Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, known for his gentle and visually stunning hand-drawn animated films, has won the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award, considered Asia’s highest honor. Named after the former Philippine President, this award celebrates “greatness of spirit” in service to the people of Asia, spanning fields like community service and the arts. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised Miyazaki’s “masterpieces” on social media, highlighting films like *My Neighbour Totoro* and *Kiki’s Delivery Service*.
Who is Hayao Miyazaki?
Born in Tokyo in 1941, Miyazaki grew up amid post-war devastation, an experience that shaped his work. Despite his initial struggles with drawing people, he developed a passion for planes, battleships, and tanks—motifs that frequently appear in his films. Miyazaki began his career as an animator in 1963 after studying economics and political science.
The Creation of Studio Ghibli
In 1985, Miyazaki co-founded Studio Ghibli with director Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. Though early films like *Castle in the Sky* and *My Neighbor Totoro* were initially commercial disappointments, Ghibli’s breakthrough came with *Kiki’s Delivery Service* in 1989. Miyazaki’s films, particularly *Spirited Away*—the first non-English film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature—are celebrated for their deep understanding of the human condition and stunning hand-drawn visuals.
Themes in Miyazaki’s Films
Miyazaki’s work often reflects themes of pacifism, environmentalism, and a critique of modern society. His films, such as *Princess Mononoke* and *Spirited Away*, explore anti-war messages and the conflict between tradition and progress. Influenced by his upbringing and leftist ideologies, Miyazaki’s films critique modern economic and technological advancements that harm nature.
Women in Miyazaki’s Films
Miyazaki is renowned for his strong, independent female characters, many inspired by his own mother. His heroines, like those in *Howl’s Moving Castle* and *Ponyo*, are portrayed with depth and resilience, navigating their worlds with humor and maturity without being sexualized. This nuanced representation of women, especially young girls, stands out in the animation world.
Legacy and Critique of the Anime Industry
Miyazaki has openly criticized the current state of the anime industry, arguing that it lacks the real-life inspiration that once drove his own work. He disapproves of the industry’s focus on fantasy and escapism, and he often speaks out against the influence of ‘otaku’ culture, which he sees as disconnected from reality.
Miyazaki’s films continue to resonate across generations for their emotional depth, artistic beauty, and universal themes of humanity, nature, and the complexities of life.