The legendary Isao Takahata finally has a comprehensive exhibition of his work in anime, and it is both poignant as it is fascinating.
Takahata was one of the co-founders of Studio Ghibli, along with Hayao Miyazaki, with whom he often collaborated. While Takahata sadly died in 2018, his work is very much with us, as this exhibition shows.
Much of Ghibli’s early output was cemented through Takahata’s involvement and steady hand. He was a producer on both Nausicaä and Laputa, and his expertise is also very much present in the pre-Ghibli but still amazing Future Boy Conan.
Being a very talented director and screenwriter in his own right, Takahata would also mark out his own career in anime.
For many, though, it’s his 1988 film, Grave of the Fireflies, that many really know him for. Dealing with the horrific reality of children attempting to survive the Second World War in Japan, it’s a truly harrowing tale.
Isao Takahata is a legendary figure in anime.
Ollie Barder
So, this exhibition has an enormous amount of ground to cover, which it does with respectful thoroughness.
From how Takahata started out in anime, to his work on early famous anime movies and popular TV shows, you really get to see how diligent and capable Takahata really was at managing these productions.
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From Heidi to Anne of Green Gables, Takahata cemented himself as a genuinely wholesome and thoughtful anime director. I also feel that, along with Yoshiyuki Tomino, Takahata’s contribution to Future Boy Conan is what makes it so remarkable.
So, if you’re in Tokyo and want to pay your respects to Takahata’s impressive body of work, this exhibition comes very much recommended.
The Isao Takahata Exhibition is now open to the public at the Azabudai Hills Gallery in Tokyo. Tickets start at 2,000 yen (or around $14 at the current exchange rate) and it will run until September 15.
Isao Takahata
Ollie Barder
Isao Takahata Exhibition Gallery
Location: Azabudai Hills Gallery
Duration: June 27th – September 15th
Entrance: 2,000 yen
Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.
AloJapan.com