Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki was born in Japan in 1941. He is one of the greatest animators in the world. He helped start Studio Ghibli, which makes animated movies loved by kids everywhere. His films often have flying machines, magical creatures, and brave girls.

Starting Out

As a boy, Hayao loved to draw planes because his father made airplane parts. He also loved reading comic books called manga. He went to college to study economics. After college, he got a job drawing for an animation company and never stopped.

Hayao Miyazaki as a young child with his mother.
Hayao Miyazaki as a young child with his mother. (Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons)

Magical Movies

Miyazaki started Studio Ghibli in 1985. He made My Neighbor Totoro, about two sisters and a big fluffy forest creature. He also made Spirited Away, which tells the story of a girl stuck in a magical world. Spirited Away won the Oscar for Best Animated Film in 2003.

Fun Facts

  • He draws many of his movie scenes by hand, not on computers.
  • His son Goro is also an animator and movie director.
  • He has retired many times but always keeps making new movies.

Did You Know?

Miyazaki's lovable creature Totoro became the official symbol of Studio Ghibli.