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風の谷のナウシカ―宮崎駿水彩画集
From the vaults of Academy Award-winning director, Hayao Miyazaki! Original watercolor illustrations used as concept sketches for both the manga and film versions of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Take a peek behind the curtain to see the creative process of the most acclaimed anime director in the world today. This full-color, over-sized, hardcover book also includes Miyazaki's earliest sketches that eventually became the basis for some of the most beloved anime movies of the past 20 years.
207 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
7 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
366 books3,504 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 51 reviews
March 12, 2018
Although part of the art book series of the studio Ghibli films this book is considerably more - should have spotted that one with the title really!
Anyway it is presented in the same style apart from this is a slightly higher quality production (if that is possible) as it has a dust cover and is slightly larger than its fellow entries.
However along with the physical differences (which caused havoc in my books case although it is such a beautiful book I cannot really complain) there is also the style of the book.
This book (again in the title) has a lot of water colours from the anime as well as other productions as Nausicaa has a much longer a greater tale than just the film - and this book captures it all.
Now what you have here is a series of beautiful water colours from Miyazaki-sans work spanning the its publication history and much more. It almost makes the film feel like an anticlimax just looking at the sheer amount of work that has been put in to it.
I know that such a saying is so over used it almost becomes lost in the static but if ever there was a book that should be part of a collection it is this book. IT is a perfect example of how anime is as much an art form as any form of expression. The book is beautiful laid out (although running some images over the spin was a little annoying but I can forgive that easily enough).
The question is where shall my collection of Ghibli books take me next?
Anyway it is presented in the same style apart from this is a slightly higher quality production (if that is possible) as it has a dust cover and is slightly larger than its fellow entries.
However along with the physical differences (which caused havoc in my books case although it is such a beautiful book I cannot really complain) there is also the style of the book.
This book (again in the title) has a lot of water colours from the anime as well as other productions as Nausicaa has a much longer a greater tale than just the film - and this book captures it all.
Now what you have here is a series of beautiful water colours from Miyazaki-sans work spanning the its publication history and much more. It almost makes the film feel like an anticlimax just looking at the sheer amount of work that has been put in to it.
I know that such a saying is so over used it almost becomes lost in the static but if ever there was a book that should be part of a collection it is this book. IT is a perfect example of how anime is as much an art form as any form of expression. The book is beautiful laid out (although running some images over the spin was a little annoying but I can forgive that easily enough).
The question is where shall my collection of Ghibli books take me next?
September 18, 2023
A hundred or so Miyazaki illustrations in the world of Nausicaa. What's not to love?
The book is split between Manga illustrations, illustrations done for the movie, and illustrations done while still gestating the concept of the manga.
The commentary Miyazaki provides for the manga illustrations are hilarious. Nearly every one he talks about not wanting to draw it, how it's servile to draw cover art, how Nausicaa's pose is out of character, and how he really didn't want to draw it! To be fair most the illustrations are just pieces used for covers, promotional material and merchandise. Not really Miyazaki's wheelhouse as it seems he's more into doing the roughs and storytelling - not polished posed pieces.
Which is why the roughs for the movie is the best part of this book. I loved seeing the behind the scenes - Miyazaki's brainstorming.
The book is split between Manga illustrations, illustrations done for the movie, and illustrations done while still gestating the concept of the manga.
The commentary Miyazaki provides for the manga illustrations are hilarious. Nearly every one he talks about not wanting to draw it, how it's servile to draw cover art, how Nausicaa's pose is out of character, and how he really didn't want to draw it! To be fair most the illustrations are just pieces used for covers, promotional material and merchandise. Not really Miyazaki's wheelhouse as it seems he's more into doing the roughs and storytelling - not polished posed pieces.
Which is why the roughs for the movie is the best part of this book. I loved seeing the behind the scenes - Miyazaki's brainstorming.
