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Zen and Ghibli: Life Lessons for Lasting Happiness from the Legendary Studio
The secrets for how to live a happy, enlightened life from three charming Buddhist monks and Toshio Suzuki, the Oscar-winning Studio Ghibli producer behind internationally beloved and acclaimed films including Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and The Boy and the Heron.
One visionary filmmaker. Three Buddhist monks. Countless life-changing lessons.
How do we live now? In Zen and Ghibli, legendary Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki embarks on an intellectual journey with three leading Buddhist monks—Sokyu Gen’yu, Nanrei Yokota, and Shinsuke Hosokawa—to explore Zen themes woven into the universally treasured Ghibli films. In ways unpredictable and delightful, life-changing lessons are revealed, such
zazen, redirecting our focus inward (Kiki’s Delivery Service)kunjū, learning through observation (The Wind Rises)fushiki, strength in not knowing (Princess Mononoke)furyū monji, how to convey feelings that cannot be expressed into words (Howl’s Moving Castle)
From the skill of embodying nothingness as a form of worry relief, to why Kiki’s black cat Jiji stopped talking, each conversation gradually reveals a basic principle that lies at the very heart of Zen Buddhism and Studio Ghibli—that we, and our world, are worth fighting for.
Beautifully illustrated with Japanese artwork and stills from these iconic films, Zen and Ghibli is at once a charming antidote for our times and a fascinating glimpse into the magic of Studio Ghibli that has shaped fans for over forty years.
One visionary filmmaker. Three Buddhist monks. Countless life-changing lessons.
How do we live now? In Zen and Ghibli, legendary Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki embarks on an intellectual journey with three leading Buddhist monks—Sokyu Gen’yu, Nanrei Yokota, and Shinsuke Hosokawa—to explore Zen themes woven into the universally treasured Ghibli films. In ways unpredictable and delightful, life-changing lessons are revealed, such
zazen, redirecting our focus inward (Kiki’s Delivery Service)kunjū, learning through observation (The Wind Rises)fushiki, strength in not knowing (Princess Mononoke)furyū monji, how to convey feelings that cannot be expressed into words (Howl’s Moving Castle)
From the skill of embodying nothingness as a form of worry relief, to why Kiki’s black cat Jiji stopped talking, each conversation gradually reveals a basic principle that lies at the very heart of Zen Buddhism and Studio Ghibli—that we, and our world, are worth fighting for.
Beautifully illustrated with Japanese artwork and stills from these iconic films, Zen and Ghibli is at once a charming antidote for our times and a fascinating glimpse into the magic of Studio Ghibli that has shaped fans for over forty years.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The fact that Studio Ghibli films can be viewed through a Zen lens is a last-minute revelation, though I must admit I’ve never seen them that way before. Through the producer’s conversation with three monks, certain themes are explored in depth. The images are beautiful as well.
Il fatto che i film dello studio Ghibli posano essere inquadrati in un'ottica Zennon é una novitá dell'ultimo minuto anche se ammetto di non averli mai visti in questo modo. Attraverso le parole del produttore a colloquio con tre monaci, vengono approfonditi alcuni temi. Sono belle anche le immagini.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Il fatto che i film dello studio Ghibli posano essere inquadrati in un'ottica Zennon é una novitá dell'ultimo minuto anche se ammetto di non averli mai visti in questo modo. Attraverso le parole del produttore a colloquio con tre monaci, vengono approfonditi alcuni temi. Sono belle anche le immagini.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
October 22, 2026
So beautiful and a wonderful reminder to practice being present (among so many other things)
October 19, 2026
A lovely conversation to have with oneself, among other things.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advance copy of this new way to look at film, not just from the writing, the production, the animation, even the genius creators behind the work, but by looking at the questions the movies ask, the truths they share about the human condition, the questions they don't answer, and a little bit of zen.
Movies I have always felt are a universal language. One can watch a movie, and even without understanding the language, sometimes even the society the movies takes place, one can get a general idea of what is going on. Two people love each other, and the difficulties that love might lead to. A young woman is growing up and learning about herself and the world. A family deals with loss, even a man becomes a pig and flies a plane. Studio Ghibli is what some would call the Japanese version of Walt Disney. Without the rampant greed, the commercialism, and well being Disney. The movies they make are famous, blockbusters at home, studied by animators, film students, and lovers of film. Also it seems Zen priests as this interesting collection of interview show. Zen and Ghibli:Life Lessons for Lasting Happiness from the Legendary Studio is written by Toshio Suzuki, longtime partner and producer to famed director and creator Hayao Miyazaki, and is a book about movies, art, the past, the future, understanding and a lot of zen.
