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Hayao Miyazaki

Started as an entry-level animator at Toei; co-founded Studio Ghibli at 44.

Hayao Miyazaki was born in 1941 in Tokyo, Japan. Hayao Miyazaki's background is described as Japanese. Growing up, the family was affluent — his father directed Miyazaki Airplane, a wartime aircraft-parts manufacturer. Started as an entry-level animator at Toei; co-founded Studio Ghibli at 44.

Born
1941 · Tokyo, Japan
Roots
Japanese
Family
Affluent
His father directed Miyazaki Airplane, a wartime aircraft-parts manufacturer.
Education
Gakushuin University (political science and economics)
Started with
Animator's salary
Joined Toei Animation in 1963 at the bottom of the ladder.
Affiliations & societies
None documented.
Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.

The pathway

  1. 1963 · age 22
    Joins Toei Animation

    In-between artist; becomes active in the studio's labor union.

  2. 1979 · age 38
    First feature

    The Castle of Cagliostro.

  3. 1984 · age 43
    Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

    Its success funds a new studio.

  4. 1985 · age 44
    Co-founds Studio Ghibli

    With Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki.

  5. 1997 · age 56
    Princess Mononoke

    Briefly Japan's highest-grossing film ever.

  6. 2001 · age 60
    Spirited Away

    Wins the Academy Award; holds Japan's box-office record for two decades.

  7. 2024 · age 83
    Second Academy Award

    For The Boy and the Heron, after repeatedly announcing retirement.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hayao Miyazaki from?

Hayao Miyazaki was born in 1941 in Tokyo, Japan. Their background is described as Japanese.

When was Hayao Miyazaki born?

Hayao Miyazaki was born in 1941, in Tokyo, Japan.

What is Hayao Miyazaki's background or ethnicity?

Hayao Miyazaki's roots are described as Japanese. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.

Where did Hayao Miyazaki go to school?

Hayao Miyazaki's education: Gakushuin University (political science and economics).

What was Hayao Miyazaki's family background growing up?

At birth the family was affluent. His father directed Miyazaki Airplane, a wartime aircraft-parts manufacturer.

How did Hayao Miyazaki get started?

Hayao Miyazaki started with animator's salary. Joined Toei Animation in 1963 at the bottom of the ladder.

More in Entertainment

Sources

Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.