Read
January 23, 2022another decent coffee table book from the ghibli art book series but probably my least favourite in the series so far. this art book was different to the porco rosso and howl's moving castle ones, focusing less on conceptual work designed specifically for nausicaä of the valley of the wind and more on general sketches which miyazaki reworked and took elements from to make the final film — these sections were the most engaging, as the commentary for the watercolour promo art sections was very lacking (mostly consisted of miyazaki grumbling about disliking drawing promo art or forgetting that he'd drawn something).
still, it was interesting to see just how the high expectations miyazaki set for himself were; for me, the main appeal of ghibli films is how effortlessly charming they are, transforming the ordinary into the magical, and it definitely takes an enormous amount of effort and skill to make their works seem so fluid and natural.
still, it was interesting to see just how the high expectations miyazaki set for himself were; for me, the main appeal of ghibli films is how effortlessly charming they are, transforming the ordinary into the magical, and it definitely takes an enormous amount of effort and skill to make their works seem so fluid and natural.
February 12, 2020
Además de lo maravilloso-obvio (las ilustraciones) el libro incluye comentarios de Miyazaki que ayudan a entender su visión de la historia y sobre todo, del personaje de Nausicaä, y algunos textos sobre su proceso creativo y las referencias que utilizó para inspirarse.
December 19, 2016
Un mondo si crea mettendo insieme tanti frammenti di caos.
Hayao Miyazaki
Per chi, come me, è appassionata dei lavori di Miyazaki, questo libro è il paradiso degli occhi. Regalatomi lo scorso Natale, ho spesso nutrito lo sguardo, sfogliando il volume, ma mai avevo letto i commenti dell'autore alle tavole raccolte né le pagine di testo presenti.
Miyazaki ha sempre fatto parte della mia vita, da quando ne ho ricordo, e mi ha molto suggestionata.
Amo il suo modo di fare animazione, i colori, i temi, le storie.
Perciò non riesco a capire perché io abbia atteso tanto per leggere le "parti scritte" di questo libro. Le ho trovate interessanti, soprattutto le didascalie: vedere come lui vede le sue tavole, come le racconta, è un'esperienza affascinante (anche quando dice di non ricordare niente! XD). Ti fa quasi venire voglia di rinascere sotto forma di uno dei suoi personaggi!
Insomma, a mio gusto, magnifiche le tavole, curiosi i testi nei loro contenuti. 5 stelle e 5 occhialini! :)
Hayao Miyazaki
Per chi, come me, è appassionata dei lavori di Miyazaki, questo libro è il paradiso degli occhi. Regalatomi lo scorso Natale, ho spesso nutrito lo sguardo, sfogliando il volume, ma mai avevo letto i commenti dell'autore alle tavole raccolte né le pagine di testo presenti.
Miyazaki ha sempre fatto parte della mia vita, da quando ne ho ricordo, e mi ha molto suggestionata.
Amo il suo modo di fare animazione, i colori, i temi, le storie.
Perciò non riesco a capire perché io abbia atteso tanto per leggere le "parti scritte" di questo libro. Le ho trovate interessanti, soprattutto le didascalie: vedere come lui vede le sue tavole, come le racconta, è un'esperienza affascinante (anche quando dice di non ricordare niente! XD). Ti fa quasi venire voglia di rinascere sotto forma di uno dei suoi personaggi!
Insomma, a mio gusto, magnifiche le tavole, curiosi i testi nei loro contenuti. 5 stelle e 5 occhialini! :)
May 8, 2008
Yeesh - the title's misspelled in this Amazon/Goodreads listing - "Nausicaa of the...." not "Nausicaf".
I've grown disenchanted with much of anime, but I still love Miyazaki's work. This collection of watercolor artwork (and a few sketches) for the movie and manga forms of "Nausicaa" is filled with fantastic art and many notes from Miyazaki about the history behind the pictures. A good number of amusing anecdotes about the harried production of the serialized manga, and the magazine covers he was forced to paint, give insight into when his career was truly taking off but also driving him a bit crazy. Especially fascinating is "The Way to Nausicaa" section which shows a little explosion of ideas and drawings he made in the early 80's -- a mix of sci-fi and historical epic -- elements of which eventually evolved into Nausicaa, Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke.
I've grown disenchanted with much of anime, but I still love Miyazaki's work. This collection of watercolor artwork (and a few sketches) for the movie and manga forms of "Nausicaa" is filled with fantastic art and many notes from Miyazaki about the history behind the pictures. A good number of amusing anecdotes about the harried production of the serialized manga, and the magazine covers he was forced to paint, give insight into when his career was truly taking off but also driving him a bit crazy. Especially fascinating is "The Way to Nausicaa" section which shows a little explosion of ideas and drawings he made in the early 80's -- a mix of sci-fi and historical epic -- elements of which eventually evolved into Nausicaa, Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke.
