Professional Luncheon,
Hayao Miyazaki,
Animated Film Director

The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.

Hayao Miyazaki is often described as Japan's Walt Disney. He is Japan's most　successful contemporary filmmaker and the world's most influential animator.

His 2001 film, "Spirited Away," the story of a haunted theme park, smashed every box office record in Japan. It went on to scoop both a Golden Bear at the 2002 Berlin Film Festival, and a 2003 Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.

Born in 1941 in Tokyo, Miyazaki graduated from Gakushuin University in 1963 to join the Toei Animation Company. In 1985 he co-founded Studio Ghibli with fellow director Isao Takahata, and has directed nine feature films since. Miyazaki was awarded the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2005 Venice Film Festival. His latest film, "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea," was released in Japan this July.

Miyazaki's films are often told from the perspective of child protagonists but touch on themes of striking adult complexity, such as environmental destruction, feminism, war, pacifism, good and evil. Come to the FCCJ for a rare chance to hear a giant of animation discuss his art.

Sandwich Plate: Pork cutlet with mustard sauce & lettuce on toasted white bread with pickles.
Hot Plate: Sauteed Hokkaido salmon with tomato, caper, anchovy and cucumber marinade, seasonal salad & bread.

Hayao Miyazaki