SANPO by Joe Hisaishi and the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking and the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra that was  launched in the summer of 2004 with the composer Joe Hisaishi as music director have delivered the "Sanpo" from "Orchestra Stories My Neighbor Totoro" album composed by Joe Hisaishi.

Contribute to the fundraising to support the operation of the New Japan Philharmonic (starting from 1000¥) HERE

Ponyo wa Kōshite Umareta (ポニョはこうして生まれた)

If the four-part documentary series about Hayao Miyazaki that NHK World Japan aired throughout 2019, left you hungry for more. You should take a look at Ponyo wa Kōshite Umareta. ~ Miyazaki Hayao no shikō katei ~ (ポニョはこうして生まれた。 ~宮崎駿の思考過程~) or what would translate as: Ponyo was born this way. ~ Hayao Miyazaki's thinking process ~. A twelve and a half hour long documentary by director Kaku Arakawa (荒川格) filmed during the three year period that went on making Miyazaki's film Gake no Ue no Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ), released in Japan in July 2008.

Sadly the Japanese edition doesn't have English subtitles, but some of the footage from the documentary was reused to make the NHK four part '10 years with Hayao Miyazaki' series, so if you have seen that, you can have a slight idea on what is going on. The documentary was released as a standalone multi disc release both in Blu-ray and DVD and it was also included in the special box sets of Gake no Ue no Ponyo, released in 2009.

Ponyo wa Kōshite Umareta. ~ Miyazaki Hayao no shikō katei ~ 

(ポニョはこうして生まれた。 ~宮崎駿の思考過程~) Blu-Ray

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2 DISC SET DETAILS

Publisher: Walt Disney Japan
Release date: 2009-XII-8
Format: NTSC | 2xBD50 | MPEG4 AVC | 16:9 | 1080p
Audio: Japanese Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: Japanese
Running time: 752 minutes
Retail Price: ￥11,880
Catalogue number: VWBS-1093

Ponyo wa Kōshite Umareta. ~ Miyazaki Hayao no shikō katei ~ 

(ポニョはこうして生まれた。 ~宮崎駿の思考過程~) DVD

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5 DISC SET DETAILS:
Publisher: Walt Disney Japan
Release date: 2009-XII-8
Format: NTSC | 5xDVD9 | 16:9
Audio: Japanese Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: Japanese
Running time: 752 minutes
Retail Price: ￥9,680
Catalogue number: VWDZ-8144



「崖の上のポニョ」特別保存版 Blu-Ray

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This 3 disc set includes the movie and the documentary in HD.

3 DISC SET DETAILS:
Publisher: Walt Disney Japan
Release date: 2009-XII-8
Format: NTSC | 3xBD50 | 16:9
Audio: Japanese Dolby Digital & DTS
Subtitles: Japanese, English
Running time: 853 minutes
Retail Price: ￥19,360
Catalogue number: VWBS-1079


  「崖の上のポニョ」特別保存版 DVD

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This Collector Edition of Gake no ue no Ponyo includes 9 DVD discs. 2 for the movie and the storyboards, 5 for the documentary and the last 2 for Joe Hisaishi's Budokan concert that was also released with the catalog number VWDZ-8130.

9 DISC SET DETAILS:
Publisher: Walt Disney Japan
Release date: 2009-XII-8
Format: NTSC | Region 2 | 9xDVD9 | 16:9
Audio: Japanese Dolby Digital & DTS
Subtitles: Japanese
Running time: 968 minutes
Retail Price: ￥20,020
Catalogue number: VWDZ-8146

10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki: Ep. 1 Ponyo is Here

Last February, Japanese TV network NHK World  started to broadcast a documentary series about Japanese animation director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki, recorded over a period of 10 years.

