Nippon TV has purchased the legendary Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli is renowned for creating famous films like “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away”. This acquisition occurred after the company’s legendary co-founder and director, Hayao Miyazaki, was unable to find a successor.
The board of directors met Thursday to approve the resolution that allows Nippon TV to acquire shares of Studio Ghibli, making it a part of the television network, as the two companies stated in their joint press release. They did not disclose the financial terms of this transaction.
The statement pointed out that given the age of director Hayao Miyazaki, who is now 82, and producer Toshio Suzuki, who is 75, Studio Ghibli has faced an ongoing challenge when it comes to finding their successors.
Nippon TV plans to safeguard Studio Ghibli’s ‘artistry’ and the core principles associated with its brand on a permanent basis. They also have the intention of respecting Studio Ghibli’s independence, ensuring that the studio can concentrate primarily on its filmmaking endeavors.
The report also mentioned that Miyazaki’s oldest son is an animator and film director. He had received “repeated” suggestions as a potential successor to his father. However, he declined the idea. He explained that it would be challenging for him to assume control of Ghibli independently. He also stated that it would be preferable to entrust the future of Ghibli to someone else.
The direction of the studio’s future remained a mystery over the years. It culminated in Miyazaki declaring his retirement in 2013, which prompted Suzuki, as well as his co-founder, to announce that, at the time, the company needed a shift.
Hayao Miyazaki Doesn’t Consider His Son Capable Enough To Run Studio Ghibli
Miyazaki is widely regarded as one of the best animators.. He is also a symbol in Japanese popular culture. His work has helped shape animation and earned worldwide acclaim from critics.
Recently, he came back from retirement to make his last movie, “The Boy and the Heron,” which was launched earlier this year.
It took them seven years to complete the film. The companies stated in their joint statement that they are “deeply grateful” to audiences and the favorable reviews to date.
Studio Ghibli stated that the issue of succession was under consideration, and they were evaluating “many different candidates”. This deliberation eventually led to discussions about a partnership with Nippon TV. During these discussions, Suzuki, from Studio Ghibli, spent “some time” with the Nippon TV CEO at a hot springs hotel last year. It was during this meeting that they also signed a deal.
Nippon TV and Studio Ghibli have been working for a long time in the past television station broadcasting Ghibli movies live on air, investing in Ghibli film productions, and even assisting in the funding of the Ghibli Museum in a statement.
As a result of this arrangement, Nippon TV will become the biggest Ghibli shareholder, holding 42.3 per cent of the voting rights.
As the director through the whole thing, Miyazaki has made numerous films. These films combine wild fantasies alongside more severe concerns like environmentalism, feminism, and anti-war messages. The 2001 film “Spirited Away” brought him worldwide fame. It also earned a record amount of $274 million in total worldwide. “Spirited Away” received an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
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