Summary Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary co-founder of Studio Ghibli, which is known for its children's anime films, has stated that children should not watch anime. Miyazaki has long been revered for his unique ability to create films with a blend of profound storytelling and enchanting animation. His films, such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and My Neighbor Totoro are loved and celebrated by a dedicated fanbase worldwide for their artistic beauty and deep thematic content.
He stated that anime, "Gobbles children for breakfast and robs them of their time and their freedom far too much. I realize that I belong to part of that contradiction, but I think that one great animated film per year is perfectly plenty for a child." Miyazaki's Concern for Children's Health Hayao Miyazaki Does Not Want Anime To Affect Children's Wellbeing Miyazaki's critique of anime stems from his genuine concern for the physical and mental well-being of children. He highlights the passive nature of sitting and watching television, saying that it distracts children from more active, imaginative play.
Miyazaki's Films Tackle Mature Themes Despite the Target Demogrpahic Being Younger Audiences, Miyazaki Isn't Afraid To Tackle Darker Subjects Close These anime films, while lighthearted and aimed at a younger audience, still carry significant weight in terms of the themes that they explore. My Neighbor Totoro for instance, dives into themes of environmentalism, the power of imagination, and coping with family illness.