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Video info:

An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the genius of Japan's foremost living film director, Hayao Miyazaki -- creator of some of the world's most iconic and enduring anime feature films. Miyazaki allowed a single documentary filmmaker to shadow him at work, as he dreamed up characters and plot lines for what would become his 2008 blockbuster, "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea." Miyazaki explores the limits of his physical ability and imagination to conjure up memorable protagonists. This program is the first of a 4-part documentary, "10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki." Episode 2 will air on March 30 (JST). Episodes 3 and 4 will air in April and May. All episodes will be available on our video-on-demand site after the broadcast.

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Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4

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In the history of Japanese animation, Hayao Miyazaki is probably the film director with the greatest number of documentaries behind him showcasing him at work. The longtime relationship of Studio Ghibli with the Japanese TV network NHK has given us the chance to take a glance into his creative process over the last decades. 10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki is a new four-part documentary series by NHK World, based on the footage from those previous documentaries, retold for an english audience. Here, a chronological list of these documentaries that in some cases were also published with english subtitles, back in the day, on DVD and Blu-ray

■ 2017 | Owaranai hito Hayao Miyazaki (終わらない人 宮﨑駿)

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Even after being retired from making long feature films, Hayao Miyazaki is as busy as ever. This 69 minute documentary shows Miyazaki working on the short film Kemushi no Boro and using new CG animation techniques for the first time. January 29, 2007. Catalog number: NSDS-22364

■ 2013 | Yume to kyōki no ōkoku (夢と狂気の王国)

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In this two-hour long documentary released theatrically worldwide, director Mami Sunada follows Studio Ghibli filmmakers Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki as they work to release two films simultaneously, Kaze Tachinu and Kaguya Hime no Monogatari. English subtitles. Catalog number DVD: VWDZ-8162 | Blu-ray: VWBS-1528

■ 2013 | Kaze Tachinu 1000-nichi no kiroku / intai sengen shira rezaru monogatari (宮崎 駿の仕事 「風立ちぬ」1000日の記録/引退宣言 知られざる物語)

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This two-hour long documentary follows Miyazaki in his quest to make his latest film Kaze Tachinu and his later declaration of retirement. Catalog number DVD: NSDS-19809 | Blu-ray: NSBS-19808









■ 2011 | Futari / Kokuriko-zaka ・Chichi to Ko no 300-nichi sensō ~ Miyazaki Hayao × Miyazaki Gorō (ふたり コクリコ坂・父と子の300日戦争 ～宮崎 駿×宮崎吾朗～)

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In this 73 minute long documentary we follow Miyazaki's son Gōro on the making of his film From Up on Poppy Hill and the disputes with his father. Catalog number: DVD: VWDZ-8156 | Blu-ray: VWDG-8156

■ 2009 | Ponyo wa kōshite umareta ~ Miyazaki Hayao no shikō katei ~ (ポニョはこうして生まれた。 ~宮崎駿の思考過程~ )

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This 5 DVD | 2 Blu-ray set features over 12 hours of the making of Gake no Ue no Poyo. The first press includes a 6-page Ponyo sticker book and a bonus drawing tutorial DVD hosted by producer Toshio Suzuki. Catalog number DVD: VWDZ-8128 | Blu-Ray: VWBS-1093. These discs were also included in the Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray Box sets of the film with the catalog numbers: VWDZ-8146 and VWBS-1079 respectively.

■ 2007-2008 | Hayao Miyazaki's work (宮崎 駿の仕事)

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This DVD collects two NHK documentaries, the first aired on March 27, 2007: Eiga o tsukuru Miyazaki Hayao sōsaku no himitsu (映画を創る 宮崎駿・創作の秘密) [59min] and the second aired on August 5, 2008: Miyazaki Hayao no subete “PONYO” mitchaku 300-nichi (宮崎駿のすべて~“ポニョ”密着300日) [87min] that covers Miyazaki during the completion of his latest film Gake no Ue no Ponyo. Catalog number: NSDS-12876

■ 2003 | Lasseter-san Arigato (ラセターさん、ありがとう)

