Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese cartoon firm known for films such as “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke,” has announced that it is selling a controlling stake to Japanese broadcaster Nippon Television (NTV). This deal will make NTV the largest shareholder of Studio Ghibli with 42.3% of voting rights.
The decision to sell a stake in Studio Ghibli comes as a result of the issue of succession within the company. Director Miyazaki Hayao, who is now 82 years old, and producer Suzuki Toshio, who is 75, have been looking for a successor to the studio for some time. Miyazaki Goro, the eldest son of founder Miyazaki Hayao and a director himself, has been mentioned as a possible successor. However, he declined the position, believing it would be better to leave the future of the company in the hands of others.
The relationship between Studio Ghibli and Nippon Television spans over three decades, with NTV broadcasting several of Miyazaki Hayao’s films and supporting the establishment of the Ghibli Museum in Japan’s Mitaka. The two companies have worked together in a respectful manner, which led to discussions about NTV’s involvement in Studio Ghibli’s management.
Last year, Studio Ghibli’s producer Suzuki and Nippon Television’s chairman and executive officer Sugiyama Mikuni met to discuss the future of Ghibli. Suzuki proposed that NTV help with the management of Studio Ghibli, allowing the studio to focus on making movies. Sugiyama agreed to consider this positively, stating that supporting Ghibli’s works and protecting the environment in which they can continue creating movies was important.
Both Studio Ghibli and Nippon Television expressed their confidence that this partnership would protect Studio Ghibli’s values and brand while ensuring its continued success.
In other news, Studio Ghibli’s recent film “The Boy and the Heron” has been released in Japan with moderate success. The film had a limited marketing campaign and has received mixed reviews. It has earned $57.4 million (JPY8.16 billion) from 5.46 million ticket sales, placing it 79th on the all-time box office chart in Japan. To reach the top of the Studio Ghibli ranking, it will need to surpass the 59th placed film “Arietty” with JPY9.25 billion.
Internationally, “The Boy and the Heron” is just starting its festival run, with screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival and upcoming appearances at the San Sebastian Film Festival, New York Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, and the BFI London Film Festival. It is set for commercial release in the US on December 8 through Gkids.
Miyazaki Hayao, the director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has been a highly influential figure in the animation industry. He was honored with an honorary award at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Awards in 2014. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures also dedicated a special exhibit to his artwork when it opened in September 2021.
Studio Ghibli continues to expand its presence outside of films. Last year, they opened a theme park based on Miyazaki’s works, featuring rides and attractions inspired by his films such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Princess Mononoke.” Additionally, a stage adaptation of “My Neighbor Totoro” by the Royal Shakespeare Company debuted in London, UK.