January 11, 2026
Chiunque apprezzi l'opera di Miyazaki sensei non potrà che essere felice di leggere questo volume.
Si divide in tre parti: nella prima vediamo illustrazioni legati al manga di Nausicaa, con un commento da parte del maestro per ogni illustrazione. Sempre interessante, anche quando il commento riferisce il fatto che non si ricordi dell'occasione o del perché la fece.
La seconda è una serie di disegni ed acquarelli usati per il film. Ammirandoli, oltre ad un senso di meraviglia, mi viene da pensare a cosa sarebbe stata una riduzione a fumetti de Il Signore Degli Anelli realizzata dal maestro.
Infine, dopo una intervista piacevole sull'origine e la nascita di Nausicaa, abbiamo una serie di acquarelli e bozzetti precedenti al manga ed al film, con abbozzi di idee che per lo più entreranno nel film, ma anche di idee riprese poi per altre opere.
Quindi?
Quindi nulla di nuovo per me che ho sempre apprezzato l'opera di Miyazaki sensei.
5 stelle
Si divide in tre parti: nella prima vediamo illustrazioni legati al manga di Nausicaa, con un commento da parte del maestro per ogni illustrazione. Sempre interessante, anche quando il commento riferisce il fatto che non si ricordi dell'occasione o del perché la fece.
La seconda è una serie di disegni ed acquarelli usati per il film. Ammirandoli, oltre ad un senso di meraviglia, mi viene da pensare a cosa sarebbe stata una riduzione a fumetti de Il Signore Degli Anelli realizzata dal maestro.
Infine, dopo una intervista piacevole sull'origine e la nascita di Nausicaa, abbiamo una serie di acquarelli e bozzetti precedenti al manga ed al film, con abbozzi di idee che per lo più entreranno nel film, ma anche di idee riprese poi per altre opere.
Quindi?
Quindi nulla di nuovo per me che ho sempre apprezzato l'opera di Miyazaki sensei.
5 stelle
June 12, 2022
Beautiful artwork, great insights into the making of the film and manga
July 1, 2025
This literally revived my ancient passion for watercolour painting
The beautiful art behind a beautiful Ghibli movie, full stop.
The beautiful art behind a beautiful Ghibli movie, full stop.
January 30, 2014
A collection of covers, storyboards, and brainstorming pieces, as well as first-person accounts by Miyazaki on creating the manga and film. A good coffee table book.
February 10, 2019
I got this one from the library because it was the only Miyazaki art book I could find without spending money to check out the content. The ones I really want are my favorite Ghiblis: The Art of Spirited Away and The Art of Howl's Moving Castle. If they're anything like this book, I'm definitely moving them up my wishlist.
I enjoyed Nausicaa (and have the DVD), but it's not one I've rewatched frequently. After paging through this art book, I definitely want to watch it again. It's beautifully animated, the watercolors are lovely to look at, and it's interesting to hear the story progression - particularly its early ideas, and how it changed over time.
But the highlight of this book is definitely Miyazaki's hilarious commentary. The editor just set him loose to say whatever he wanted about his art, and every comment is golden. There's a lot of complaining about deadlines and marketing requirements that went against his artistic sensibilities. A few great "I don't even remember drawing this" moments. And some excellent commentary on the treatment of female characters.
Definitely worth reading if Nausicaa is one of your favorites, or even if you just enjoy Miyazaki's work in general. I hope the comments for the other art books are this great, but even so, it'll probably be worth it just to look at the gorgeous art.
I enjoyed Nausicaa (and have the DVD), but it's not one I've rewatched frequently. After paging through this art book, I definitely want to watch it again. It's beautifully animated, the watercolors are lovely to look at, and it's interesting to hear the story progression - particularly its early ideas, and how it changed over time.
But the highlight of this book is definitely Miyazaki's hilarious commentary. The editor just set him loose to say whatever he wanted about his art, and every comment is golden. There's a lot of complaining about deadlines and marketing requirements that went against his artistic sensibilities. A few great "I don't even remember drawing this" moments. And some excellent commentary on the treatment of female characters.
Definitely worth reading if Nausicaa is one of your favorites, or even if you just enjoy Miyazaki's work in general. I hope the comments for the other art books are this great, but even so, it'll probably be worth it just to look at the gorgeous art.
