Hayao Miyazaki’s legacy at Studio Ghibli is one of groundbreaking storytelling, with his films touching on profound themes of life, nature, and the human condition.
But as Ghibli looks to the future, the question of who will succeed him has sparked much debate.
While many fans point to Makoto Shinkai as the natural successor, a lesser-known animator may actually be the key to Ghibli’s future: Naoko Yamada.
Yamada, known for her work on K-On!, Tamako Market, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, brings a unique perspective to animation.
Her approach to characters, treating them as real people rather than imaginary figures, sets her apart from other animators.
In a recent interview, she explained how she strives to understand her characters’ perspectives, making them feel lifelike and deeply relatable.
This philosophy aligns closely with Miyazaki’s own approach to storytelling, where characters are often at the heart of the narrative.
While Makoto Shinkai, with his stunning films like Your Name and Suzume, is a prominent figure in the animation world, Yamada’s more personal, character-driven style might be a better fit for continuing the Ghibli tradition.
However, Ghibli’s history of creative differences with its animators suggests that both Shinkai and Yamada could face challenges in maintaining their creative freedom within the studio’s structure.
Ultimately, both Shinkai and Yamada are brilliant in their own right, but it may be Yamada’s deep understanding of character and her more grounded approach that makes her the true heir to Miyazaki’s legacy.