Hayao Miyazaki Reflects on the Horrors of WWII and How It Influenced His Studio Ghibli Films
Legendary filmmaker and animator Hayao Miyazaki has enchanted audiences and fans with his masterful storytelling and breathtaking artistry through Studio Ghibli.
His works, characterized by strong protagonists, immersive fantasy realms, and meticulous hand-drawn animation, resonate with people. Yet, a recurring thread in his films is war, which is a theme that carries profound weight, moral depth, and personal significance.
In his recently acceptance speech for the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award, Miyazaki offered a rare reflection on his first-hand experiences with the horrors of World War II. Delivered by board member Kenichi Yoda, Miyazaki’s words carried a deep honesty:
“The Japanese did a lot of terrible things back then. They killed many civilians. The Japanese people must not forget this. It will always remain. With such history, I solemnly accept the Ramon Magsaysay Award from the Philippines.”
This statement acknowledges Japan's fraught wartime history and also sheds some light on the foundational influences that shaped his artistic vision.
Studio Ghibli's films rarely immerse viewers in the direct chaos of battlefields. Instead, they portray the rippling effects of war on individuals, communities, and the natural world. Miyazaki’s approach avoids glorifying violence, focusing instead on the human cost and moral complexities of conflict.
In Grave of the Fireflies, a devastating account of two siblings’ survival in wartime Japan, the story confronts viewers with the realities of civilian suffering.
The Wind Rises, which is a semi-biographical tale about aviation engineer Jiro Horikoshi, examines the conflict between dreams of creation and their weaponized consequences.
Even the fantastical worlds of Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke grapple with war’s destructive force. The former critiques militarism and its toll on both people and the world they reside in, while the latter explores the violent clash between industrial ambition and environmental harmony.
These films are allegories deeply rooted in Miyazaki’s lived experience and moral convictions.
Born in 1941, Miyazaki’s childhood was shaped by the shadow of World War II. Also, his father’s role as an airplane parts manufacturer likely fueled his early fascination with aviation, which is also something we’ve seen in many of his films.
The film’s that Miyazaki creates are powerful moral meditations on the consequences of conflict. By drawing from his wartime experiences, Miyazaki imbues his stories with authenticity and urgency, ensuring that the lessons of the past remain vivid and relevant for generations to come.