Nippon Television Broadcasting Network, known as “Nippon Television,” officially announced its acquisition of shares in Studio Ghibli, solidifying its position as a subsidiary. The resolutions for this acquisition were unanimously passed in board meetings held by both companies on the same day.
The move comes at a pivotal moment for Studio Ghibli, with its revered director, Hayao Miyazaki, at the age of 82, and producer Toshio Suzuki at 75. The question of succession, a longstanding concern, has become increasingly urgent.
Goro Miyazaki, the eldest son of founder Hayao Miyazaki and an accomplished animation director in his own right, has been considered as a potential successor to Studio Ghibli. However, Goro Miyazaki firmly declined, stating, “It’s challenging to carry the weight of Ghibli alone, and it would be better to entrust the company’s future to others.” While producer Suzuki supported Goro Miyazaki, director Hayao Miyazaki held reservations about continuing to oversee Studio Ghibli under the name “Miyazaki.”
In light of these circumstances, Studio Ghibli explored various options for external management succession. Ultimately, the decision was reached to move forward with Nippon Television, with whom the studio has shared a longstanding and close-knit relationship, resulting in the establishment of this subsidiary.
Last year, in response to a proposal from Producer Suzuki, suggesting, “In order for Ghibli to maintain its focus on filmmaking, could Nippon Television assist with its management?” Mikuni Sugiyama, Representative Director, Chairman, and Executive Officer of Nippon Television, responded, “We will continue to do so in the future.” He expressed a positive commitment to support Ghibli’s artistic endeavors and preserve an environment conducive to the studio’s continued cinematic creations, which ultimately triggered this significant development.
Since Nippon Television first aired Hayao Miyazaki’s “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” in 1985, it has consistently featured Studio Ghibli films through its film program, Friday Roadshow. Additionally, Nippon Television has played a role in funding film production since Miyazaki’s “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989), and has been instrumental in the establishment of the “Mitaka Ghibli Museum,” which opened its doors in 2001. This history of collaboration underscores the deep-rooted partnership between Nippon Television and Ghibli.
With this subsidiary status, Nippon Television will become Studio Ghibli’s principal shareholder, holding 42.3% of voting rights, and will enter into an agreement to support Studio Ghibli’s management and dispatch executives. Meanwhile, Studio Ghibli’s artistic autonomy will be upheld, allowing the studio to continue its core focus on animated film production and overseeing the operations of the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park.
The distribution of Studio Ghibli works on Hulu, operated by a Nippon Television subsidiary, remains undecided in the Japanese market.
