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TL;DR
- Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has been awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, known as Asia’s Nobel Prize, for his contributions to the arts.
- The award recognizes Miyazaki’s ability to address complex issues like environmental conservation through his animated films, making them accessible to young audiences.
- Miyazaki’s illustrious career includes two Academy Awards for “Spirited Away” and “The Boy and the Heron,” alongside numerous international accolades.
- The Ramon Magsaysay Award, given by the Philippines, honors exceptional contributions in public service, the arts, leadership, and government service.
Renowned Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki has been awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize, in recognition of his significant contributions to animated cinema. The announcement was made by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, based in Manila, Philippines, which also selected three other individuals and one organization as this year’s recipients. The award ceremony is scheduled to be held in Manila in November.
Miyazaki, co-founder of the iconic Studio Ghibli, is celebrated for his ability to address complex themes such as environmental conservation and peace in a manner that resonates with audiences of all ages. His films, including “Spirited Away,” “Princess Mononoke,” and “The Boy and the Heron,” are known for their gentle yet profound storytelling, often featuring meticulously hand-drawn visuals. The foundation praised him for using art to help children understand intricate issues, highlighting his lifelong commitment to animation as a medium to illuminate the human condition.
Miyazaki, who was born in Tokyo in 1941, began his career as an animator in 1963 after studying economics and political science. Over the decades, he has crafted numerous beloved films that have garnered international acclaim. His work often explores themes of pacifism and environmentalism, reflecting his own experiences growing up in post-World War II Japan. In his essay A Pig, the State and War: Porco Rosso, author Daisuke Akimoto described “Spirited Away” as anti-war propaganda, emphasizing its messages of anti-fascism and pacifism.
This award adds to Miyazaki’s illustrious list of accolades. He has previously been honored with two Academy Awards, the first in 2003 for “Spirited Away” and the second for “The Boy and the Heron” at the 96th Academy Awards ceremony in March 2024. His work has also been recognized by the Japan Academy Film Prizes, Annie Awards, and Time Magazine.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award, established in 1957 in honor of the former president of the Philippines, celebrates individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to society. This year, alongside Miyazaki, the award honors the Rural Doctors’ Movement of Thailand, Vietnamese advocate Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, Bhutanese scholar Karma Phuntsho, and Indonesian environmentalist Farwiza Farhan.
Miyazaki’s recognition with the Ramon Magsaysay Award underscores his influence as one of the greatest animators and directors of our time, whose films continue to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.
Source: The Daily Star