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This documentary released on DVD is a present that Studio Ghibli made for the founder of Pixar John Lasseter for his invaluable help provided in the distribution of Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away in the US. English subtitles. Catalog number: VWDZ8054

■ 1998-1999 | Sekai Waga Kokoro no Tabi (世界・わが心の旅)

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This two-disc DVD set collects the documentaries that follow Studio Ghibli founders Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki in various trips to places that inspired them in their works. In the first documentary Takahata visits Canada to meet the animator Frederic Back. In the second, Miyazaki visits France and the Sahara Desert to follow the footsteps of Antoine de Saint-Expéry. English subtitles. Catalog number: VWDZ-8062

■ 1997 | Mononoke Hime wa Koushite Umareta (「もののけ姫」はこうして生まれた)

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This 6 hour and 40min documentary on how Princess Mononoke was born was first released as a 3 VHS tapes box set and re-released in 2001 as a 3 DVD box set. It has no English subtitles. Catalog number: VWDZ-8016

Conan, the Boy in the Future

Mirai Shounen Konan (未来少年コナン) known as 'Conan, the Boy in the Future', the 26 episode animation series based on Alexander Key's novel The Incredible Tide is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Produced by Nippon Animation, the series premiered across Japan on the NHK network between April 4 and October 31, 1978, on the Tuesday 19:30-20:00 time slot. This science fiction epic is one of the first TV shows in which Hayao Miyazaki had a major role as director, crafting the storyboards and designing the characters and layouts among other tasks. 

The series has been released in multiple video formats over the years and many books have been also published in Japan where the series is a timeless classic:


BLU-RAY

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●未来少年コナン Blu-rayメモリアルボックス
●未来少年コナン Blu-rayボックス

DVD

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●未来少年コナン メモリアルボックス
●未来少年コナン 30周年メモリアルボックス
●未来少年コナン 全7巻セット

BOOKS 

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●未来少年コナン (ジブリ・ロマンアルバム)
●また、会えたね!―未来少年コナン
●未来少年コナン 愛蔵版
●未来少年コナン 絵コンテ 第1話 のこされ島

ISAO TAKAHATA dies at 82

Animation director Isaho Takahata (高畑 勲) has passed away today at the age 82. Takahata co-founded Studio Ghibli together with Hayao Miyazaki (宮崎 駿) in 1985. Here a filmography the works he directed linked to the various related DVD, Bluray and books available in Amazon Japan.

2012 | The Tale of Princess Kaguya (かぐや姫の物語)
2009 | My Neighbors the Yamadas (ホーホケキョとなりの山田くん)
1994 | Pom Poko (平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ)
1991 | Only Yesterday (おもひでぽろぽろ)
1988 | Grave of the Fireflies (火垂るの墓)
1987 | The Story of Yanagawa's Canals (柳川掘割物語)
1982 | Gauche the Cellist (セロ弾きのゴーシュ)
1981 | Jarinko Chie (じゃりン子チエ)
1973 | Panda! Go, Panda! The Rainy-Day Circus (パンダ・コパンダ　雨降りサーカスの巻)
1972 | Panda! Go, Panda! (パンダ・コパンダ)
1968 | Horus: Prince of the Sun (太陽の王子 ホルスの大冒険)

Before Founding Ghibli Takahata worked for TOEI animation where he started to collaborate with Hayao Miyazaki. He directed anime series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother among many other.

Hayao Miyazaki's short stories for Model Graphix

Hayao Miyazaki (宮崎 駿) has created not only great animation movies over his career but also many manga works. His long lasting Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa (風の谷のナウシカ) in which his homonym movie is based is probably his most famous manga work but he has also published sporadically short manga stories in MODEL GRAPHIX (モデルグラフィックス) magazine. Here a list of the books that collect those watercolor manga works:

KAZE TACHINU (風立ちぬ)

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Miyazaki originally wrote a nine chapter storie serialized between 2009 and 2010 that eventually became his last animation film Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ). This books collects this story among many facts and the original short novel by Tatsuo Hori (堀 辰雄 ) in which the movie is based.

