Studio Ghibli's recent successes, including the famous film “The Boy and The Heron,” have taken the studio to new heights, with major awards and box office success. However, Hayao Miyazaki, the famous creator behind Studio Ghibli, believes that the golden age of Japanese animation may be coming to an end.
Accepting the Cannes Film Festival award alongside his son, Goro Miyazaki, Hayao expressed mixed feelings about the honor. While he was grateful for the recognition, he also considered it the pinnacle of his career, alluding to the feeling of finishing last despite considering future projects with Studio Ghibli.
Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki thinks the golden age of anime is over
Goro Miyazaki shared his father's feelings with 20 Minutes, saying that Hayao felt the golden age of anime had come to an end, with the award symbolizing the end of his own journey in the industry. This revelation has sparked discussions among fans and industry insiders alike, causing people to ponder the future of anime.
Indeed, the anime industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, fueled by increasing global demand for television series and feature films. However, Miyazaki's observations raise the possibility that this period of expansion may be unsustainable, like a “bubble” that could eventually burst.
There have been reports of studios and artists facing harsh working conditions to meet the growing demand for anime content. The rapid pace of production coupled with rising expectations has put stress on the industry, leading to concerns about its long-term viability.
As anime continues to evolve and adapt to changing trends, Miyazaki's comments serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the genre. While the current era may be characterized by unprecedented growth and innovation, it remains to be seen whether it can be sustained in the coming years.