Essential Japanese Anime Worth Watching for Every Viewer
In the vibrant realm of Japanese animation, several directors have left indelible marks, crafting captivating stories that have resonated with audiences worldwide. Two such luminaries are Hayao Miyazaki and Mamoru Oshii, each with their unique styles and thematic explorations.
Hayao Miyazaki, a renowned animator and one of the founders of Studio Ghibli, has created a diverse body of work that spans several decades. Apart from the popular films "Summer Wars" and "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time," directed by Mamoru Hosoda, Miyazaki's other well-known anime films include "Princess Mononoke" (1997), a historical fantasy set in the Muromachi period that delves into environmentalism and societal diversity. Another landmark film is "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" (1984), Miyazaki's first major work, which addresses the conflict between nature and humanity. Miyazaki has also contributed as director to episodes in the "Lupin III Part II" TV series under an alias and worked on the anime series "Sherlock Hound" (1984), a retelling of Sherlock Holmes with anthropomorphic dogs.
Mamoru Oshii, a separate director from Mamoru Hosoda, is known for his works in the science fiction genre. Oshii did not direct "Summer Wars" or "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time," but his more famous works include "Ghost in the Shell" (1995), a film that delves into philosophical depth and cyberpunk themes.
Other notable contributors to the Japanese animation industry include Katsuhiro Otomo, creator of "Akira," a manga and animated adaptation that revolutionized the genre worldwide. Yoshiaki Kawajiri, one of the founders of the influential Japanese animation studio Madhouse, directed "Ninja Scroll" (1993), a jidaigeki (Japanese historical adventure film) with fantasy elements.
Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the youngest director at Studio Ghibli when he debuted with "Arrietty of the Borrowers" in full-length feature film, has also made significant contributions. His subsequent films, "When Marnie Was There" (2014) and "From the Hill Where the Cherry Blossoms Bloom" (2011), have been well-received by both critics and audiences.
Meanwhile, "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" (2006) is a time-travel tale that explores themes of first love and growing up, while "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" delves into environmental catastrophe, war, and the search for ways to coexist with nature. "Akira" (1988), set in Neo-Tokyo, a city built on the ruins of the capital destroyed by a nuclear blast, became one of the first films to reshape the Western audience's perception of Japanese animation.
In "Ghost in the Shell," technology has advanced so much that almost every person has a neural implant, leading to a rise in cybercrime. "Porco Rosso" (1992), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a whimsical tale about a World War I fighter pilot turned bounty hunter who can transform into a pig.
Goro Miyazaki, son of Hayao Miyazaki, is also a Japanese artist and director, having directed "From the Hill Where the Cherry Blossoms Bloom." Mari Okada, a scriptwriter for manga, anime, and video games before venturing into her own directorial project, directed "Monster Child" (2015), a heartwarming story about an orphaned street boy and a bear-man who find a family in each other.
These films and their creators represent just a fraction of the rich tapestry of Japanese animation. Each work offers a unique perspective, exploring themes of love, war, nature, technology, and the human condition, making Japanese animation a truly captivating and diverse medium.
- Hayao Miyazaki, not to be confused with scriptwriter Mari Okada, is also involved in the realm of education and self-development, having contributed as a director to episodes in the "Lupin III Part II" TV series and worked on the anime series "Sherlock Hound", both providing opportunities for personal growth and learning in the world of animation.
- In the entertainment industry, Mamoru Oshii, known for his works in science fiction, has created pieces like "Ghost in the Shell," which delve into a lifestyle heavily influenced by technology and cyberpunk themes, sparking conversations about the impact of technology on societal norms and values.
