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- GenresManga
Comic
First published April 10, 1984
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About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
367 books3,513 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 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 3, 2025
Another great one. Thousands of years in the future after most of civilization has been thoroughly destroyed by giant weapons (they literally look like giants) unleashed by and on humanity (the opening sequence of ancient history shown on a tapestry is brilliant), vast regions of the earth have become overgrown with fungi that release dangerous spores (called the “ocean of decay”) and infested by giant insects, both of which appear to pose a danger to the lives of the pockets of civilization that remain. In the Valley of the Wind, one settlement has learned to adapt. They are led by a young woman, Nausicaä, who is also a botanist and understands that the plants are slowly filtering the pollution caused by the horrible war.
A group of warlike and paranoid humans, the leader of whom just happens to have a Russian-sounding name, suddenly appear with huge planes, tanks and guns, with a different idea to get rid of the “ocean of decay.” Word leaks of their plan to rebuild the giant weapons what were thought to be defunct.
What happens next would be too much of a spoiler, but there is a lot of action and tension that builds right up to the end of this story.
A story well told by Mr. Miyazaki and beautifully illustrated by the team of artists at what was to become Ghibli Studios.
Once again, reading the book helped fill in some gaps in my understanding of the story, and the pictures, although stills rather than animated, are still enjoyable.
A group of warlike and paranoid humans, the leader of whom just happens to have a Russian-sounding name, suddenly appear with huge planes, tanks and guns, with a different idea to get rid of the “ocean of decay.” Word leaks of their plan to rebuild the giant weapons what were thought to be defunct.
What happens next would be too much of a spoiler, but there is a lot of action and tension that builds right up to the end of this story.
A story well told by Mr. Miyazaki and beautifully illustrated by the team of artists at what was to become Ghibli Studios.
Once again, reading the book helped fill in some gaps in my understanding of the story, and the pictures, although stills rather than animated, are still enjoyable.
January 14, 2019
::Nausicaä of The Valley of The Wind's Characters::
Nausicaä
Nausicaä is the beloved Princess of the Valley of the Wind. She is 16 years old, but her wisdom is far beyond her young age. She has dedicated herself to help her people, including trying to find a cure for the Fukai poison that so many suffers from. She is brave, courageous, intelligent, loyal, honest, and everything that one looks for in a true heroine. She stands tall against all adversaries and is willing to sacrifice her life in order to save those around her.
Nausicaä and her people moved to the Valley of the Wind when she was very young. It is uncertain when her Mother died, but it was probably after the family moved to the Valley. She loves her Father, King Jiru, very much and spends a great deal of time in the Fukais researching the plants in hopes of curing him and others like him of Fukai poison. Sadly though, her Father was killed when the Tolumekians attacked the Valley.
Nausicaä is an experienced jet-powered glider pilot and has a talent dealing with animals. She shows great compassion for animals and Fukai creatures alike and is somehow able to establish a connection with them. She is also very intelligent and spends a great deal of time researching Fukai plants. When she and Asbel fell deep to the bottom of the Fukais, she discovers the secret of Fukais and it is that they are actually cleansing the Earth of all the harmful chemicals that the mankind has injected into our world.
Nausicaä was killed trying to save people from an attack by the Omhus. She stood before the rush of angry creatures, sacrificing her life and so her people were saved. The Omhus, however, revived Nausicaä and she was brought back to life.
It is believed that Nausicaä is actually the saviour ancient legends have said will come to replenish all that has been lost and bring all mankind to a peaceful green field. Without doubt, Nausicaä has the every potential to complete this task.
***
Yupa
Yupa is from the Valley of the Wind and is an old friend of Nausicaä's father, King Jiru. He is also Nausicaä's mentor, but left the Valley when she was 14 in order to research the Fukais. His goal has been to solve the mysteries of the Fukais, in hopes of preventing them from spreading and eliminating the existence of mankind. Yupa is a well respected person in the Valley, and his return to the Valley after a year and half of wandering was welcomed by all. During his time away, he visited many villages there were destroyed the Fuakis, and sadly reported that wars and famine now exist in too many places of Earth. Yupa is a skilled sword/knivesman, and saved the Pejite people from being killed by the Tolumekians.
Nausicaä
Nausicaä is the beloved Princess of the Valley of the Wind. She is 16 years old, but her wisdom is far beyond her young age. She has dedicated herself to help her people, including trying to find a cure for the Fukai poison that so many suffers from. She is brave, courageous, intelligent, loyal, honest, and everything that one looks for in a true heroine. She stands tall against all adversaries and is willing to sacrifice her life in order to save those around her.
Nausicaä and her people moved to the Valley of the Wind when she was very young. It is uncertain when her Mother died, but it was probably after the family moved to the Valley. She loves her Father, King Jiru, very much and spends a great deal of time in the Fukais researching the plants in hopes of curing him and others like him of Fukai poison. Sadly though, her Father was killed when the Tolumekians attacked the Valley.
Nausicaä is an experienced jet-powered glider pilot and has a talent dealing with animals. She shows great compassion for animals and Fukai creatures alike and is somehow able to establish a connection with them. She is also very intelligent and spends a great deal of time researching Fukai plants. When she and Asbel fell deep to the bottom of the Fukais, she discovers the secret of Fukais and it is that they are actually cleansing the Earth of all the harmful chemicals that the mankind has injected into our world.
Nausicaä was killed trying to save people from an attack by the Omhus. She stood before the rush of angry creatures, sacrificing her life and so her people were saved. The Omhus, however, revived Nausicaä and she was brought back to life.
It is believed that Nausicaä is actually the saviour ancient legends have said will come to replenish all that has been lost and bring all mankind to a peaceful green field. Without doubt, Nausicaä has the every potential to complete this task.
***
Yupa
Yupa is from the Valley of the Wind and is an old friend of Nausicaä's father, King Jiru. He is also Nausicaä's mentor, but left the Valley when she was 14 in order to research the Fukais. His goal has been to solve the mysteries of the Fukais, in hopes of preventing them from spreading and eliminating the existence of mankind. Yupa is a well respected person in the Valley, and his return to the Valley after a year and half of wandering was welcomed by all. During his time away, he visited many villages there were destroyed the Fuakis, and sadly reported that wars and famine now exist in too many places of Earth. Yupa is a skilled sword/knivesman, and saved the Pejite people from being killed by the Tolumekians.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews