Things We Saw Today: Happy Birthday Hayao Miyazaki

That loud gasp followed by a long sigh of relief you heard this morning comes courtesy of Twitter, where Hayao Miyazaki was trending. But don’t worry, he’s okay! It’s the Studio Ghibli co-founder’s 78th birthday, and fans were paying tribute to the iconic artist and anime filmmaker.

Miyazaki is the creator behind such iconic Japanese animated films as Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, just to name a few. His works have earned a devoted following all over the world, and are so popular that they have inspired an upcoming Studio Ghibli theme park, set to open in 2022 in Nagakute, Japan.

Miyazaki’s films are known not just for their stunning animation, but for their poignant and challenging subject matter. His films frequently touch on environmentalism, feminism, identity, and family with a haunting effect that lingers long after the movie ends. Fan took to Twitter to celebrate the auteur.

What is your favorite Miyazaki film? Let us know in the comments (I will never not be wrecked by Spirited Away).

(image:Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

• Matt Reeves’ The Batman is set to film in November, but still no word on whether Ben Affleck will reprise his role as the Caped Crusader. (via Collider)
• Mark Hamill revealed that, thanks to a heatwave, the pilots in Star Wars didn’t wear pants. Rebel Alliance: they’re just like us! (via CBR)
• Brie Larson enjoys a cookie after a hard workout. See, she’s just like us! (via Twitter)
See more

275lbs —> @WhatsGabyCookin 🍪 pic.twitter.com/uvIHeybVCF

— Brie Larson (@brielarson) January 4, 2019

• The LEGO Lord of the Rings game has gone missing and fans are upset. Have they checked Gollum’s cave? (via Blastr)

Happy first Saturday of 2019, Mary Suevians!

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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