Studio Ghibli: A Journey of Innovation in Japanese Animation

O Studio Ghibli, an iconic Japanese animation studio based in Tokyo, has been making its mark on the industry since its founding in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki and Yasuyoshi Tokuma.

Buoyed by the success of “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” in 1984, the studio released its first film, “The Castle in the Sky,” in 1986. The studio's logo Studio Ghibli, represented by the adorable character Totoro from the film “My Friend Totoro” (1988), has become a recognized symbol of the brand.

The vision behind the founding of Studio Ghibli began in 1974 when Miyazaki and Takahata met during the production of the anime “Heidi”. Realizing the need for a medium with more flexible deadlines to create high-quality animations, the idea of a studio dedicated to meticulously designed films, with engaging plots , came to life.

This vision came to fruition with the release of “The Castle in the Sky”, which was not only a box office and critical success but also marked the beginning of an era for global animation.

Over the years the Studio Ghibli continued to innovate, releasing two films simultaneously, “Meu Amigo Totoro” and “Túmulo dos Vagalumes”, two years after the premiere of its first feature film. This audacious decision further consolidated the studio's reputation, proving that quality and efficient management were equally important.

The recognition and commercial success achieved with films such as “Kiki's Delivery Service” (1989), seen by around 2.64 million people, led to a necessary operational reform to deal with growing demand.

O Studio Ghibli is not just an animation studio, it is a driving force that has shaped the narrative of Japanese and global animation, setting a high standard for the industry. His legacy is made up not only of the films he produced, but of the inspiration he provided to generations of animation lovers around the world.

By teacher: Victor Soares.