Isao Takahata

Where to watch Isao Takahata

• Grave of the FirefliesMovie · 1988

Biography

Isao Takahata (October 29, 1935 – April 5, 2018), co-founder of Studio Ghibli, was one of the most famous directors of Japanese animated films. Unlike most anime directors, he did not draw and never worked as an animator before becoming a director. For the first two decades of his career from the 1960s to the 1980s, Takahata worked primarily as director for anime television. In 1985 he and his long-time collaborative partner Hayao Miyazaki formed Studio Ghibli with Toshio Suzuki and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. From that point, his career transitioned into producing, directing, and writing films for Studio Ghibli. He is known for his five feature length anime films released under Ghibli, Grave of the Fireflies (1988), Only Yesterday (1991), Pom Poko (1994), My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999) and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013).

Filmography

1. 2026The Story of Yanagawa Waterwaysas Self · Director · Screenplay
2. 2025Hotaru no Haka to Takahata Isao to 7-satsu no Nōtoas Self (archive footage)
3. 2025Miyazaki, Spirit of Natureas Self (archive footage)
4. 2024Hayao Miyazaki and the Heronas Self (archive fotage)
5. 20232399 Days with Hayao Miyazaki & Studio Ghiblias Self
6. 201910 Years with Hayao Miyazakias Self · 4 episodes
7. 2018NHK Image File: I Want To Meet This Person - Isao Takahata, Animation Film Directoras Self (archive footage)
8. 2016The Red TurtleProducer
9. 2015Hyohyo: Dear Mr. Yasuo Otsukaas Self
10. 2014Isao Takahata and His Tale of The Princess Kaguyaas Self
11. 2014Anne of Green Gables Digest VersionDirector · Writer
12. 2014Ghibli Landscapes - Visit 'Japan' as Depicted by Isao Takahataas Self
13. 2013The Tale of The Princess KaguyaDirector · Screenplay
14. 2013The Kingdom of Dreams and Madnessas Self
15. 2011Ghibli Landscapes - A Journey to Encounter Directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki's Starting Pointas Self
16. 2011Japanese Cinema: New Territoriesas Self
17. 2010Ghibli's Bookshelfas Self
18. 2007A Ghibli Artisan - Kazuo Oga Exhibition - The One Who Drew Totoro's Forestas Self
19. 2005Hayao Miyazaki and the Ghibli Museumas Self
20. 2005Ghibli and The Miyazaki Mysteryas Self - Interviewee
21. 2004Yasuo Ōtsuka's Joy in Motionas Self
22. 2003Winter DaysDirector
23. 2003Paul Grimault, image par imageas Self
24. 2003The Birth of Studio Ghibli
25. 2002The Cat Returns - Making ofas Self
26. 2000Super TV: Frontline Information 15 Months of Exclusive Coverage! The Secret Behind "My Neighbors the Yamadas"
27. 1999The World, The Journey Of My Heart - Traveler: Animation Film Director Isao Takahataas Self
28. 1999My Neighbors the YamadasDirector · Screenplay
29. 1998How Ghibli Was Bornas Self
30. 1994Pom PokoDirector · Writer
31. 1993Heidi: Girl of the Alps: Heidi and ClaraDirector
32. 1993Heidi: Girl of the Alps: Mt. AlmDirector
33. 1991The Making of Only Yesterdayas Self
34. 1991Only YesterdayDirector · Screenplay
35. 1990Anne of Green Gables: Road to Green GablesDirector · Writer
36. 1988Grave of the FirefliesDirector · Screenplay
37. 1988AuProducer
38. 1986Castle in the SkyProducer
39. 1985NHK Educational TV Specialas Self · 1 episode
40. 1984Warriors of the WindProducer
41. 1982Gauche the CellistDirector · Screenplay
42. 1981Chie the BratDirector · Writer
43. 19803000 Leagues in Search of Mother: The MovieDirector · Screenplay
44. 1979The Story of HeidiDirector
45. 1979Anne of Green GablesWriter · Director
46. 1978Future Boy ConanDirector
47. 1977Heidi in the CityDirector
48. 1976母をたずねて三千里Creator
49. 19763000 Leagues in Search of MotherDirector
50. 1975Laura, the Prairie GirlCreator
51. 1974Heidi in the MountainsDirector
52. 1974Heidi: Girl of the AlpsDirector
53. 1973Panda! Go Panda!: Rainy Day CircusDirector
54. 1972Yuki's SunWriter
55. 1972Panda! Go Panda!Director
56. 1972Panda! Go Panda!Director
57. 1971Lupin the 3rdDirector
58. 1968Horus: Prince of the SunDirector
59. 1964Wolf Boy Ken: Scared by a Ghost: The Greatest Operation in the JungleDirector