BOOK DETAILS 

Publisher: Dai Nihon Kaiga (大日本絵画)

Release date: 2015-X-8

Language: Japanese

Number of pages: 79

Size: 29.4 x 20.6 x 1.4 cm

Retail price: ￥2,376

ISBN-10: 4499231671

ISBN-13: 978-4499231671

Available in Amazon Japan:
http://amzn.to/1PzGLXi

HIKŌTEI JIDAI (飛行艇時代) NEW EDITION

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This new edition is a revised and expanded edition of the book published in 1992 with the same name. It includes the 15 page manga in which the movie Porco Rosso is based that was published in 1990 in three parts.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: DaiNippon Kaiga (大日本絵画)
Release date: 2004-X
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 71
Size: 29.2 x 20.6 x 1 cm
Retail price: ￥1,944
ISBN-10: 4499228646
ISBN-13: 978-4499228640

Available in Amazon Japan: 
http://amzn.to/1PzJnV1

DOROMAMIRE NO TORA ― MIYAZAKI HAYAO NO MŌSŌ NŌTO (泥まみれの虎―宮崎駿の妄想ノート)

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This book collects 'Hansu no Kikan' a 1994 published three part short story and 'Otto Carius: Doromamire no tora' a six part manga published from 1998 to 1999. It also collects Miyazaki's travels to Europe among other facts.

BOOK DETAILS 

Publisher: Dai Nihon Kaiga (大日本絵画)

Release date: 2002-VII-15

Language: Japanese

Number of pages: 87

Size: 29.2 x 20.6 x 1 cm

Retail price: ￥2,700

ISBN-10: 4499227909
ISBN-13: 978-4499227902

Available in Amazon Japan: 
http://amzn.to/1OnmxRx

MIYAZAKI HAYAO  NO ZATSUSŌ NŌTO (宮崎駿の雑想ノート) NEW EDITION

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This book collects 13 airplane and war related short stories published originally in the 80's. It collects the same stories that the previous edition plus the one collected in the book Hikoutei Jidai

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: DaiNippon Kaiga (大日本絵画)
Release date: 1997-VII
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 128
Size: 29.2 x 21 x 1.2 cm
Retail price: ￥3,024
ISBN-10: 4499226775
ISBN-13: 978-4499226776

Available in Amazon Japan:
http://amzn.to/1PzHDel

MIYAZAKI HAYAO  NO ZATSUSŌ NŌTO (宮崎駿の雑想ノート)

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This book collects 12 airplane and war related short stories published originally in the 80's. There is a new edition of this book with one more story that is also collected in the book Hikoutei Jidai.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: DaiNippon Kaiga (大日本絵画)
Release date: 1992-XII
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 111
Size: 29.4 x 21.2 x 0.8 cm
Retail price: ￥2,233
ISBN-10: 4499206022
ISBN-13: 978-4499206020

Available in Amazon Japan:
http://amzn.to/1PzHSpS

HIKŌTEI JIDAI (飛行艇時代)

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This Book collects the three part, 15 page story in wich the movie Kurenai no Buta (紅の豚) (Porco Rosso) is based. The book includes facts and insides to the movie too. The manga was also included in the new edition of Miyazaki Hayao no Zatsusō Nōto. This book was released in Spain in the nineties as 'Asi se hizo Porco Rosso'.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: DaiNippon Kaiga (大日本絵画)
Release date: 1992-VII
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 64
Size: 29.4 x 20.8 x 0.8 cm
Retail price: ￥3,024
ISBN-10: 4499205956
ISBN-13: 978-4499205955

Available in Amazon Japan:
http://amzn.to/1OnlNf4

Here a list of the short manga works published in Model Ghapix, number of pages, date of publication and in which books are collected:

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●Shirarezaru Kyojin no Mattei (知られざる巨人の末弟) - 3P [1984-XI] Zatsusō Nōto

●Koutetsu no Ikuji (甲鉄の意気地) - 3P [1984-XII] Zatsusō Nōto
●Tahōtō no Deban (多砲塔の出番) - 3P [1985-I] Zatsusō Nōto
●Nōfu no Me (農夫の眼) - 4P [1985-II] Zatsusō Nōto
●Ryū no Kōtetsu (竜の甲鉄) - 4P [1985-III] Zatsusō Nōto
●Kyūshū Jōkū no Jūgōsakuki (九州上空の重轟炸機) - 4P [1986-XI] Zatsusō Nōto
●Kōshahōtō (高射砲塔) - 4P [1986-XII] Zatsusō Nōto
●Q.ship - 4P [1987-I] Zatsusō Nōto
●Anshōmaru Monogatari (安松丸物語) part1 - 4P [1987-II] Zatsusō Nōto
●Anshōmaru Monogatari (安松丸物語) part2 - 4P [1987-III] Zatsusō Nōto

●London Jōkū 1918 nen (ロンドン上空1918年) part 1 - 5P [1989-XII] Zatsusō Nōto

●London Jōkū 1918 nen (ロンドン上空1918年) part 2 - 5P [1990-I] Zatsusō Nōto

●Saihin Zensen (最貧前線) - 5P [1990-II] Zatsusō Nōto
●Hikōtei Jidai (飛行艇時代) part 1- 5P [1990-III] Hikōtei Jidai | Zatsusō Nōto New Edition
●Hikōtei Jidai (飛行艇時代) part 2 - 5P [1990-IV] Hikōtei Jidai | Zatsusō Nōto New Edition
●Hikōtei Jidai (飛行艇時代) part 3 - 5P [1990-V] Hikōtei Jidai | Zatsusō Nōto New Edition
●Buta to Tora (豚の虎) - 12P [1992-XI] Zatsusō Nōto 
●Hansu No Kikan (ハンスの帰還) part 1 - 5P [1994-III issue #113] Doromamire no tora
●Hansu No Kikan (ハンスの帰還) part 1 - 5P [1994-IV issue #114] Doromamire no tora
●Hansu No Kikan (ハンスの帰還) part 1 - 5P[1994-IX issue #120] Doromamire no tora 

●Otto Carius(オットー・カリウス) part 1 - 6P [1998-XII issue #169] Doromamire no tora 

●Otto Carius(オットー・カリウス) part 2 - 5P [1999-I issue #170] Doromamire no tora 

●Otto Carius(オットー・カリウス) part 3 - 6P [1999-II issue #171] Doromamire no tora 

●Otto Carius(オットー・カリウス) part 4 - 4P [1999-III issue #172] Doromamire no tora 

●Otto Carius(オットー・カリウス) part 5 - 6P [1999-IV issue #173] Doromamire no tora 

●Otto Carius(オットー・カリウス) part 6 - 6P [1999-V issue #174] Doromamire no tora 

●Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ) part 1 - [2009-IV issue #293] Kaze Tachinu
●Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ) part 2 - [2009-V issue #294] Kaze Tachinu
●Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ) part 3 - [2009-VI issue #295] Kaze Tachinu
●Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ) part 4 - [2009-VII issue #296] Kaze Tachinu
●Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ) part 5 - [2009-VIII issue #297] Kaze Tachinu
●Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ) part 6 - [2009-IX issue #298] Kaze Tachinu
●Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ) part 7 - [2009-XI issue #300] Kaze Tachinu
●Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ) part 8 - [2009-XII issue #301] Kaze Tachinu
●Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ) part 9 - [2010-I issue #302] Kaze Tachinu

名探偵ホームズ Blu-ray BOX

Mei Tantei Hōmuzu (名探偵ホームズ) know as Sherlock Hound, was released on Blu-ray remastered from the original 35mm negative in Japan. Originally aired from 1984 to 1985 with some the episodes directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

EDITION DETAILS

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Studio: Bandai Visual (バンダイビジュアル)