Toshio Suzuki has been an editor, a producer, a writer, a muse and companion to famed animator Hayao Miyazaki, creator of films and shows since starting the renown Studio Ghibli in 1985. Suzuki has also been interested in Buddhism since an early age. A chance television special on a Buddhist priest discussing the works of a Buddhist artist, made Suzuki wish to know more. The monk Shinsuke Hosokawa was also a fan of the movies of Studio Ghibli, and both were able to tour their respective monasteries and museums to take in the art, and share their ideas on nature and creativity. The book is a collection of interviews with Hosokawa, and two others, one familiar with animation, one not sure of how to feel about movies. The discussions range across art, originality, the meaning of faith, and how to make the world a better place, through movies, or spirituality.
A different kind of film book, one not about creating the works, but the messages that in the work that creators might not have thought about. This is not just about zen, but about why film characters do certain things, why they react to what is happening. Suzuki shares stories of the movies creation, what his boss might have been thinking. With stories of Miyazaki's constant talk of retirement. The book are illustrated with classic Zen art, pictures from the movies, and even from Suzuki himself, who talks of bonding with Miyazaki over sketching familiar objects during interviews. There are lessons about zen, with lots of terms, but this is mainly about life, how it appears on film, and what can be gained from it.
A book that might not appeal to all fans of Studio Ghibli, but one of the more interesting film books I have read. The discussions about creating work, learning from the past, working with others, as well as Suzuki's stories of his work and his family were quite nice. A relief one would say from the world. A beautiful little book, about a lot of wonderful movies, and new ways of looking at life and art.
Movies I have always felt are a universal language. One can watch a movie, and even without understanding the language, sometimes even the society the movies takes place, one can get a general idea of what is going on. Two people love each other, and the difficulties that love might lead to. A young woman is growing up and learning about herself and the world. A family deals with loss, even a man becomes a pig and flies a plane. Studio Ghibli is what some would call the Japanese version of Walt Disney. Without the rampant greed, the commercialism, and well being Disney. The movies they make are famous, blockbusters at home, studied by animators, film students, and lovers of film. Also it seems Zen priests as this interesting collection of interview show. Zen and Ghibli:Life Lessons for Lasting Happiness from the Legendary Studio is written by Toshio Suzuki, longtime partner and producer to famed director and creator Hayao Miyazaki, and is a book about movies, art, the past, the future, understanding and a lot of zen.
Toshio Suzuki has been an editor, a producer, a writer, a muse and companion to famed animator Hayao Miyazaki, creator of films and shows since starting the renown Studio Ghibli in 1985. Suzuki has also been interested in Buddhism since an early age. A chance television special on a Buddhist priest discussing the works of a Buddhist artist, made Suzuki wish to know more. The monk Shinsuke Hosokawa was also a fan of the movies of Studio Ghibli, and both were able to tour their respective monasteries and museums to take in the art, and share their ideas on nature and creativity. The book is a collection of interviews with Hosokawa, and two others, one familiar with animation, one not sure of how to feel about movies. The discussions range across art, originality, the meaning of faith, and how to make the world a better place, through movies, or spirituality.
A different kind of film book, one not about creating the works, but the messages that in the work that creators might not have thought about. This is not just about zen, but about why film characters do certain things, why they react to what is happening. Suzuki shares stories of the movies creation, what his boss might have been thinking. With stories of Miyazaki's constant talk of retirement. The book are illustrated with classic Zen art, pictures from the movies, and even from Suzuki himself, who talks of bonding with Miyazaki over sketching familiar objects during interviews. There are lessons about zen, with lots of terms, but this is mainly about life, how it appears on film, and what can be gained from it.
A book that might not appeal to all fans of Studio Ghibli, but one of the more interesting film books I have read. The discussions about creating work, learning from the past, working with others, as well as Suzuki's stories of his work and his family were quite nice. A relief one would say from the world. A beautiful little book, about a lot of wonderful movies, and new ways of looking at life and art.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An absolute 5 star read. I don't say this lightly, but this book found me at exactly the right time.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the kind of people I want to surround myself with. People who actually live with intention. People who think deeply about things. People like Suzuki and the people he writes about, people who don't just float through life but actually engage with it. This book is full of those people.
