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In an era when anime’s global appeal is soaring, the thought of Hayao Miyazaki’s potential retirement already sends ripples of uncertainty across the industry. Miyazaki; the creative genius behindSpirited Away,Howl’s Moving Castle, and many more Studio Ghibli films, has long been regarded as the guardian of meaningful storytelling in anime.
However, one particular element of anime will suffer a great loss if Miyazaki really retires: the depiction of empowered and dynamic female characters. With industry giants like Eiichiro Oda and Tite Kubo embracing narratives filled with battles and often leaning into hypersexualized portrayals of female characters, the absence of Miyazaki’s voice could leave a void in anime that no one is ready to fill.
Hayao Miyazaki’s world: Female portrayal done right
One ofHayao Miyazaki‘s greatest contributions to anime is his portrayal of female protagonists who are not defined by their gender norms but by their character. From Nausicaä inNausicaä of the Valley of the Windto Chihiro inSpirited Awayand Sophie inHowl’s Moving Castle, Miyazaki’s heroines are strong-willed, resourceful, and resilient. Yet, their strength is balanced with a deep sense of compassion and humanity.
For instance, inNausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Nausicaä fights for peace and harmony not through violence but through understanding and connection. Her bravery lies in her unwavering commitment to protecting both her people and the natural world.
Chihiro fromSpirited Away, despite being a 10-year-old girl, embarks on a journey of courage and self-discovery, navigating the spirit world with loyalty and wit, gradually becoming stronger and more mature. InHowl’s Moving Castle, Sophie learns to embrace her transformation into an elderly woman, showcasing that beauty and strength come from within, challenging the notion associated with women’s physical appearance.
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Moreover, be it San fromPrincess Mononoke, Kiki fromKiki’s Delivery Service, or Arrietty fromThe Secret World of Arrietty— all portray distinct strength and wisdom; which doesn’t feel over-the-top yet stray away from the annoying trope of damsel in distresses. Each depicts the journeys of realistic and grounded women instead of treating them as mere eye candies.
The anime industry without Hayao Miyazaki
Hayao Miyazaki’s worksstand in stark contrast to much of the anime industry, particularly the Shonen, where female characters are often relegated to fan service or treated as accessories to male protagonists. By avoiding over-sexualization, Miyazaki creates heroines who are relatable, real, and inspiring. This approach challenges the pervasive objectification of women in anime and offers a refreshing perspective in a medium often criticized for its gender stereotypes.
While series likeOne PieceandBleachhave made monumental contributions to anime, they also highlight the industry’s reliance on tropes that undermine female characters.Eiichiro Oda‘sOne Piece, for example, features a rich world and complex male characters but frequently reduces its female cast to exaggerated physical features and stereotypical roles. Similarly,Tite Kubo‘sBleachoften sidelines its female characters, making them secondary to the male-dominated narrative.
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While the scene has quite changed in recent years, therole of female characters in major Shonenseries is still trivial compared to their male counterparts. Anime likeJujutsu KaisenorDemon Slayerare prime examples of this, as despite having capable female characters, refuse to give the same importance as they give to the male characters.
Thus, If Hayao Miyazaki retires, anime could lose one of its most principled and visionary creators. Without creators like him, there’s a real danger that the industry could lean further into exploitative trends, prioritizing profit over artistry.
While some creators like Mamoru Hosoda and Makoto Shinkai have explored meaningful narratives, few have matched Miyazaki’s dedication to creating empowering female characters and challenging industry norms. For the sake of anime’s future, one can only hope that the torch he carried will inspire the next generation of creators to follow his path.
Studio Ghibli films are currently available to watch on Netflix.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
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Eiichiro OdaHayao MiyazakiStudio GhibliTite Kubo
