The Harsh Quotes of Hayao Miyazaki

Written by Gill Princen

Hayao Miyazaki is a hero to many, a creator of visual childhood dreams that soothe the soul and transport us to wholesome and magical worlds. This revered Japanese anime and manga writer, animator, and director is renowned for his deeply reflective, often dark, and profoundly insightful quotes. His creations on human nature, filmmaking, and life provide a window into the mind of a creative genius whose works have touched millions. In this article, we delve into some of Miyazaki’s most memorable and, at times, harsh and melancholic quotes.

1. “Today, all of humanity’s dreams are cursed somehow. Beautiful yet cursed dreams.”

From Ghibli documentary The Kingdom of Dreams & Madness, following Miyazaki during the production of The Wind Rises. This paradoxical statement suggests that while dreams and aspirations are inherently beautiful, they are often tainted by the harsh realities of life. Miyazaki’s films frequently explore the tension between idealism and reality, highlighting the challenges of achieving one’s dreams.

In this case Miyazaki specifically refers to engineers and inventors, who often begin with the idea of creating something groundbreaking to realize a dream, only to see that dream inevitably turned into a tool for industrial civilization. He explores this theme in The Wind Rises, where protagonist Jiro grapples with the dual challenge of achieving his dream to build the first full metal airplane while knowing it will be used for warfare.

2. “Over here is the chest I keep my hopes and dreams in. It’s empty.”

A quote like this prompts us to question Hayao Miyazaki’s perspective on life, as his words often sharply contrast with the whimsical dreamworlds he creates. In his stories, hope and dreams are always central themes, making us wonder why Miyazaki doesn’t seem to embody that same idealism in his own outlook. 

This disparity almost suggests a sense of disillusionment and perhaps a loss of idealism, implying that dreams and hopes often remain unfulfilled. This contrast between his personal reflections and the enchanting realms he builds adds a complex layer to understanding his work and worldview.

3. “I don’t ever feel happy in my daily life.”

Miyazaki’s admission of never feeling happy in his daily life has been recorded a couple of times. Often due to the context this reflects a deep sense of dissatisfaction and a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Miyazaki is known as a ruthless personality in the studio, often pushing his animators to their limits to bring his vision to life. This drive for perfection is evident in the meticulous detail and care in his films. It serves as a reminder that even those who create beautiful, uplifting works can become so consumed by realization of a unique vision and the pursuit of perfection that it leads to inner turmoil.

4. “Filmmaking only brings suffering.”

Miyazaki’s reflection on the suffering involved in filmmaking reveals the intense labor and emotional investment required in the creative process. Despite the joy his films bring to audiences, the creation process is fraught with challenges and hardships. On an emotional level it’s already clear that Hayao Miyazaki often pushes himself to the limit, trying to capture his vision with every creation he brings forth.

Japanese animators are known to put in absurdly long hours to create the anime masterpieces we love, and Miyazaki is no different. Sometimes we need a reality check in life to realize we’re in it too deep. For Hayao Miyazaki, this reality check came when Ghibli animator and director Yoshifumi Kondo passed away due to aortic dissection, which is said to have been caused by excess work. This incident is believed to be the main reason behind Miyazaki's announcement of retirement in 1998.

5. “The future is clear. It’s going to fall apart.”

The pessimistic quotes from the creator of dreams continue to pile up, suggesting that Hayao Miyazaki, despite crafting the most wholesome worlds on screen, might not have been the most cheerful person to be around.

As a stark and pessimistic view of the future, this quote reflects Miyazaki’s concerns about environmental degradation and societal issues. His films often carry a warning about the consequences of human actions, urging viewers to reconsider their impact on the world.

6. “I strongly feel that it is an insult to life itself.”

This  quote was made in response to witnessing a demo of AI-generated animation. The presentation showed humanoid characters moving in grotesque and unnatural ways, such as using their heads as feet. Miyazaki's reaction was intensely negative. He expressed his disgust, stating that the animation lacked an understanding of human pain and sensitivity, and thus devalued the sanctity of life.

Miyazaki's deep-seated belief in the sanctity and complexity of life is a recurring theme in his films, which often highlight respect for nature and the human experience. His strong reaction to AI-generated animation underscores his commitment to these values and his concern that technology, when used without a deep understanding of life, can lead to a loss of humanity and creativity​.

7. “No cuts.”

“No Cuts.” is  famously linked to a confrontation between Hayao Miyazaki and Harvey Weinstein over the American release of Princess Mononoke. Weinstein, known for his heavy-handed approach to editing films for Western audiences, wanted to make significant cuts to the film to enhance its commercial appeal. However, Miyazaki and his producer Toshio Suzuki were adamantly opposed to any alterations. In a dramatic gesture to underscore their position, Studio Ghibli sent Weinstein a katana with a note that read "No cuts," symbolizing their unwavering commitment to preserving the film's artistic integrity.

This incident has since become legendary, highlighting Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's dedication to maintaining creative control over their work. Miyazaki later recounted the story with pride, emphasizing the importance of respecting the original vision of the creators. 

8. “The villains are all parts of me.”

Hayao Miyazaki’s statement reveals his unique approach to creating antagonists by imbuing them with human traits and complexities. This method allows him to craft villains that are relatable and multi-dimensional, reflecting aspects of his own personality and struggles.

For instance, Lady Eboshi in Princess Mononoke is portrayed not just as an exploiter of resources but also as a compassionate leader who cares for marginalized individuals. This complexity encourages audiences to see her motivations and ethical dilemmas, rather than viewing her simply as evil.

9. “He’s just not a man yet.”

It’s no secret that Hayao Miyazaki holds a harsh and critical stance towards his son, Gorō Miyazaki, especially during the premiere of Gorō's directorial debut, Tales from Earthsea. When Hayao Miyazaki walked out of the premiere, his comment, "He’s just not a man yet," underscored his disappointment and critical perspective on Gorō's work. This incident is emblematic of Hayao's high standards and uncompromising expectations, even towards his own family.

Hayao Miyazaki's critical nature and commitment to excellence are well-documented, and this moment illustrates his dedication to authenticity and quality in art. Despite Gorō's significant achievement in completing his first film, his father's reaction was a stark reminder of the challenges in living up to the legacy of a renowned filmmaker​.

10. "I would like to make a film to tell children 'it's good to be alive.'"

No comments here, let’s just end on a positive note.

Hayao Miyazaki’s quotes provide profound insights into his worldview and creative philosophy. His reflections on happiness, society, nature, and filmmaking reveal the complexities of a mind deeply engaged with both the beauty and the darkness of human existence. Through his films and words, Miyazaki continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.

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