The Complete History of Studio Ghibli: From Nausicaa to Today

Studio Ghibli was founded in June 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, producer Toshio Suzuki and entrepreneur Yasuyoshi Tokuma, in the wake of the commercial success of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. The studio's name comes from a Saharan word for a hot desert wind, a nod to Miyazaki's love of aviation and his desire to bring fresh air to Japanese animation.

The Early Years (1985-1992)

Ghibli's first decade produced a remarkable run of films that established its identity. Castle in the Sky (1986) set the template for Ghibli's adventure mode: vivid world-building, strong female protagonists and a melancholy awareness of loss. My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies (both 1988) demonstrated the studio's range: gentle childhood fantasy alongside devastating wartime tragedy.

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) was the studio's first genuine box office phenomenon, and Only Yesterday (1991) by Takahata showed that Ghibli could make films of quiet, literary subtlety. Porco Rosso (1992) confirmed Miyazaki's status as an artist of the first rank.

The Golden Age (1994-2001)

The mid-to-late 1990s represent Ghibli's creative peak. Pom Poko (1994) and My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999) by Takahata explored Japanese society with wit and warmth. Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke (1997) became the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time. Then in 2001 came Spirited Away, which broke every Japanese box office record, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and announced Ghibli as a world-class institution.

Expansion and Transition (2002-2013)

After Spirited Away, Ghibli expanded its ambitions. Howl's Moving Castle (2004) and Ponyo (2008) were major commercial successes. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010), directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, demonstrated that the studio could develop new directing talent. Miyazaki's The Wind Rises and Takahata's The Tale of Princess Kaguya (both 2013) were announced as their final films.

The Studio Today

After a brief announced hiatus, Ghibli returned with new projects. Miyazaki emerged from retirement to direct The Boy and the Heron (2023), which became his most successful film in a decade. The studio continues to be the benchmark against which all animated filmmaking is measured.

Shopping the Ghibli Universe

At Totoro Shop, we carry official licensed merchandise across the full Ghibli catalogue. Browse our collections by film: My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, Laputa and many more.

Also read our biography of Hayao Miyazaki, our My Neighbor Totoro guide and our gift guide for serious Ghibli collectors.