Release date: 2014-XI-21
Specs: PCM(mono) |AVC | BD50G×4disc | 4:3 1080p HD

Language: Japanese
Duration: 643min

Retail price:￥25,000

Catalogue number: BCXA-0908

AVAILABILITY

Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/18YI1Tn

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As its usual with Japanese anime productions, multiple books have been published over the years highlighting various aspects of the series. Here a selection of our favorites:

名探偵ホームズ 海底の財宝 ほか

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Storyboards by Hayao Miyazaki of three of the episodes of the series

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Tokuma Shoten (徳間書店)
Release date: 2003-VI-26
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 392
Size: 22.2 x 16 x 2.6 cm
Retail price: ¥3,080
ISBN-10: 4198616809
ISBN-13: 978-4198616809

名探偵ホームズ 小さなマーサの大事件！？ ほか

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Another three episodes of Storyboards by Hayao Miyazaki.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Tokuma Shoten (徳間書店)
Release date: 2003-VI-26
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 384
Size: 22.2 x 15.8 x 2.6 cm
Retail price: ¥3,080
ISBN-10: 4198616795
ISBN-13: 978-4198616793

The art of名探偵ホームズ

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BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Tokuma Shoten (徳間書店)
Release date: 2001-VII
Language: Japanese
Number of pages:
Size: 28.9 x 22.6 x 1.8 cm
Retail price:
ISBN-10: 4198100055
ISBN-13: 978-4198100056

LASSETER-SAN ARIGATAŌ (ラセターさん、ありがとう)

This two hour long Documentary narrates the travel Hayao Miyazaki did to the US when he was promoting the release of his latest film Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (千と千尋の神隠し) known in the US as Spirited Away. 

In it, Miyazaki visits John Lasseter, the American filmmaker he met back in 1987 and whose friendship has grown over the years. Lasseter who founded Pixar by that time, stablished a great relationship with Miyazaki, what led to the recent deal between Ghibli and Disney, owner of Pixar since 2006, to release Studio Ghibli films in America. 

The whole film was created on the first hand as a thank letter to Lasseter, hence the title, and was originally a video made just as a personal gift to him, but later, Studio Ghibli decided to release it commercially on DVD under their label:  'Ghibli Ga Ippai Collection Special'

Hayao Miyazaki's Watercolor tips

Translations via: nausicaa.net

My recommendation. Transparent watercolor is good.
"transparent watercolor has a strong habit", "do not paint stickily and paint after wiping the extra paint and water off", "paint thinly the bright part",

"had better not use white", "paint other color after under color has dried",
"let's mix the color and use it."
1. Light the wool which protrudes on a new painting brush.
2. Anything is fine for a water vessel.
3. A retractable knife is enough for the pencil sharpener.
4. One 2B pencil is enough for the pencil.
5. Divide the palette into seven zones: Bright, Dark, Black, Green 1, Green 2, Blue 2, Blue 1.
6. Do not use the eraser.
7. Do not draw a guideline for a picture.
"these painting materials are enough for a 2-week trip and preparations for a movie."

Yume to kyōki no ōkoku (夢と狂気の王国)

This documentary directed by Mami Sunada brings the spectator to the center of the three year long process that went on the creation of the latest animation film by Studio Ghibli directed by the master filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki: Kaze no Tachinu (風立ちぬ).

It's not the first time that Miyazaki provides full access to a documentary maker to his daily life, but this time Sunada, digs a little deeper in the filmmakers most personal details. Nevertheless, the in and outs of the making of the film are the centerpiece of this documentary as Miyazaki has spend most of his last fifty years of his life behind the drawing desk.

Kaze Tachinu was released in Japan on July 20, 2013, and Yume to Kyōki no Ōkoku (夢と狂気の王国) known outside Japans as the THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS was released theatrically on November 16, 2013.  Soon after Miyazaki at age 72 announced his retirement from his Studio Ghibli's day to day tasks, to focus on other projects related with the Ghibli Museum. Miyazaki founded Studio Ghibli together with Isao Takahata in 1984 and ever since, he has created all his animation films in there.

