Breaking News: Studio Ghibli's Future Revealed! Astonishing Twist in Search for Hayao Miyazaki's Successors

Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation company known for timeless classics like "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away," has been acquired by Nippon TV. The acquisition comes after the studio struggled to find a successor for its esteemed co-founder and director, Hayao Miyazaki. Both companies' board of directors convened on Thursday and unanimously agreed to the deal, which establishes Studio Ghibli as a subsidiary of Nippon TV. The specific financial details of the acquisition have not been made public.

"With director Hayao Miyazaki currently 82 years old and producer Toshio Suzuki at age 75, Studio Ghibli has been facing difficulties regarding the search for their successors," the statement mentioned.

Nippon TV aims to "permanently safeguard the renowned craftsmanship and brand values of Studio Ghibli," while also "ensuring that Studio Ghibli retains its creative freedom" in order to prioritize its commitment to filmmaking.

It was mentioned that the eldest son of Miyazaki, who is also an animation film director, has been consistently proposed as a potential successor to his father. However, he has rejected the idea, stating that it would be challenging for him to assume control of Ghibli alone and that it would be preferable to entrust the future of Ghibli to someone else.

Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept 21, 2023, after signing a deal with Nippon TV.

Kyodo/AP

The future of the studio has been uncertain for years, especially since Miyazaki announced his retirement in 2013. This prompted Suzuki, who is also a co-founder, to acknowledge the need for a transformation in the firm.

Miyazaki is widely recognized as one of the most talented animators in the world and has become an iconic figure in Japanese popular culture. His films have not only influenced the animation industry but have also received universal critical acclaim.

He made a comeback after retirement to direct his last movie, "The Boy and the Heron," which was released earlier this year. The production of the film spanned seven years, as mentioned by the companies in their joint statement. They express their heartfelt gratitude to the audience for their support and the encouraging reviews received to date.

Still, Studio Ghibli mentioned that finding a successor was a concern and they explored "numerous potential candidates." During this search, they engaged in talks with Nippon TV, and Suzuki, along with the Nippon TV CEO, spent "some time" discussing the matter at a hot spring resort last year. It was during these discussions that both parties agreed to establish a partnership.

Legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, renowned for his works including My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, which received the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.

The statement mentioned that Nippon TV and Studio Ghibli have had a longstanding collaboration. Nippon TV has been involved in broadcasting Ghibli films, investing in movie productions, and providing financial support for the Ghibli Museum. However, with the absence of renowned director Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli's future appears uncertain.

Nippon TV will now hold the majority stake in Ghibli, owning 42.3% of the voting rights, as per the new agreement.

Studio Ghibli, established in 1985, has gained recognition for its traditional hand-drawn animation approach, dedicated to the meticulous and time-consuming frame-by-frame techniques.

Every hit film from "The Wind Rises" (2013) to "Princess Mononoke" (1997) and "Howl's Moving Castle" (2004) showcases intricately designed characters, beautifully crafted settings, and a seamless sense of motion.

Leading the way in these endeavors, Miyazaki has created a multitude of films that blend fantastical elements with weightier themes such as environmentalism, feminism, and anti-war sentiment.

His 2001 epic "Spirited Away" brought him international fame, grossing a record-breaking $274 million worldwide and winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.