Shuppatsu Ten 1979-1996 is a volume of Hayao Miyazaki's memoirs which covers the crucial years before and during the Studio Ghibli era. It was published in Japan some years ago, and is now being translated and published by Viz Media, set for release in July.
This is a sprawling work, very much Miyazaki, and should become essential reading for all fans. Included are essays on his films and television productions, talks, lectures, work submitted to various publications, and so on. This is Miyazaki's most fertile period, spanning from his first directoral feature - Castle of Cagliostro in 1979 - to the founding and rise of Studio Ghibli to his sprawling Nausicaa epic.
Starting Point is not necessarily a film book, nor is it simply a behind-the-scenes look at his movies. Rather, this is a look into the mind of Miyazaki, his worldview, his beliefs, his thoughts. He discusses such topics as his childhood and relationship with his father; his critique of Japan's "God of Manga" Osamu Tezuka; and his short manga, Kuuchuu de Oshokuji (The Air Meal).
At 500 pages, Starting Point 1979-1996 will prove an invaluable resouce for movie lovers and scholars and anyone interested in truly understanding Hayao Miyazaki. There are a number of similar books in Japan about Miyazaki and Isao Takahata which deserve to be seen. I hope Viz Media continues to translate and share these great works with the West.
You can pre-order at Amazon here.
2 comments:
Can you believe that this is being translated and published in the United States?! I was pleasantly shocked to see this. I've seen this book many times at stores here in Tokyo, but my Japanese is no where up to snuff to read the darn thing. I just assumed I wouldn't be able to read this any time soon. How I was wrong!
Brilliant! Thanks for the good news. It sounds like an excellent read.
Can't wait.
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