August 23, 2023
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
A beautiful collection of artwork from the manga, film, and conception of Nausicaa. It showcases various elements that inspired the story and its evolution along with comments from Miyazaki. These often describe the context or struggles in creating the piece. Some of them were quite relatable and slightly humorous as Miyazaki is never fully satisfied with his work despite creating such breathtaking pieces.
There is also an interview with Miyazaki in which he discusses the progression and how different elements were incorporated while others fell away. I found this section especially interesting, seeing how he pulled in elements of historical periods and sci-fi. There was one section of the interview that appears to be missing (at least in the edition that I read) between pages 151 and 152. Still an interested read. I especially enjoyed seeing the evolution of Nausicaa's character design.
A gorgeous collection that provides an interesting glimpse into the behind the scenes work. Great for fans of Miyazaki's films.
A beautiful collection of artwork from the manga, film, and conception of Nausicaa. It showcases various elements that inspired the story and its evolution along with comments from Miyazaki. These often describe the context or struggles in creating the piece. Some of them were quite relatable and slightly humorous as Miyazaki is never fully satisfied with his work despite creating such breathtaking pieces.
There is also an interview with Miyazaki in which he discusses the progression and how different elements were incorporated while others fell away. I found this section especially interesting, seeing how he pulled in elements of historical periods and sci-fi. There was one section of the interview that appears to be missing (at least in the edition that I read) between pages 151 and 152. Still an interested read. I especially enjoyed seeing the evolution of Nausicaa's character design.
A gorgeous collection that provides an interesting glimpse into the behind the scenes work. Great for fans of Miyazaki's films.
January 28, 2022
Phong cách gợi nhắc đến truyện phiêu lưu thám hiểm của Tamura sensei (liên tưởng hơi nhẹ đến bộ 7 Seeds).
Nội dung có chút tương đồng với "Công chúa sói", là cuộc chiến giữa thiên nhiên và con người. Tuy nhiên, cách triển khai và cái kết thì khác hẳn (hiển nhiên, 2 truyện khác nhau mà).
Cách mạng công nghiệp, ô nhiễm môi trường trầm trọng. 1000 năm sau đó, con người vẫn phải hàng ngày đối mặt với hậu quả do chính mình tạo ra, sống chung với Biển Thối Rữa và côn trùng.
Xung đột, chiến tranh, phá hủy, đổ nát... Nausicaa xuất hiện như một người hùng - theo lời sấm truyền xa xưa, về một đấng anh hùng trong bộ váy xanh, bước trên cánh đồng hoa vàng ruộm - cô hiện thân là đứa con của gió.
Sau cùng, Ohmu đã chấp nhận con người, con gió trở lại, và mọi người đã được sống trong môi trường sạch trong, an lành.
P.S: Trong 4 loại năng lượng Nước, Lửa, Gió, Đất, mình thích Gió nhất, nên xem cũng thấy hơi bị thích 🤠
Nội dung có chút tương đồng với "Công chúa sói", là cuộc chiến giữa thiên nhiên và con người. Tuy nhiên, cách triển khai và cái kết thì khác hẳn (hiển nhiên, 2 truyện khác nhau mà).
Cách mạng công nghiệp, ô nhiễm môi trường trầm trọng. 1000 năm sau đó, con người vẫn phải hàng ngày đối mặt với hậu quả do chính mình tạo ra, sống chung với Biển Thối Rữa và côn trùng.
Xung đột, chiến tranh, phá hủy, đổ nát... Nausicaa xuất hiện như một người hùng - theo lời sấm truyền xa xưa, về một đấng anh hùng trong bộ váy xanh, bước trên cánh đồng hoa vàng ruộm - cô hiện thân là đứa con của gió.
Sau cùng, Ohmu đã chấp nhận con người, con gió trở lại, và mọi người đã được sống trong môi trường sạch trong, an lành.
P.S: Trong 4 loại năng lượng Nước, Lửa, Gió, Đất, mình thích Gió nhất, nên xem cũng thấy hơi bị thích 🤠
September 19, 2019
Great presentation of Nausicaä sketches prior to the current 'Art of' book coming out.
