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The Art of Spirited Away
The Fantasy Continues
The Art of Spirited Away collects color illustrations of Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) for the first time in an English edition! This book includes paintings and designs from the new animated film from the director of Kiki's Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke.
Large-size, hardcover coffee-table book featuring artwork from the renowned animated film, Spirited Away , directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Features commentary, color stills, sketches, storyboards, and illustrations used to envision the rich fantasy world of the film. Also includes a complete English-language script.
The Art of Spirited Away collects color illustrations of Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) for the first time in an English edition! This book includes paintings and designs from the new animated film from the director of Kiki's Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke.
Large-size, hardcover coffee-table book featuring artwork from the renowned animated film, Spirited Away , directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Features commentary, color stills, sketches, storyboards, and illustrations used to envision the rich fantasy world of the film. Also includes a complete English-language script.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
67 people are currently reading
5713 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
367 books3,527 followersHayao Miyazaki (Japanese: 宮崎 駿) is a celebrated Japanese animator, filmmaker, screenwriter, and manga artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of animation. He is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, the animation studio responsible for producing many of Japan’s most beloved and internationally acclaimed animated films. Over the course of a career spanning decades, Miyazaki has developed a reputation for creating visually rich, emotionally resonant stories that often explore themes such as nature, pacifism, flight, childhood, and the human condition.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
October 27, 2018
I read "The art of My neighbour Totoro" recently, and this book is just as good, if not a little better. Spirited Away, is an incredible anime film, and it is definitely one of my favourites. The story manages to touch me so deeply, and no matter how many times I indulge in watching the film, I still become pretty emotional.
This book, is not just for those that love the actual art of the film, but for those who love the story being told. There is an interesting, short introduction, at the beginning of the book, which was written by Miyazaki himself, and he tells us what he wanted us to gain from the film, and where his influences came from.
The book contains all of the amazing concept art from the actual film. Some of the art is so similar to the final film, and I felt like I was watching it again, for the thirtieth time. I love the books in this series, and I love Miyazaki's works.
This book, is not just for those that love the actual art of the film, but for those who love the story being told. There is an interesting, short introduction, at the beginning of the book, which was written by Miyazaki himself, and he tells us what he wanted us to gain from the film, and where his influences came from.
The book contains all of the amazing concept art from the actual film. Some of the art is so similar to the final film, and I felt like I was watching it again, for the thirtieth time. I love the books in this series, and I love Miyazaki's works.
January 2, 2021
I have the Korean edition of this one and I still LOVE it.
"Princess Mononoke" is one of my favorite movies and I also liked "Spirited Away" so when I saw this artbook in the bookstore, I had to buy it. It's a large sized, thick book in full color. Everything is arranged and printed in high quality and no space is wasted. It's absolutely full of everything you want to know about the art building of Spirited Away with character development, storyboards, concept arts and comments from the creators. In the end, it also includes a full script of the movie which was a nice addition. I wished there would be more books like this for animated movies! This is not only for "Spirited Away"-fans but also for any person interested in animated movies.
"Princess Mononoke" is one of my favorite movies and I also liked "Spirited Away" so when I saw this artbook in the bookstore, I had to buy it. It's a large sized, thick book in full color. Everything is arranged and printed in high quality and no space is wasted. It's absolutely full of everything you want to know about the art building of Spirited Away with character development, storyboards, concept arts and comments from the creators. In the end, it also includes a full script of the movie which was a nice addition. I wished there would be more books like this for animated movies! This is not only for "Spirited Away"-fans but also for any person interested in animated movies.
December 28, 2014
For this book I cannot sing its praises high enough. The animated films from Studio Ghibli are world renowned translated in to multiple languages and back from the likes of Walt Disney in their distribution and recognition.
The artwork and storyline blend together to form a timeless story which you cannot help be transported away with, from the world of Howls Moving Castle to the forests of Princess Mononoke to the magic of My Neighbour Totoro, Studio Ghibli have an uncanny ability to tell stories like no other.
This book written in part by Hayao Miyazaki captures much of the art work used in the film - with explanatory notes and comments. As such the book is sumptuously illustrated with full and double page illustrations. For anyone who loved the film this is a must but it also appeals to anyone who appreciate artwork and the beautiful of a well crafted story told through images.
The artwork and storyline blend together to form a timeless story which you cannot help be transported away with, from the world of Howls Moving Castle to the forests of Princess Mononoke to the magic of My Neighbour Totoro, Studio Ghibli have an uncanny ability to tell stories like no other.
This book written in part by Hayao Miyazaki captures much of the art work used in the film - with explanatory notes and comments. As such the book is sumptuously illustrated with full and double page illustrations. For anyone who loved the film this is a must but it also appeals to anyone who appreciate artwork and the beautiful of a well crafted story told through images.
