibli, and make my films in my country, but I am not sure whether it would be better if I learn Japanese and pursue my dreams in Japan after I graduate from a University (my current goal is to go to Calarts). I want to be successful, but I want to achieve my dreams at the same time. Could you give me some advice? Any tips? Where should I go from here? I've also thought about things like, perhaps working for big-names like Disney to get some experience, although I ultimately want to make my own movies, or just go to Japan, or pursue something other than Story Board, like becoming a Mangaka. Become an illustrator? I don't know. I'm attending college at the moment, with my Major being an Art Transfer. I would be grateful to hear any advice or recommendations, and/or opinions. And thank you so much.

[@JD.Editor]

Well I can't tell you what to do for sure, but I think there is a large enough market for these kinds of movies in America. I think that's a better option because you wouldn't have to bother moving your whole operation to Japan. Thank you very much for your interest and good luck on your journey to becoming a filmmaker

[@barbstork2658]

Thank you for making this informative and inspiring video. Well done.

[@ShapelessMedia]

Really loved this man, great care put into it! Thank you for making this and sharing it with us all!

[@axel0_02]

Please let me have enough time to go and thank him for being and for doing what he has done with his works

[@edgarazaky8256]

The only miyazaki anime I watched was valley of the wind 6 months ago and It gave so much childhood nostalgia that I started crying 😭

[@1gnore_me.]

excellent essay, the ending was really touching. I might have to check out the documentary now.

[@JD.Editor]

Thank you. I believe its still on netflix if you want to watch it

[@fabianreyes2794]

Great work friend. Miyazaki is awesone and Ghibli is just amazing; every movie's argument is so deep, every visual is so well built, every sound we listen is just perfectly placed! I loved your video, and that last part of Miyazaki looking to the rooftops...wow! Thanks for doing this video! Sorry about my english if there are any mistakes!

[@JD.Editor]

Your english is very good. Thanks for watching.

[@tabryis]

9 dislikes; JD you've created something beautiful here.

[@andrewharms6046]

Wow that clip at the end is so powerful

[@maxd.9311]

Very good quality for someone just starting out, can't wait to see more.

[@JD.Editor]

Thank you very much

[@xepfeon]

awesome video essay, it really shows your passion and respect for miyasakis work

[@devyanshraghuvanshi2963]

Suggestions: 1)Satoshi Kon:directed movies that inspired Christopher Nolan(see perfect blue and paprika) 2)the philosophical brilliance of psycho pass(a horribly underrated series) 3)the subtleties (and focus on human relationships)of “A silent voice”(masterpiece) 4)the cinematography in “A silent voice” 5)a lot other great animes 6)anime itself as a medium which adds something extraordinary which is not achievable by live action