The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki is a journey through the stories, ideas and inspirations behind the films of one of cinema’s most influential visionaries. From My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away to Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and Ponyo, Miyazaki’s work has captivated audiences around the world with its emotion, artistry and unforgettable characters.
Miyazaki is often cited as the godfather of animation. As the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, he is the creative force behind some of the most beloved animated films of all time. Spirited Away remains the highest-grossing film in Japanese cinema history. It famously won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
This book explores the rich mix of cultural, historical and artistic influences that shaped his storytelling. From
Japanese folklore and childhood memories to European architecture. Classic cinema and political commentary. It reveals how Miyazaki’s deeply personal vision created layered worlds that feel both fantastical and grounded in truth.
With insight into his process, visual language and recurring themes – including nature, flight, girlhood, resistance and renewal – The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki offers fans and film lovers a deeper understanding of the imagination behind the magic. It is a celebration of creative freedom. Storytelling without limits. The enduring power of animation.
Nicolas Rapold is a writer and editor. Working as editor-in-chief of Film Comment (both web and print) at Film at Lincoln Center, he hosted the Film Comment Podcast, curated Film Comment Selects. Rapold has been a member of the magazine’s editorial team since 2005. He currently hosts the podcast The Last Thing I Saw. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Artforum, the Criterion Collection Daily, and Sight & Sound.