June 27, 2015
This book was an eye opener.
My initial reaction to receiving the book: "Oh my God, I LOVE Studio Ghibli! Everything is awesome (Yes, as in Lego awesome)! It's all so cute."
Read book.
Ending reaction: "Dear Lord, who the hell knew so much work went into creating an animated film? The amount of rejected ideas and work, the storyboards, the number of COLORS used in his distinctive films... It's all so overwhelming."
I've always adored Miyazaki's work, but now? I respect him so much more for his hard work, his genius, his ability to fulfill a child's dream while locked in an adult's body.
My initial reaction to receiving the book: "Oh my God, I LOVE Studio Ghibli! Everything is awesome (Yes, as in Lego awesome)! It's all so cute."
Read book.
Ending reaction: "Dear Lord, who the hell knew so much work went into creating an animated film? The amount of rejected ideas and work, the storyboards, the number of COLORS used in his distinctive films... It's all so overwhelming."
I've always adored Miyazaki's work, but now? I respect him so much more for his hard work, his genius, his ability to fulfill a child's dream while locked in an adult's body.
December 6, 2012
(More pictures at parkablogs.com)
The copy I'm reviewing is a Chinese version. The English version from VIZ Media Publishing is essentially the similar in content. Some of the English versions end with movie scripts, some don't.
As usual, there are lots of beautiful sketches on character design and concept art for the environment. They are all painted in traditional media. The bath house on one full page on its own is just breathtaking. There are only a handful of movie stills. Captions below the sketches describe the scene and ideas behind.
At the end of the book are is a short write up on how they used computers to composite some of their cel animation onto the big screen.
I like the movie very much and this book is a perfect complement to it. If you collect Studio Ghibli movie art books, there's no reason not to add this to your collection.
Note that there's another book called Spirited Away Picture Book. It's essentially the movie published as a book. It comprises only off movie stills and the story is written for kids. I actually made the mistake of buying that book before The Art of Spirited Away, which is the real art book.
PS - Oh, the soundtrack for the movie is simply fantastic. One of my all time favourites as well.
This review was first published on parkablogs.com. There are more pictures and videos on my blog.
December 27, 2025
I have not watched the anime yet but enjoyed reading and viewing this book.
It contained the details about how they came up with some ideas, the stories behind some designs and of course, many pages of astonishing artworks.
My eyes are blessed.
It contained the details about how they came up with some ideas, the stories behind some designs and of course, many pages of astonishing artworks.
My eyes are blessed.
August 29, 2019
Beautiful hardback book. The pages are glossy and thick. I also didn't know it had the script for the film at the back! That was a nice surprise. It doesn't give too much detail of the making of, as the book it made up of clips from the film with a descriptuon underneath, but there are some storyboard drawings in there too. I wouldn't recommend if you're wanting more info for the making of. But I'd definitely recommend as a gift for any Ghibli fan and as beautiful well presented book.
February 6, 2017
For Ghibli fans, this is a beautiful book. There are many illustrations from the production of the film Spirited Away. I particularly like Miyazaki's hand-drawn watercolor illustrations of the locations and scenes from the movie. Miyazaki is really skilled at world-building and this comes through in his art.
March 26, 2022
A wonderful collector's book for anybody who loves Spirited Away. It's one of my favourite movies not only because of the story, but as visual work of art. This book shows you the storyboarding throughout the film with notes about the production process and the last section goes into the use of CG as a tool that Miyazaki finally embraced with some reluctance. The result was stunning. I read this from a library copy and I can't wait to get my own so I can peruse it from time to time at my leisure.
March 31, 2024
Stunning illustrations, concept sketches, screenplay and character designs for the Academy Award winning Studio Ghibli film, Spirited Away. There is also a surprising amount of information about the incorporation of software and digital elements to the beautiful paintings done by the art department. Gorgeous and satisfying book that is especially thrilling for fans of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki-san's awe-inspiring creativity!
August 22, 2022
This art book was so GOOD!! I give it a 4/5 !! I loved the amount of insight that was given to the reader (me) about the process of animating the movie as well as the details of how certain characters were meant to be or how they started out. And can I just say that I absolutely love the character no face in the movie and I wouldn’t trade him for anything but MAN the concept design for him was so pretty?! We missed out!! But ofc, that’s just what I think. I would also like to take a moment to mention that Miyazaki’s sketches are OUT OF THIS WORLD ?! Like man, please hand me some of that talent right now at this very moment. Also, the BEAUTIFUL GORGEOUS AND STUNNING screenshots included on really high quality papier (I appreciate that they didn’t cheap out with the quality) are pretty amazing cuz each time I flip through the book it’s like I’m reliving the entire movie all over again. The movie script at the end is also a great addition!! The only reason that I gave it 4 stars out of 5 is because I think that while we did get a fair amount of concept sketches, I def think that they could’ve included MORE concept art and sketches of the movie in the early stages but overall, an amazing book that left me flabbergasted.
(Shout out to a certain someone for getting me my first art book ever) :))
(Shout out to a certain someone for getting me my first art book ever) :))
April 17, 2013
This book is stunning. The quality of the printing and the weight of the pages make it feel like something special and well worth the money. The early production sketches and the comments from the Ghibli staff are greatly appreciated and provide a decent amount of insight into the creative process. Whilst the amount of film stills could be off putting to people who want to see things they haven't before, the images look so good on the glossy paper, particularly the full page ones, it's hard to imagine anyone feeling too disappointed. The inclusion of the film script to finish out the book was a nice unexpected bonus too. The only problem I have now is trying to put out of my mind how good the entire Ghibli Library would look on my shelf...
March 28, 2018
The Art of Spirited Away is jaw-droppingly stunning. I have been a huge Ghibli guy since I saw the original Fox English dub of My Neighbor Totoro in second grade. Miyazaki is probably my favorite artist of any medium.
This collection details the tedium and love put into one of the best animated features of all time. It goes into depth about how the animators integrated CG to improve layering and to improve upon the hand-drawn designs and models as well as realistic lighting.
This book also includes a copy of the English screenplay, which is actually printed on a less glossy paper than the artwork pages.
High praise.
This collection details the tedium and love put into one of the best animated features of all time. It goes into depth about how the animators integrated CG to improve layering and to improve upon the hand-drawn designs and models as well as realistic lighting.
This book also includes a copy of the English screenplay, which is actually printed on a less glossy paper than the artwork pages.
High praise.
July 7, 2022
This book beautifully portraits the art behind the amazingly crafted movie. I loved looking at all the paintings and the developments into the finished art of the movie. It’s most definitely one of the best presents/books I have ever received!
Benefit: It’s a beautiful coffee table book that can easily displayed at home ☺️
Benefit: It’s a beautiful coffee table book that can easily displayed at home ☺️
February 6, 2017
These two books (I read the Totoro one recently too) mark the begin for of a rather expensive collection that I just need to carry on with, because holy hell. STUNNING.
January 17, 2022
five stars duh PLUS the bonus script at the end… AMAZING!
December 24, 2022
beautiful art from my favourite movie
March 19, 2021
Really thorough, though accessible, examination of the art style and parts of the production process as well, coupled with character sheets, location designs and layouts. Really exciting were a few of those famous watercolour storyboards that have been so (rightly!) mythologised as part of Miyazaki’s process.
There’s some entertaining interviews and descriptions from the art and animation team which animation/Ghibli (esp Miyazaki) fans will find amusing, and aspiring creators will find instructive and illuminating. When there are stills from the film, they’re well-chosen, high quality and relevant to the chapter- not haphazard. There’s a good balance of writing to pictures, feeling neither like the publishers got stingy about putting full colour printing throughtout, nor that they threw together a bunch of pictures and added text to justify releasing a book at all (I’m looking at you, Star Wars and Disney tie-ins!).
Studio Ghibli seem to have put real effort in making this book.
The only aspect I felt could’ve been done better were explicitly showing the artistic and folklore influences that the creators drew from for creature design and story. For the 20ish years I’ve loved this film, I’ve slowly pieced together some of the yōkai (Shinto spirits or cryptids), ukiyo-e (traditional woodblock art) and traditional folklore that might be more obvious to a Japanese audience but is wonderfully mysterious to myself as a British fan, but one day I would love to see some of those influences spelled out more explicitly.
Honestly one of the best books I’ve gotten all year, would work as a gift for an arty kid or to go on a film connoisseur’s coffee-table.
There’s some entertaining interviews and descriptions from the art and animation team which animation/Ghibli (esp Miyazaki) fans will find amusing, and aspiring creators will find instructive and illuminating. When there are stills from the film, they’re well-chosen, high quality and relevant to the chapter- not haphazard. There’s a good balance of writing to pictures, feeling neither like the publishers got stingy about putting full colour printing throughtout, nor that they threw together a bunch of pictures and added text to justify releasing a book at all (I’m looking at you, Star Wars and Disney tie-ins!).
Studio Ghibli seem to have put real effort in making this book.
The only aspect I felt could’ve been done better were explicitly showing the artistic and folklore influences that the creators drew from for creature design and story. For the 20ish years I’ve loved this film, I’ve slowly pieced together some of the yōkai (Shinto spirits or cryptids), ukiyo-e (traditional woodblock art) and traditional folklore that might be more obvious to a Japanese audience but is wonderfully mysterious to myself as a British fan, but one day I would love to see some of those influences spelled out more explicitly.
