Planning For Life After Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli Sells Controlling Stake To Nippon TV
Nippon executives will take over Ghibli’s business in October, although the studio will maintain complete creative independence.
Japan
Know Your Indie Filmmaker: Yoko Yuki
Yuki’s body of work work is a beautifully unhinged, mind-drenching, kaleidoscopic explosion of colors, figures, memories, and voices.
Studio Ghibli VP Says ‘The Boy And The Heron’ Won’t Be Miyazaki’s Final Film
According to Ghibli VP Junichi Nishioka, the director is still at the studio every day working on ideas for his next film.
‘The Boy and the Heron Crosses’ 5 Billion Yen Milestone In Japan, But Trails Other Miyazaki films
After four weeks, ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is tracking slightly behind Miyazaki’s last film, ‘The Wind Rises.’
‘Suzume’ Director Makoto Shinkai Praises Pixar’s ‘Elemental,’ Which Opened In Japan Last Weekend
Pixar’s latest film continues to find admirers around the globe.
Ippei Kuri, Co-Founder And Former President Of ‘Speed Racer,’ ‘Robotech,’ ‘Gatchaman’ Studio Tatsunoko Production, Dies At 83
Kuri was an accomplished manga artist, producer, character designer, animator, and director several iconic anime series.
Box Office Report: Miyazaki’s Big Opening Weekend, ‘Elemental’s Impressive Legs, And Two Chinese Hits
This year’s box office has proved unpredictable, but animation is flourishing in the world’s biggest markets.
Kyoto Animation Will Construct Two Memorials For Victims Of 2019 Arson Attack
The company plans to build a public memorial at its Kyoto headquarters and a private one in the suburb where the attack took place.
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Passes ‘Minions’ As Illumination’s Top Grossing Film Of All-Time
Makoto Shinkai’s ‘Suzume’ and Takehiko Inoue’s ‘The First Slam Dunk’ both passed major milestones over the weekend as well.
Canada’s Nelvana And Japan’s Polygon Pictures Sign Development Deal For Kids’ Content
The companies will work together to bring IPs like ‘Bakugan,’ ‘Beyblade,’ and ‘Cardcaptor Sakura’ to a wider global audience.
Sega Agrees To Buy ‘Angry Birds’ Developer Rovio Entertainment For $706M
According to Sega, acquiring Rovio will accelerate the development of mobile-compatible and multi-platform versions of its IPs.
Studio Ghibli Replaces Longtime President Koji Hoshino With Co-Founder Toshio Suzuki
The executive change comes amid a recent swirl of Japanese media allegations regarding Suzuki.
Know Your Indie Filmmaker: Kōji Yamamura
Yamamura’s films are a bit like chameleons. Each looks different from the previous one, yet there can be no doubt that the films are his.
‘Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman’ Tops First Niigata International Animation Film Festival
Other honors went to ‘Khamsa – The Well of Oblivion,’ ‘Thee Wreckers Tetralogy,’ and ‘Vampire in the Garden: The Movie.’
Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Ups Its Stake In ‘One Piece,’ ‘Dragon Ball’ Producer Toei Company
The increased investment comes just weeks after Toei published an ambitious 10-year financial plan.
Leiji Matsumoto, Legendary Manga And Anime Creator, Dies At 85
Matsumoto created numerous iconic anime titles including ‘Space Battleship Yamato,’ ‘Galaxy Express 999,’ and ‘Space Pirate Captain Harlock.’
Osamu Tezuka, Toei Company President And CEO, Dies At 62
Toei managing director and chairman Noriyuki Tada is taking over as president following Tezuka’s passing.
The Humble Beginning Of Japan’s Powerhouse Animation Industry (Video Essay)
Youtuber Wookong has put together a detailed account of the evolution of animation production in Japan in the mid-20th century.
Netflix Faces Backlash After Using AI Software To Create Backgrounds For An Animated Short
Artists quickly dismissed the company’s claim of animation labor shortages and questioned the ethics of image-generating software.
Inaugural Niigata International Animation Festival Unveils Its Competition Lineup
Niigata’s competition lineup features 10 titles with producers from 12 countries. Japanese animation legend Mamoru Oshii is the jury president of the first edition.
