Hayao Miyazaki Notes That the Anime Golden Age Is Declining
Hayao Miyazaki, the critically praised director of The Boy and the Heron, is well-known for his curmudgeonly attitude toward the anime business; this is more clear-cut than it has been following a fresh quotation capturing the filmmaker's opinions on the contemporary anime scene. While most filmmakers would consider receiving a big prize like the Palace d'Or as a sign of hope and optimism, Miyazaki's son claims that the beloved director is full of questions over the direction of Ghibli and animation overall.
Given the Palme d'Or is a highly sought-after accolade and The Boy and the Heron regularly set box office records, it could be shocking to hear Goro discuss his father's pessimism about the anime business so freely. Any major admirer of the praised director, though, won't be shocked by the remarks. Though Miyazaki's films have whimsical enchantment, the most well-known anime director in the world has long been known for his cranky demeanor. Given this and considering his attitude to creating art generally, it is clear why Miyazaki would not be content with the current status of the anime business.
Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli Get a Special Award
At the Cannes Film Festival this year, Studio Ghibli received an honorary Palme d'Or; Miyazaki's son Goro traveled to France to accept the accolades. Younger Miyazaki spoke to French source 20 Minutes about his father's opinions on Ghibli and the contemporary animation business at the ceremony.
Goro Miyazaki says "It made him happy, but he believes that the golden age of Japanese animation has passed and that there is not much new left." Goro then goes on to remark that the Elder Miyazaki feels the Palace d'Or marks the end of his cherished career.
About the Anime Business, Is Miyazaki Right?
Though Goro sadly doesn't delve much farther, it is clear that the older Miyazaki feels the business is essentially stagnating. This inevitably begs the issue of whether the praised director is correct or if the remarks ascribed to his son fall short. Whether or not any particular fan agrees with Miyazaki's viewpoint on modern anime, he is among the most praised and gifted anime creators in the history of the medium.
Miyazaki's thesis is clear when one considers the annual release count of just-how many isekai and RPG-adjacent anime series. Though their viewers find these shows to be quite popular, they can seem to be somewhat too similar to an outsider. Having said that, there have lately been a lot of emotive and artistic anime produced that shows the great possibilities of the media. While more serious anime like Pluto probe issues of what it means to be human, anime programs like Sonny Boy are honest musings on escapism. Though they have little to do with creativity, the anime business is sadly beset with serious issues.
The main issue the Anime business faces is working conditions.
Many of the artists working on these projects, supposedly, are not receiving the respect or compensation many would expect from working on such large-scale assets.
For good cause, anime fans in the past several years have started to discuss workers' rights extensively. Huge hits like Jujutsu Kaisen causing meltdowns among production workers make it very evident that something has to change about anime on a production level if the industry is to be really viable. Although some fans may find it simple to overlook the issues in the business, it is unfortunate that many of the musicians behind such shows are, supposedly, not receiving the recognition or compensation many would expect from working on such large-scale productions.
What comments from Miyazaki really mean?
Miyazaki is ultimately a seasoned businessperson who has more than earned credibility. Although his worries regarding fresh ideas and artistic expression have validity and should be addressed, it is difficult to overlook the issues the artists who first enable the anime business face. Although lovers of anime should pay attention to Miyazaki's warning about a dearth of fresh ideas, their priorities should be considerably more focused on the welfare and condition of the typical animator.
The situation of the animation business is a complicated one. Though Miyazaki's viewpoint is insightful, one must consider other factors. One of the main concerns facing the workforce of the sector could finally influence the production of creative content. Miyazaki's comments serve as a reminder to value the efforts of anime creators and support their working in a favorable environment.
