Isao Takahata

Isao Takahata was a Japanese film director, animator, screenwriter and producer who had a hand in some of the most successful and influential anime films ever made. He was born in Ujiyamada, Mie Prefecture, Japan on October 29, 1935. He studied French literature at the University of Tokyo, and began his career in animation in 1959, when he joined Toei Animation.

Takahata’s first major directing role was for the 1968 feature-length anime film, Hols: Prince of the Sun. The film was a critical and commercial success in Japan, and it established Takahata as an important figure in the world of anime. He went on to direct two more feature-length anime films, Puss in Boots (1969) and Grave of Fireflies (1988).

Takahata’s most famous work, however, is undoubtedly his long-running collaboration with Studio Ghibli. In 1985, Takahata co-founded the studio with Hayao Miyazaki, and the two filmmakers worked together to create some of the most beloved anime films of all time. Takahata’s contributions to the studio include directing the Oscar-nominated feature-length film Grave of Fireflies, as well as the cult classic Only Yesterday (1991). He also served as a producer on some of Miyazaki’s most beloved films, including My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989).

Takahata’s last film was The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. He was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun in 2013, in recognition of his contribution to the Japanese film industry.

Takahata passed away on April 5, 2018, at the age of 82. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking anime films that will continue to influence filmmakers for generations to come. His films are renowned for their stylish visuals and emotionally complex narratives, and he will forever be remembered as one of the most influential figures in anime history.