Animation Community Mourning Death Of Isao Takahata, Director And Studio Ghibli Co-Founder

By Amid Amidi | 04/05/2018 9:16 pm | Be the First to Comment!

The animation world is mourning the loss of one of its giants: Isao Takahata, an iconic animation director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli.

Takahata died at age 82 in a Tokyo hospital yesterday following an undisclosed illness, according to a report by Japanese public broadcaster NHK.

In an illustrious career that lasted over 55 years, Takahata wrote and directed the features Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Pom Poko, My Neighbors the Yamadas, and most recently, The Tale of Princess Kaguya. He also storyboarded and directed numerous tv series in the 1960s and ’70s, among them Lupin III, Anne of Green Gables, and Heidi, Girl of the Alps.

Takahata co-founded Studio Ghibli in 1985 with Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. He produced two of Hayao Miyazaki’s films – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Castle in the Sky – and also served as artistic producer on Michael Dudok de Wit’s The Red Turtle.

His wide impact on the animation world can be witnessed in the outpouring of tributes to him being posted by artists on Twitter. Here’s a look at what people are saying about Takahata’s legacy.

Really sad to hear about the passing of Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. “Grave of the Fireflies” is an amazing, emotional film. And “My Neighbors the Yamadas” is incredibly charming. It also had a big influence on Michael Arndt’s script for “Little Miss Sunshine.” pic.twitter.com/0dfXC3t2sL

— Lee Unkrich (@leeunkrich) April 5, 2018

bye bye takahata-sama😢 pic.twitter.com/6gQ53AjPTn

— 𝔊𝔢𝔬𝔯𝔤𝔦𝔢 𝔐𝔞𝔤𝔢𝔯 (@georgemager) April 5, 2018

Today we lost a giant in Isao Takahata; Among many things, catalyst in helping change the face of animation in Japan with his debut film, introducing us to a young talent who would later be a legend and the other half of founding Studio Ghibli. Rest easy Takahata-Sensei. ✨🙏🏾😢 pic.twitter.com/ts8u7cgxKz

— LeSean Thomas (@LeSeanThomas) April 6, 2018

Takahata's only yesterday has to be one of the best films ever made. Layers of intricate human moments flow through the narrative of personal understanding. A simple tale, both humble and bold. It strikes me every time I see it, and I feel moved to tears.

— John P (@Peavolov) April 5, 2018

Goodbye Mr. Takahata. Thank you for making films impacting us in ways that have made us better persons. Thank you for the cries and laughters. May you Rest In Peace.

— AYMRC (@AYMRC) April 6, 2018

Farewell Isao Takahata. You touched so many hearts with your whimsical & charming films. Only Yesterday is a firm favourite for my mum and I 💕 pic.twitter.com/0TnNprrNmh

— Domareen Fox (@DommiFox) April 5, 2018

Very sorry to hear about the death of this terrific director and delightful man. https://t.co/NwxjmkjDEV

— Peter Lord (@PeteLordAardman) April 5, 2018

I’ve been crying. What a loss to the world of animation…

— Dice Tsutsumi (@tonkohouse) April 5, 2018

isao takahata's depth and sensitivity will be remembered by humankind for eternity. thank you for everything isao. your films made me cry in guttural pure sobs, something no other filmmaker has ever done to me. pic.twitter.com/csUo0yjOd1

— Isaiah Saxon (@isaiah_saxon_) April 5, 2018

The creative career of Isao Takahata — a lot of art, sincere work, and off-quiet storytelling that no one else was doing. Grave of the Fireflies haunts me to this day…

— Kenard Pak (@kenardpak) April 5, 2018

True genius has left us…https://t.co/JpSFKPj2xQ

— Shannon Tindle (@ShannonTindle_1) April 5, 2018

The realism of Isao Takahata‘s work is so rare, especially for animation. My heart feels raw as soon as I see it onscreen. There’s really nothing like it. Thank you.

— katie mitroff (@katiemitroff) April 5, 2018

Muy triste noticia. Se va una de las almas de Studio Ghibli. https://t.co/vCfBySNCtj

— Enrique Gato (@enrique_gato) April 5, 2018

Sad news about Isao Takahata, his films were captivating, beautiful and touching. Only Yesterday and Princess Kaguya were favourites of mine ✨ pic.twitter.com/OhSxPaUAAI

— Louise Bagnall (@elbooga) April 5, 2018

No animated movie has made me cry more than this tender, gorgeous, profound, soulful and landmark film. A giant of our art form has left us. RIP maestro Isao Takahata pic.twitter.com/YRR6eJBmp4

— Jorge R. Gutierrez (@mexopolis) April 5, 2018

RIP Isao Takahata… You will live forever in our hearts through your absolutely beautiful work and legacy that you have generously left us. Thank you for all that you've done.https://t.co/HwKOfqjosd pic.twitter.com/4NfbiT0al4

— Marie Lum 林 (@PuccaNoodles) April 5, 2018

Isao Takahata has passed away… He was a true genius, always shadowed (in many senses) by Miyazaki, but I think he was a superior storyteller. And "The Tale of Princess Kaguya" is a masterpiece and a perfect farewell. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/UJ6p6anCZd

— Franz Xavier Manuel (@franzsteam) April 5, 2018

RIP Isao Takahata, one of the true great directors, animation or not.

— 赤毛のブライアン (@brianruh) April 5, 2018

Really sad to learn of Isao Takahata's passing, one of the truly great masters of visual story-telling, and making you cry out of pure, raw emotion.

— Julieta Colás (@jujujulieta) April 5, 2018

Greatly saddened to hear this news. His work is a huge inspiration- he made some of my favorite films and TV shows. Make some time to watch his cartoons, okay? https://t.co/GGAVoU3fdX

— ian jq (@ianjq) April 5, 2018

(Photo at top: Martin Holtkamp)