The documentary was released this last May 21st on  Blu-ray and DVD  in Japan and it includes English subtitles.

Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ)

Today it was released in Japanese theaters the latest film directed by Hayao Miyazaki: Kaze Tachinu (風立ちぬ) know outside Japan as The Wind Rises. Here some of the books that have accompanied  the release of the film in Japan:

●The art of Kaze Tachinu

●Kaze Tachinu Roman Album

●Kaze Tachinu Film Comic

●Kaze Tachinu Storyboards

The Man Who Planted Trees

I discovered Frédéric Back's work while reading Hayao Miyazaki's Stating Point were there is a transcription of the comments he made for the Japanese Laser Disc release of Crac! & The man Who Planted Trees back in 1988.

Frédéric Back's works are collected in various DVDs, Blu-Rays and Books in various languages

Japan | US | Canada | UK | Germany | France | Italy | Spain

Starting Point 1979-1996 by Hayao Miyazaki

It's great being at home on Christmas. Visiting family, eating well at home, playing Nintendo games  with my brother and seeing old friends. It's also great to take a look back to my old stuff; mostly books and movies. As I don't like carrying heavy stuff around, since I got the Kindle, I almost don't read on paper, but I remember I left at home a couple of books that have not been published on digital, just yet.

One of these books is a collection of essays, lectures and comments written from 1979 to 1996 by Hayao Miyazaki, published in Japan under the title 出発点―1979~1996 on August 1996 and that Viz Media published in English on August 2009 as Starting Point: 1979-1996. These readings are a unique opportunity to dig deep inside Miyazaki's head and understand his thoughts on manga, animation and even  Japanese society and culture in those first years in which he went from being an animator at TOEI to founding together with Isao Takahata, one of the most successful animation studios in Japan: Studio Ghibli.

I Hope the English translation of the second volume titled in Japanese: 折り返し点―1997~2008 and published on July 2008 is already on its way. If I would know how to read Japanese, I wouldn't have to wait more but that's my tragedy. I should start learning one of this days.

Stating Point: 1979~1996 by Hayao Miyazaki

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Publisher: Viz Media
Release date: 2009-VIII-4
Language: English
Number of pages: 461
Size: 9 x 1.5 x 6 inches
Retail price: $29.99
ISBN-10: 1421505940
ISBN-13: 978-1421505947



出発点―1979~1996 宮崎 駿

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Publisher: Studio Ghibli (スタジオジブリ)
Release date: 1996-VIII-1
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 580
Size: 18.6 x 13 x 3.6 cm
Retail price: ¥ 2808

ISBN-10: 4198605416
ISBN-13: 978-4198605414

CNN interviews Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki on how they create studio Ghibli in an interview to CNN shown yesterday.

Miyazaki at Berkeley

Hayao Miyazaki was honored with the Berkeley Japan Prize and he traveled to California where he was interviewed in the Center for Japanese Studies. 

Hayao Miyazaki at Venice Film Festival

It's not usual of him to travel abroad to promote his films, but this time, Hayao Miyazaki has attended to the Venice International Film Festival for the world premiere of his latest film: Gake no Ue no Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ).

Gake no Ue no Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ)

Hauru No Ugoku Shiro (ハウルの動く城) DVD

Hayao Miyazaki's Hauru no Ugoku Shiro (ハウルの動く城) also know as Howl's Moving Castle was released in DVD as a 4 disc collectors edition in Japan. The first printing includes a frame of the movie frozen in resin created by Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun.

Here the video that explains how the collectible was created:

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Books by Otomo & Miyazaki

Today I made a big order to Amazon Japan. Eight great books. Six of them by Katsuhiro Otomo and two by Hayao Miyazaki.