It's a collection of conversations between Toshio Suzuki and a range of people, from artists, writers, thinkers. They talk about creativity, about making things, about what it means to actually pay attention. It's not a typical "here's how to be creative" book. It's more like sitting in a room with people who've spent their lives making things and just... listening to them think out loud.
The reflections from Suzuki himself are the highlight. He has this way of saying things that feel simple but you think about it for a while.
I read this digitally and I had to keep stopping myself from highlighting every other line. That's rare for me. Usually I'll get through a book and maybe note a handful of passages. But this one? I wanted to annotate so many things. There were moments I'd be reading and just stop mid-sentence because something clicked. Definitely getting a physical copy. This is the kind of book you want to have on your shelf, to flip through randomly, to dog-ear pages, to come back to.
If you're a Ghibli fan, this is essential reading. It gives you insight into the people behind the movies in a way that feels personal and human. It's not just "here's how Totoro was made". It's more like "here's how the people who made Totoro think about life". Did you know why Jiji stopped talking after half the movie? This book has the answer. And honestly it made me want to rewatch everything with fresh eyes. Suddenly you notice things you never noticed before. Like a glance between characters that says more than a whole conversation.
This book is quiet but it stays with you. It's not trying to blow your mind. It just puts good people in a room and lets them talk. And by the end of it, you feel like you've been sitting there with them. I finished it and immediately wanted to read it again. That's the highest compliment I can give.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the kind of people I want to surround myself with. People who actually live with intention. People who think deeply about things. People like Suzuki and the people he writes about, people who don't just float through life but actually engage with it. This book is full of those people.
It's a collection of conversations between Toshio Suzuki and a range of people, from artists, writers, thinkers. They talk about creativity, about making things, about what it means to actually pay attention. It's not a typical "here's how to be creative" book. It's more like sitting in a room with people who've spent their lives making things and just... listening to them think out loud.
The reflections from Suzuki himself are the highlight. He has this way of saying things that feel simple but you think about it for a while.
I read this digitally and I had to keep stopping myself from highlighting every other line. That's rare for me. Usually I'll get through a book and maybe note a handful of passages. But this one? I wanted to annotate so many things. There were moments I'd be reading and just stop mid-sentence because something clicked. Definitely getting a physical copy. This is the kind of book you want to have on your shelf, to flip through randomly, to dog-ear pages, to come back to.
If you're a Ghibli fan, this is essential reading. It gives you insight into the people behind the movies in a way that feels personal and human. It's not just "here's how Totoro was made". It's more like "here's how the people who made Totoro think about life". Did you know why Jiji stopped talking after half the movie? This book has the answer. And honestly it made me want to rewatch everything with fresh eyes. Suddenly you notice things you never noticed before. Like a glance between characters that says more than a whole conversation.
This book is quiet but it stays with you. It's not trying to blow your mind. It just puts good people in a room and lets them talk. And by the end of it, you feel like you've been sitting there with them. I finished it and immediately wanted to read it again. That's the highest compliment I can give.
November 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Zen and Ghibli.
I requested this ARC the moment I saw Tortoro on the cover before I even read the premise.
This is a beautiful and very thoughtful read that feels like the idea companion to Studio Ghibli’s films you never knew you needed.
It took me a little time to adjust to the book’s format: conversations between the author and a Buddhist monk.
But as I continued reading, I enjoyed the way they connected familiar characters and stories to deeper ideas about life, happiness, uncertainty, and finding meaning in your life and how your life connects with others.
Their conversations are easy to follow and offer reflections and insights I never considered and find very useful as I try to find more peace and balance in my emotional, mental, and professional life.
My favorite parts were the behind-the-scenes glimpses into Studio Ghibli.
I had hoped the artwork and film stills would be included and it was, which made reading this more interactive and meaningful.
The next time I watch a Ghibli film, I’ll see it from a different perspective and enjoy it in a whole new way.
I requested this ARC the moment I saw Tortoro on the cover before I even read the premise.
This is a beautiful and very thoughtful read that feels like the idea companion to Studio Ghibli’s films you never knew you needed.
It took me a little time to adjust to the book’s format: conversations between the author and a Buddhist monk.
But as I continued reading, I enjoyed the way they connected familiar characters and stories to deeper ideas about life, happiness, uncertainty, and finding meaning in your life and how your life connects with others.
Their conversations are easy to follow and offer reflections and insights I never considered and find very useful as I try to find more peace and balance in my emotional, mental, and professional life.
My favorite parts were the behind-the-scenes glimpses into Studio Ghibli.
