Today we mourn the death of the legendary anime director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Isao Takahata. Mr. Takahata has passed away today on April 05, 2018 at a hospital in Tokyo. According to reports, Mr. Takahata’s health has been on the decline since last summer resulting in frequent hospitalization. Due to severe heart conditions, Mr. Takahata has passed away at the age of 82.
Mr. Takahata has lived a life bringing joy to many through his excellent directing as the co-founder of Studio Ghibli. Isao Takahata’s career first began when he originally animated for Toei Douga in 1959 after graduating from the University of Tokyo. Twenty-six years later, Mr. Takahata and his long-time collaborator, Hayao Miyazaki, founded Studio Ghibli. Since then, the studio, along with Isao Takahata, has brought us many masterpieces that will be treasured for decades to come.
Mr. Takahata’s most famous pieces of work are Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974), Grave of the Fireflies (1988), Pom Poko (1994), and The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013). Through Mr. Takahata’s work, his legacy as a legendary director and producer will live on forever.
Though his death may be sad, we should not forget that he has brought happiness to so many through his beautiful works. For that, may you rest in peace, Mr. Takahata. You will be missed, but you will never be forgotten.