Honestly one of the best books I’ve gotten all year, would work as a gift for an arty kid or to go on a film connoisseur’s coffee-table.
January 10, 2026
Un repos pour les esprits
Le voyage de Chihiro est surement le film le plus primé d’Hayao Miyazaki, et le plus connu à l’international.
Ce livre propose les notes d’intention de Miyazaki, les croquis préparatoires, les différents essais et dessins de Miyazaki, mais aussi de différents membres de l’équipe.
Ces documents permettent une meilleure compréhension du film et de son univers.
Le voyage de Chihiro est surement le film le plus primé d’Hayao Miyazaki, et le plus connu à l’international.
Ce livre propose les notes d’intention de Miyazaki, les croquis préparatoires, les différents essais et dessins de Miyazaki, mais aussi de différents membres de l’équipe.
Ces documents permettent une meilleure compréhension du film et de son univers.
May 24, 2021
مثل همیشه، میازاکی فوقالعاده بود :))
میازاکی و سامپه همیشه توی قلب من جا دارن. 🥲 * اشک ریختن *
به امید روزی که بتونم نسخه فیزیکی این آرتبوک و باقی آرتبوکهای میازاکی و کتابهای سامپه رو داشته باشم:))
میازاکی و سامپه همیشه توی قلب من جا دارن. 🥲 * اشک ریختن *
به امید روزی که بتونم نسخه فیزیکی این آرتبوک و باقی آرتبوکهای میازاکی و کتابهای سامپه رو داشته باشم:))
November 30, 2021
So this book lets you dive deep into how Miyazaki and the ghibli team made spirited away. The artists would work in tandem with the cgi editors to make the background and then eventually add the characters making the scenes come to life. Even though Miyazaki didn’t want to get rid of cel films, he learned to appreciate cgi and what it could do. At one point, he got so into using cgi, he was asking them to deep the background color rather than asking the background artists to do it. He eventually found a harmonious blend of his way of creating with modern inventions.
January 5, 2026
كتاب لطيف عن خطوات الرسم وأجزاء من motion وكمان سكريبت الفيلم ف كتاب واحد
بالصدفة استعرته من المكتبة وبكرة عيد ميلاد الفنان hayao miyazaki ف هصور الكتاب وانزله ع قناة "عن الفن" ع اليوتيوب لو حد مهتم 😍👇لأنه ملهم جدًا لمحبي الفن والأفلام اللطيفة من ستوديو جيبلي 👇
3nelfn@
بالصدفة استعرته من المكتبة وبكرة عيد ميلاد الفنان hayao miyazaki ف هصور الكتاب وانزله ع قناة "عن الفن" ع اليوتيوب لو حد مهتم 😍👇لأنه ملهم جدًا لمحبي الفن والأفلام اللطيفة من ستوديو جيبلي 👇
3nelfn@
December 5, 2022
Such a special wedding gift I’ll keep forever ❤️
June 9, 2024
Beautiful art ❤️✨✨ I love the worldbuilding and characters; they are a huge inspiration for my own artwork 🎨
August 27, 2023
An in-depth dive into Studio Gibli’s process into making the film. Great watercolors and sketches that are inspiring and give a glimpse into the studios focus on analog and digital protection
July 21, 2020
I wish there were more initial concept sketches and storyboards present...But this is still a gorgeous book.
February 10, 2021
Highly recommended ⭐
"Once you have met someone you never really forget them. It just takes a while for your memories to return"🌸
"عندما تقابلين شخصا ما فانت لا تنسينه تماما، الأمر يأخذ وقتا فقط حتى تتذكري"🦋
"Once you have met someone you never really forget them. It just takes a while for your memories to return"🌸
"عندما تقابلين شخصا ما فانت لا تنسينه تماما، الأمر يأخذ وقتا فقط حتى تتذكري"🦋
September 3, 2025
I would become a servant in Yubaba's bath house and wash a stink spirit for the chance to go on the sea railway. I genuinely believe that it would solve all my problems. It is one of the coolest concepts ever. Miyazaki is a genius and so are all the animators and artists that made Spirited Away.
August 17, 2015
Spirited away is my favourite movie/book that Hayao Miyazaki made!
February 8, 2017
KURANG BANYAAAKK :"(
dari seluruh karya Hayao ini cuma 1 yang pernah saya tonton. itupun gak sampai habis karena bosan. pas lihat karyanya disini jadi pengen nonton semua karyanya hhhhh
bagus
dari seluruh karya Hayao ini cuma 1 yang pernah saya tonton. itupun gak sampai habis karena bosan. pas lihat karyanya disini jadi pengen nonton semua karyanya hhhhh
bagus
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews