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The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Iconic Films
An in-depth collection of the rich influences and sources of inspiration behind one of animated cinema’s all-time greats, and Japanese cinema’s most popular cultural export.
Japanese filmmaker, director and anime artist Hayao Miyazaki has been described as the ‘godfather of animation’, with a cultural output and level of influence to rival Walt Disney’s. In 1985 he co-founded Studio Ghibli, Japan’s most-successful animation studio, and went on to direct the vast majority of its most notable productions.
His many films include My Neighbour Totoro (1988), Spirited Away (2001), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), and Ponyo (2008), each of which have been enormous cult hits both inside and outside of Japan – Spirited Away is still the highest-grossing film in Japanese cinema history, but also received an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Miyazaki’s worlds are painstakingly produced and deeply stylistically inventive. Only he could have created ‘Totoro’ – a giant furry spirit inspired by a racoon dog and a cat – and turn him into a global phenomenon. His influences encompass both Japanese and broader Western influences. The Worlds of Miyazaki will bring these influences together to show how Miyazaki creates his magical worlds, and in doing so has become one of modern cinemas most influential stylists.
Japanese filmmaker, director and anime artist Hayao Miyazaki has been described as the ‘godfather of animation’, with a cultural output and level of influence to rival Walt Disney’s. In 1985 he co-founded Studio Ghibli, Japan’s most-successful animation studio, and went on to direct the vast majority of its most notable productions.
His many films include My Neighbour Totoro (1988), Spirited Away (2001), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), and Ponyo (2008), each of which have been enormous cult hits both inside and outside of Japan – Spirited Away is still the highest-grossing film in Japanese cinema history, but also received an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Miyazaki’s worlds are painstakingly produced and deeply stylistically inventive. Only he could have created ‘Totoro’ – a giant furry spirit inspired by a racoon dog and a cat – and turn him into a global phenomenon. His influences encompass both Japanese and broader Western influences. The Worlds of Miyazaki will bring these influences together to show how Miyazaki creates his magical worlds, and in doing so has become one of modern cinemas most influential stylists.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
Published September 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 14, 2025
Rating: 5* of five
The Publisher Says: An in-depth collection of the rich influences and sources of inspiration behind one of animated cinema’s all-time greats, and Japanese cinema’s most popular cultural export. Explore the inspirations behind the work of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, one of animated cinema’s all-time great creators.
Often called the godfather of animation, Miyazaki is able to imagine and populate worlds like no other director or animator. His films, from My Neighbour Totoro to the Oscar-winning Spirited Away and The Boy and The Heron, are deeply original, each conjuring up their own complete and entrancing version of reality.
This book journeys through the rich mix of cultural, historical and artistic influences that shape Miyazaki’s storytelling. From Japanese folklore and childhood memories to architecture, classic cinema, literature and political commentary, it reveals how Miyazaki’s deeply personal vision creates layered worlds that somehow feel both fantastical and grounded in truth.
With insight into his process, visual language and recurring themes—including nature, flight, girlhood, resistance and renewal —The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki offers fans and film lovers a deeper understanding of the imagination behind the magic.
A celebration of creative freedom, storytelling without limits, and the enduring power of animation.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: If you are not a Miyazaki fan already, this book could make you one. (But seriously, how can anyone not be a fan after seeing Spirited Away?) I'm willing to bet most all of us have at least one film fan, animation fan, Japanese-culture maven, in our gifting circle. Any of them will appreciate this beauty.
what we'll see on the journey
I'm sure we're all aware of animation's tremendous popularity. A safe bet to give a teen giftee is this lovely, immersive story of how the art of Miyazaki sprang from th art Miyazaki has seen and spoken lovingly about.
The publisher doesn't offer lots of spreads for publicity, understandably, but there are some lovely ones to take a look at:
It's great value for money spent, assuming you opt for the tree book version; the ebook is a bit cranky and not as fluidly designed.
A very exciting gift to get, and one you'll be thanked for in longer terms than most gifts.
The Publisher Says: An in-depth collection of the rich influences and sources of inspiration behind one of animated cinema’s all-time greats, and Japanese cinema’s most popular cultural export. Explore the inspirations behind the work of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, one of animated cinema’s all-time great creators.
Often called the godfather of animation, Miyazaki is able to imagine and populate worlds like no other director or animator. His films, from My Neighbour Totoro to the Oscar-winning Spirited Away and The Boy and The Heron, are deeply original, each conjuring up their own complete and entrancing version of reality.
This book journeys through the rich mix of cultural, historical and artistic influences that shape Miyazaki’s storytelling. From Japanese folklore and childhood memories to architecture, classic cinema, literature and political commentary, it reveals how Miyazaki’s deeply personal vision creates layered worlds that somehow feel both fantastical and grounded in truth.
With insight into his process, visual language and recurring themes—including nature, flight, girlhood, resistance and renewal —The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki offers fans and film lovers a deeper understanding of the imagination behind the magic.
A celebration of creative freedom, storytelling without limits, and the enduring power of animation.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: If you are not a Miyazaki fan already, this book could make you one. (But seriously, how can anyone not be a fan after seeing Spirited Away?) I'm willing to bet most all of us have at least one film fan, animation fan, Japanese-culture maven, in our gifting circle. Any of them will appreciate this beauty.
what we'll see on the journey
I'm sure we're all aware of animation's tremendous popularity. A safe bet to give a teen giftee is this lovely, immersive story of how the art of Miyazaki sprang from th art Miyazaki has seen and spoken lovingly about.
The publisher doesn't offer lots of spreads for publicity, understandably, but there are some lovely ones to take a look at:
It's great value for money spent, assuming you opt for the tree book version; the ebook is a bit cranky and not as fluidly designed.
A very exciting gift to get, and one you'll be thanked for in longer terms than most gifts.
Displaying 1 of 1 review