I bought all the VIZ 'Art of' books for Miyazaki-san's works a few years ago, but Nausicaä was not among them... yet (it was just released earlier this year, 2019). In its place was this beautiful collection of watercolor impressions which was larger than the other art of books and came out in 2007. It has a lovely white slip cover; within is a collection that largely covers the art for the manga version of Nausicaä which is very interesting compared to the final anime. It's also heavier stock of paper than the glossier art of books. There's a lot of VIZ Nausicaä material with this, the manga, the art of, and the picture book.. I've got the Viz manga hardcovers but haven't read them yet. :-) Highly recommended for the Miya-san collector and completist. (j4.)
I bought all the VIZ 'Art of' books for Miyazaki-san's works a few years ago, but Nausicaä was not among them... yet (it was just released earlier this year, 2019). In its place was this beautiful collection of watercolor impressions which was larger than the other art of books and came out in 2007. It has a lovely white slip cover; within is a collection that largely covers the art for the manga version of Nausicaä which is very interesting compared to the final anime. It's also heavier stock of paper than the glossier art of books. There's a lot of VIZ Nausicaä material with this, the manga, the art of, and the picture book.. I've got the Viz manga hardcovers but haven't read them yet. :-) Highly recommended for the Miya-san collector and completist. (j4.)
December 29, 2023
Absolutely fascinating!
It was incredible to follow Miyazaki's path in creating probably my favourite movie in the whole world.
My favourite part of the book was definitely Miyazaki's comments on his own artwork. Some of the best include: "This has nothing to do with the story and was very hard to draw" and "I don't even remember this one" and "I was forced to draw this one as well" 😆 You can clearly see he has a snarky personality and doesn't like to do things simply for promotion. If something doesn't interest him, it seems like he finds it very hard to do it (which we can all relate to). I heard stories of how Ghibli staff had to chase him to finish his films because he was procrastinating on drawing the last act.
Overall, a great addition to the Ghibli library.
It was incredible to follow Miyazaki's path in creating probably my favourite movie in the whole world.
My favourite part of the book was definitely Miyazaki's comments on his own artwork. Some of the best include: "This has nothing to do with the story and was very hard to draw" and "I don't even remember this one" and "I was forced to draw this one as well" 😆 You can clearly see he has a snarky personality and doesn't like to do things simply for promotion. If something doesn't interest him, it seems like he finds it very hard to do it (which we can all relate to). I heard stories of how Ghibli staff had to chase him to finish his films because he was procrastinating on drawing the last act.
Overall, a great addition to the Ghibli library.
November 14, 2022
A beautiful collection of drawings by Miyazaki tracing, since its early days, the development of what would become the Nausicaä manga and anime.
The images are often accompanied by Miyazaki's comically grumpy comments.
While Nausicaä is the main concern, it's interesting to note that the chaos of ideas in its early development stages would sprout seeds that would later inform some of his other works, mainly Mononoke Hime. As Miyazaki notes in an interview halfway through the book, "The creation of a single world comes from a huge number of fragments and chaos."
The images are often accompanied by Miyazaki's comically grumpy comments.
While Nausicaä is the main concern, it's interesting to note that the chaos of ideas in its early development stages would sprout seeds that would later inform some of his other works, mainly Mononoke Hime. As Miyazaki notes in an interview halfway through the book, "The creation of a single world comes from a huge number of fragments and chaos."
June 7, 2018
I bought this book because I really liked the illustrations, and I still do. The commentary ruined this book, every word written was “yeah I don’t remember doing this” “don’t know why I did this” “This drawing is bad” “I hated this”.
Like what was the point of the author being involved? They could have just put the pictures together and it would have been a much better book. I have no respect for the author after this, what a moody, petty person.
Like what was the point of the author being involved? They could have just put the pictures together and it would have been a much better book. I have no respect for the author after this, what a moody, petty person.
June 24, 2018
Whether you are a fan of Hayao Miyazaki, Nausicaä, anime, or art in general, there is something in this book for you. The paper cover hides images of Nausicaä from Animage magazine (where the manga was originally published) on the hard cover of the book.
Inside are sections on art for the manga and the movie, an interview with Miyazaki that spans work from Nausicaä to Princess Mononoke and origins of many of his ideas and characters, and finally other miscellaneous origin drawings as well.
Inside are sections on art for the manga and the movie, an interview with Miyazaki that spans work from Nausicaä to Princess Mononoke and origins of many of his ideas and characters, and finally other miscellaneous origin drawings as well.
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June 16, 2019Randomly found this at the library so I grabbed it :^)
Miyazaki's commentary is honestly so funny half of it is like 'my editor forced me to draw this and I didn't want to but here it is I guess'
I'm in love w the environment dev sketches in the film concept portion. How does a thumbnail sketch look so atmospheric. I love his work so much.
(no rating cause it's an artbook - what am i supposed to rate? the commentary? the art?)
Miyazaki's commentary is honestly so funny half of it is like 'my editor forced me to draw this and I didn't want to but here it is I guess'
I'm in love w the environment dev sketches in the film concept portion. How does a thumbnail sketch look so atmospheric. I love his work so much.
(no rating cause it's an artbook - what am i supposed to rate? the commentary? the art?)
October 17, 2019
Things I learned from this book:
Miyazaki hates drawing covers. Miyazaki hates drawing images unconnected to the story. Miyazaki doesn't remember drawing most of the promotional images for Nausicaa.
Nausicaa started life as a stew of ideas for an adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, a Muromachi period piece, and an adaptation of...Richard Corben's Rowlf? (among other things).
Miyazaki hates drawing covers. Miyazaki hates drawing images unconnected to the story. Miyazaki doesn't remember drawing most of the promotional images for Nausicaa.
Nausicaa started life as a stew of ideas for an adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, a Muromachi period piece, and an adaptation of...Richard Corben's Rowlf? (among other things).
May 16, 2024
Aesthetically, I love the world Miyazaki created for Nausicaa the most out of anything he's ever done.
It's so pure, simplistic in a way but very complex all at the same time. There's an art book for the movie but this specific book scratches the extra itch of it featuring his gorgeous watercolor work from the manga AND the movie, combined with a lot of extra stuff from promotional material and paths not taken. It's everything.
It's so pure, simplistic in a way but very complex all at the same time. There's an art book for the movie but this specific book scratches the extra itch of it featuring his gorgeous watercolor work from the manga AND the movie, combined with a lot of extra stuff from promotional material and paths not taken. It's everything.
May 6, 2025
originally I got this just to luxuriate in the watercolors of one of my favorite movies, and that was wonderful, but a truly underrated surprise (well, not so much in retrospect) was translating all of miyazaki's commentary to see that he well and truly has been a tortured, frustrated artist from the very beginning
pages and pages of apology notes and illustrations he made for readers every time the nausicaa manga had to go on hiatus. incredible. and honest
pages and pages of apology notes and illustrations he made for readers every time the nausicaa manga had to go on hiatus. incredible. and honest
January 2, 2018
The art is amazing, of course, but what's possibly even better is Hayao Miyazaki's incredibly blasé commentary on his own work. Most notes were along the lines of "I don't remember drawing this" or "I didn't want to draw this but my editor literally wouldn't go home unless I did", and it made for a surprisingly amusing read. Bless you, sir!
December 30, 2025
Holy shit this is gold. The way this is compiled and organized with original commentary from Miyazaki himself along with so many amazing early sketches that I’ve never seen before is like actual crack to me. Wild to imagine all the amazing films we could have had if he followed somewhat different creative lines of thought.
October 27, 2019
A stunning book, crammed with wonderful art by Miyazaki. This book makes for a fascinating study of the evolution of the film of Nausicaa, as Miyazaki's ideas change for characters, story and setting. Essential reading if you're fan of Miyazaki, or just the film itself.
March 18, 2023
I wasn't too interested in the poster sections, but then I got to the Miyazaki notebook at the end, with concept art for unrealized Ghibli works, and the progression of rough concepts up into a recognizable Nausicaa story- that's the WOW.
coffee-table-books
July 14, 2023bit funny and sad at the same time that miyazaki was largely disappointed by his work here and hated drawing most of it. there was prob only one painting here that he liked.
still, really appreciated the insights on character design and intention!
still, really appreciated the insights on character design and intention!
January 2, 2025
Ok, I’m finally ready to read the comic. I’ve read the picture book, listened to a soundtrack, and read this book. I especially liked him complaining about hating some drawing or mentioning that he liked having birds as mounts because there are fewer legs to draw.
July 15, 2018
A charming aproach to Miyazaki's beloved classic.
August 7, 2019
Truly beautiful and one of my favourite films! 💚
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