Hayao Miyazaki on creativity versus logic, being true to one’s heart, and the hassle of film making

During ten years, Kaku Arakawa filmed legendary Hayao Miyazaki at work

Kiki’s Delivery Service, Hayao Miyazaki. Ghibli, 1989.

The result is a four episode documentary. You can watch it for free on nhk.

Throughout these years, we get a chance to see Hayao Miyazaki at work. From Ponyo on the cliff, in 2006 to the release of The Wind Rises in 2013. It is a pure joy to watch. Packed with wisdom embedded in the daily studio life of the director, it conveys not only an authentic, humble and thrilling take on creative processes, but also on how to live one’s life.

Logical storylines sacrifice creativity

“10 years with Hayao Miyazaki” — Episode 1, Kaku Arakawa, 2019. NHK // Ponyo, Hayao Miyazaki, 2008. Ghibli

In the first episode, the director is working on Ponyo. What I love the most is the way he gently, intuitively, visually lets the story emerge.

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“Easy-to-understand movies are boring. Logical storylines sacrifice creativity. I’m all about breaking conventions…