The Japanese Animation Director and Studio Ghibli Co-Founder Isao Takahata Has Died
Isao Takahata, renowned Japanese director, screenwriter, and producer and co-founder of the celebrated animation house Studio Ghibli, died on Thursday. He was 82.
Takahata, who was most well known for directing the 1998 film Grave of the Fireflies, passed away at a Tokyo hospital, according to a statement from the studio. He was reportedly suffering from lung cancer.
Along with renowned director Hayao Miyazaki, Takahata founded Studio Ghibli, among the most influential animation houses in the world. The studio became internationally known for such films as My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997), and Spirited Away (2001), which was awarded best animated feature at the 2003 Academy Awards.
Takahata’s final film, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, was nominated for a 2014 Oscar.
R.I.P. Isao Takahata (1935-2018). Thank you for the wonderful films. pic.twitter.com/qmeIVDfJwX
— Japan Society Film (@js_film_nyc) April 5, 2018
Really sad to hear about the passing of Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. “Grave of the Fireflies” is an amazing, emotional film. And “My Neighbors the Yamadas” is incredibly charming. It also had a big influence on Michael Arndt’s script for “Little Miss Sunshine.” pic.twitter.com/0dfXC3t2sL
— Lee Unkrich (@leeunkrich) April 5, 2018
We mourn the death of Studio Ghibli 's co-founder, Isao Takahata, who died today at the age of 82. A well respected figure in the world of animation. This video is a great tribute to the man's great work.
LINK:https://t.co/oBeff9wUY2 pic.twitter.com/eo9Epj9e1I— The Daily Seni (@thedailyseni) April 6, 2018
RIP Isao Takahata... You will live forever in our hearts through your absolutely beautiful work and legacy that you have generously left us. Thank you for all that you've done.https://t.co/HwKOfqjosd pic.twitter.com/4NfbiT0al4
— Marie Lum ? (@PuccaNoodles) April 5, 2018
“Flower, bear fruit and die; be born, grow up, and die. Still the wind blows, the rain falls, the waterwheel goes round. Lifetimes come and go in turn.” RIP Isao Takahata, one of the very greatest. pic.twitter.com/nkpLNOAi18
— Robbie Collin (@robbiereviews) April 5, 2018
RIP Isao Takahata. Co-founder of Studio Ghibli and one of the greatest animators to ever live. Thank you for the inspiration, the beauty, and some of my most glorious time spent basking in the flickering light.
— Jesse Wente (@jessewente) April 6, 2018