OTOMO KATSUHIRO presents THE MEMORY OF MEMORIES

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The art book of the film MEMORIES, three anime stories. Magnetic Rose, Stink Bomb and Cannon Fodder directed respectively by Koji Morimoto, Tensai Okamura and Katsuhiro Otomo. The book collects backgrounds, sketches and storyboards from all all them.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 1996-I-8
Language: Japanese
Number of opages: 160
Retail price: ￥2,000
Size: 10.2 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
ISBN-10: 4063196658
ISBN-13: 978-4063196658

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/11N70z5
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1wb2vTK
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1vUL97N
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/BOVBna
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1AgAMAy
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1MJ0Dq8
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/17Ghwkr
Amazon ES: https://amzn.to/CPEimd

The Storyboard Book STEAM BOY 

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This 780 page book contains all the storyboards drawn by katsuhiro Otomo for the animation movie STEAMBOY.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Kadansha (講談社)
Release date: 2004-VIII-20
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 780
Size: 21.2 x 15 x 5.2 cm
Retail Price: ¥3,990
ISBN-10: 4063645916
ISBN-13: 978-4063645910

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/11Klhjn
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/14z6C98
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1ctXOvg
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/14ZctXw
Amazon DE:-
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1atqXVU
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/1H54T0H
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1EC8pPC


STEAMBOY Mechanical Book

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A beautiful book containing hundreds of sketches and designs made for Katsuhiro Otomo's STEAMBOY animation feature film.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release Date: 2004-VIII-4
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 175
Size: 11.6 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
Retail price: ￥2,800
ISBN-10: 4063645843
ISBN-13: 978-4063645842

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/11Nstv1
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1DFe2N3
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1DFeaMM
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1CWM4qL
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/17Gci8b
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/17GcmEU
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/17GcnsD
Amazon ES: https://amzn.to/2QdvPVl

SOS Dai Tokyo Tankentai

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Katsuhiro Otomo Anthology volume 2. A collection of Katsuhiro Otomo's manga works from the eighties.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Publishing Date: 1996-II-6
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 253
Size: 23.4 x 17.6 x 1.6 cm (A5)
Retail price: ¥1,200
ISBN-10: 4-06-319658-5
ISBN-13: 978-4-06-319658-0

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/11y67Jy
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/15o77SY
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1CtIFWd
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/190W7nL
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1HeoyJO
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1Nv5c7T
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/1Cr9CbC
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1AD1pMF

HIGHWAY STAR 

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Katsuhiro Otomo's early manga works from the seventies.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Futabasha (双葉社) ACTION COMICS
First print: 1979-X-13
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 229
Size: 20.8 x 15 x 2 cm (A5)
Price: ￥650
ISBN: 4-575-93029-6
ISBN: 978-4-575-93029-0

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/U108bT
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1b5B0PG
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1EpJgTP
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1xdwgnn
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1H0tx3C
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1wYHFaa
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/1wYHCeq
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1wYHyLN


SHORT PEACE 

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By Katsuhiro OtomoA compilation of early works from the end of the seventies.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher : Futabasha (双葉社) ACTION COMICS
Publication date: 1986-V-15
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 223
Size: A5
Retail price:￥720
ISBN-10: 4-575-93033-4
ISBN-13: 978-4-575-93033-7

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/SnCkBi
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1O4ikkw
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1O4ijwR
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1AD50ui
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1Crc6Xl
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1DzPeXk
Amazon IT: https://amzn.to/2LIuc2h
Amazon ES: https://amzn.to/2YI58fu


Kurenai No Buta Storyboard 

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The complete storyboard of the film Porco Rosso by Hayao Miyazaki.

Howl's Moving castle Storyboard 

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The complete storyboard of the film Howl's Moving Castle by Hayao Miyazaki.

Miyazaki-Moebius

Today opened in La Monnaie de Paris a Exhibition featuring the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Jean Giraud 'Moebius'. Both artists have shown the respect for each others work for a long time and it's great to finally see their works together in a retrospective exhibition. A 104 pages catalog was published.