I had hoped the artwork and film stills would be included and it was, which made reading this more interactive and meaningful.
The next time I watch a Ghibli film, I’ll see it from a different perspective and enjoy it in a whole new way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An inspiring book wherein Ghibli Producer Toshio Suzuki has a series of discussions with three different monks about the nature of Zen, their lives, and philosophy. There are mentions and direct thematic connections made with certain Ghibli films, several Zen concepts are explained and explored, and I came away from the book with a lot to think about. I marked down several moments from their discussions to copy down in my notebook and consider more carefully, as those really struck a cord with me.
I loved this book and think it would be great for any Ghibli fan who would also like to understand the Zen Buddhist perspective a little better. The only downside is that occasionally the translation cannot save the fact that some explanations were a bit difficult to understand without the help of additional context concerning Japanese culture and worldview. In the final interview, as the audience asked for advice, I found their wise responses lacking, but I think that is because my perspective is so different from theirs, that is all.
I loved this book and think it would be great for any Ghibli fan who would also like to understand the Zen Buddhist perspective a little better. The only downside is that occasionally the translation cannot save the fact that some explanations were a bit difficult to understand without the help of additional context concerning Japanese culture and worldview. In the final interview, as the audience asked for advice, I found their wise responses lacking, but I think that is because my perspective is so different from theirs, that is all.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy.
This was a charming book that was a series of conversations between three Buddhist monks and Toshio Suzuki, producer of classic Studio Ghibli movies. Although short and sweet, it is packed with Zen wisdom and generally made me feel happy and hopeful. Bonus that it revolved around Ghibli movies. Fun fact about me: I had a pet rabbit that looked and acted like Totoro, white tummy, naps and all.
Disclaimer: all my reviews are free of AI. Just human-made slop here.
This was a charming book that was a series of conversations between three Buddhist monks and Toshio Suzuki, producer of classic Studio Ghibli movies. Although short and sweet, it is packed with Zen wisdom and generally made me feel happy and hopeful. Bonus that it revolved around Ghibli movies. Fun fact about me: I had a pet rabbit that looked and acted like Totoro, white tummy, naps and all.
Disclaimer: all my reviews are free of AI. Just human-made slop here.
October 20, 2026
What a lovely surprise this book was! I’ve always thought there was something wonderfully unique about Studio Ghibli’s films, and I really enjoyed getting a different perspective on the ideas and philosophies that have influenced these beloved stories.
I especially appreciated the reflections on uncertainty and finding contentment in everyday life. There is something rather comforting about the reminder that we don’t always need to have everything figured out, and that happiness can often be found in the most ordinary moments.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I especially appreciated the reflections on uncertainty and finding contentment in everyday life. There is something rather comforting about the reminder that we don’t always need to have everything figured out, and that happiness can often be found in the most ordinary moments.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 27, 2026
I read this book while listening to a couple of albums by Joe Hisaishi. I have been worried about the collapse of civilisation, which feels so increasingly imminent. This book has not changed that, but it has given me pause: to think about ideas of Zen and living in the present; to embrace the very idea of the pause, of silence; to read and write as I must, as we all must, and not in disbelief about the future but in radical defiance of it. This and more is what Suzuki’s conversations with three Buddhist monks has to teach us.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a serene and insightful short read.
I liked that it’s presented in a simple Q&A format between Toshio Suzuki and three monks. As a fan of Studio Ghibli films, I loved their thoughtful discussions that explored zen themes and life lessons through iconic Studio Ghibli film connections. I also enjoyed learning some behind-the-scenes of the movies and a few facts about Hayao Miyazaki. The included photos from Toshio Suzuki’s time with the monks, artwork, and movie photos were a cool addition as well.
Overall, if your a fan of the films I highly recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
I liked that it’s presented in a simple Q&A format between Toshio Suzuki and three monks. As a fan of Studio Ghibli films, I loved their thoughtful discussions that explored zen themes and life lessons through iconic Studio Ghibli film connections. I also enjoyed learning some behind-the-scenes of the movies and a few facts about Hayao Miyazaki. The included photos from Toshio Suzuki’s time with the monks, artwork, and movie photos were a cool addition as well.
Overall, if your a fan of the films I highly recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
October 6, 2026
It's a worthwhile read for anyone who has enjoyed a Ghibli movie, and if you're curious about zen concepts. I found the first portion of the book to be the most engaging, but found it a refreshing and contemplative read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews