Anyone knows that Studio Ghibli would not be a huge success if not for the genius that is Hayao Miyazaki. Although he is not the sole founder of Studio Ghibli, which is considered as the "Disney of Asia," no one can deny his revolutionary work in the field of animation that contributed to its success.
Early Life
Hayao Miyazaki was born on January 5, 1941, in Tokyo, Japan. His father, Katsuji Miyazaki was an aeronautical engineer and Hayao was the second of the four children.
At an early age, Miyazaki was already showing interest in animation by reading the Japanese comic called, Manga and even had dreams of producing the same kind of work someday. He went to Toyotama High School and during such time, he stumbled upon an animated movie called, The Tales of the White Serpent and was greatly inspired by the film. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science in Gakushin University in Tokyo back in 1963.
Career
On the same year, he joined the company Toei Animation Pvt, Ltd and became one of its animators. He was able to work on certain projects such as "Watchdog Bow Bow" and "Wolf Boy Ken." This is the same company that produced The Tales of the White Serpent.
Toei Animation Pvt, Ltd - This is the official site that can provide information about the company and a list of animated movies it was involved in since it was founded in 1948.
Miyazaki had the opportunity to contribute to the successful ending script of "Gulliver Travels to The Moon" that earned him praises from his coworkers in Toei. He worked as the chief animator for the next project called, "Hols: Prince of the Sun" followed by "Puss in Boots" the next year.
He moved on from Toei to a company called, "A Pro" and worked on animation movies such as Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
Animal Treasure Island - This article provides information regarding one of Miyazaki's classic works after Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
Lupin III – Miyazaki directed this anime manga series back in 1971. This provides information about the series, its storylines and synopsis, FAQ, and other information.
The rest of the 70's, Miyazaki worked on other projects such as "Heidi, Girl of the Alps," "Future Boy Conan," and "Anne of Green Gables." Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was released in 1984 and was given recognition and was wildly accepted by the audience due to its theme that includes feminism.
Nerdist – The article explains the story, its theme, as well as how Miyazaki used his magic to produce such great film.
The success of the film was the start of Miyazaki's hold to fame and the rise of Studio Ghibli.
Studio Ghibli
A brief History of Studio Ghibli – This article provides a brief explanation of how Hayao Miyazaki and friends founded Studio Ghibli as well as the movies that they were able to produce.
Other Studio Ghibli Founders:
All three are also notable for their works and contribution in the success of Studio Ghibli.
1980's
Studio Ghibli Wiki – this article explains the next work that was "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" directed by Miyazaki in 1986 and its plot and summary.
TV Tropes – This article has complete information regarding Miyazaki's work, "Kiki's Delivery Service."
The Guardian article – The Guardian featured an article about the adaptation of Kiki's Delivery service on stage for Christmas of 2016.
My Neighbor Totoro – Another great film by Miyazaki that was well accepted by his legion of growing followers. This site provides a review regarding the beautiful animated movie.
1990's
Porco Rosso is another film directed by Miyazaki released in 1992, about a pig that bravely fought during the state of war.
Animation Studies Online Journal - This article explains in detail the whole concept of the movie, the methodology, and the historical background of war and peace that was related or has been touched by the movie.
Princess Mononoke was an epic historical fantasy film that was released in 1997 and was directed by Miyazaki.
Mental Floss – This article published by Mental Floss provided some facts about Princess Mononoke as well as other information regarding the first animated film that was nominated for and actually won the Japanese Academy Awards' top prize.
2000's
Spirited Away – Is a 2001 film that boosted Miyazaki's fame due to its award for Best Animated Feature in Oscars and for being the first animated film to win the prestigious academy award. The article explained the film's plot, characters, themes, and other information regarding the movie.
New York Time's film review – The New York Times reviewed the film and explained why the film truly deserved the award.
Hayao Miyazaki had a brief hiatus in directing movies but came back to the scene in 2004 to take over and work on the project "Howl's Moving Castle" when Mamoru Hosuda, the original director of the fantasy film, passed away. The movie then became another Miyazaki's claim to fame. It was renowned and critically acclaimed as one of the best-animated film.
Awards for Howl's Moving Castle – This site provides a detailed synopsis, screenplay info, credits, and awards gained by the movie Howl's Moving Castle.
Another 3 years has passed until Miyazaki created yet another film that was well appreciated by people. "Gake no ue no Ponyo" was a full-featured film that was released in 2008 garnering a box office success worth $200 million.
The Japan Times – The website reported about the success of the film, review and a brief of its storyline.
Hayao Miyazaki then worked on the screenplay of "The Secret World of Arrietty," and as a screenwriter for the project, "From Up on Poppy Hill." In 2013, another film was released and it was called, "The Wind Rises." The movie touched events and issues that happened during the World War II. The movie was his last directorial project.
The Oscars – The Oscars provided rich and detailed information regarding all the awards and recognition of the genius that is Hayao Miyazaki. He has a long list of awards apart from the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement award at the Venice International Film Festival.
Deseret News – the site reported about Miyazaki getting a lifetime Achievement Oscar for all of his contribution in the world of animation.
Hayao Miyazaki's Personal life
Hayao Miyazaki married his wife, Akemi Ota who happens to be another animator. The two became parents to two boys. One of his sons named, Goro, also followed his footseps and ventured into directing animated movies and directed the film, "Tales from Earthsea" in 2006. The movie swept the Japanese box office and earned millions.
Anime News Network – This site has any information you need about Hayao Miyazaki, how works, as well as his son's work. The article provides detailed information regarding Goro Miyazaki's works, awards, and other press releases.
Regarding being a successor to his legendary father – This article illustrates some of this issue Studio Ghibli had to face, as well as Goro Miyazaki's struggles in being a successor of Japan's legendary and most respected animator.
The Studio Ghibli Museum
The house where Miyazaki grew up in has now been turned into a museum to inspire people through his masterpieces.
http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/ - this is the official website of the museum that contains all information regarding exhibition of Hayao Miyazaki's work. You can find all information regarding news, admission tickets, schedules, and how you can contact the museum. True Miyazaki fans would never let the opportunity to drop by the museum when in Japan.
Hayao Miyazaki's Controversies
This list of links provides a rich source of information regarding Hayao Miyazaki's controversies.
Other sources for Studio Ghibli news and updates
Other useful Information
Celebrity Net Worth – This is a site reports the net worth of celebrities and famous people. They have a record of Miyazaki's net worth.
Hayao Miyazaki Trivia – When you think you know everything about Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, this trivia might teach you another thing or two.
Hayao Miyazaki's Timeline – Studio Ghibli provides us the detailed timeline of Hayao Miyazaki's life, career, and everything in-between.
30 Memorable Hayao Miyazaki Quotes – If you ever need inspiration, read some of Hayao Miyazaki's famous quotes to keep you going.
Although he personally disliked being dubbed as the "Walt Disney of Japan," Miyazaki's legacy will continue through his movies.