Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Studio Chizu

Studio Chizu is a , officially known as CHIZU, Inc., specializing in feature-length animated films that explore innovative themes for audiences of all ages. Founded in April 2011 by acclaimed director and producer Yuichiro Saito, the studio is headquartered in Suginami-ku, , and serves as Hosoda's primary production base. The name "Chizu," meaning "map" in , was chosen by Hosoda to symbolize the studio's mission of charting new territories in animation storytelling. Established during the production of Hosoda's breakthrough film , Studio Chizu embodies a spirit of adventure and self-reliance, aiming to create works that resonate with both children and adults through fresh motifs and emotional depth. Key personnel include animation directors Takaaki Yamashita, formerly of , and Kazutaka Ozaki from Studio Wombat, who contribute to the studio's high-quality craftsmanship. Under Saito's leadership as CEO, the studio has maintained a focused output, prioritizing original feature films over television series. The studio's filmography is dominated by Hosoda's directorial projects, beginning with (2012), which depicted a mother's struggles raising half-wolf children and earned critical acclaim for its heartfelt narrative. This was followed by (2015), a coming-of-age tale blending fantasy and training, and Mirai (2018), a time-bending family story nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. Belle (2021) marked the studio's most commercially successful release to date, grossing ¥6.53 billion in and earning selection for the Cannes Film Festival's section. Looking ahead, Studio Chizu's latest project, , directed by Hosoda, is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025, continuing the studio's tradition of imaginative, emotionally resonant animation.

History

Founding and establishment

Studio Chizu was co-founded by director and producer Yuichiro Saito in April 2011 in Suginami-ku, Tokyo, as a private kabushiki kaisha (KK) company. The studio's establishment occurred amid the production of Hosoda's film , marking a pivotal shift toward endeavors. This venture was motivated by Hosoda's desire for greater creative autonomy following his successful tenure at , where he had directed acclaimed works such as (2009), providing the impetus to build a dedicated space for his visionary projects. The name "Chizu," meaning "map" in , was chosen by Hosoda to symbolize the studio's commitment to charting unexplored territories in and delving into the personal journeys of its characters. Positioned as an "auteur's studio," Studio Chizu was designed to center Hosoda's directorial vision, allowing for focused storytelling without the constraints of larger production houses. Saito, who had previously collaborated with Hosoda at on films like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) and , played a key role in transitioning these ties into the new entity, leveraging his production expertise to establish operational foundations. Early setup presented challenges typical of independent animation ventures, including securing resources in a volatile industry landscape. The decision to found the studio was partly driven by Madhouse's financial instability and the risk of acquisition, prompting Hosoda and Saito to create a more secure environment for sustained creativity. As a small operation, Studio Chizu faced vulnerabilities such as limited infrastructure, which could disrupt production—exemplified by sensitivities to external factors like weather events—but Saito's efforts in resource allocation helped navigate these initial hurdles to enable independent output.

Major milestones and partnerships

Studio Chizu completed and released its debut feature film, Wolf Children, in 2012, which served as the studio's inaugural project and solidified its transition to full operational independence under the direction of Mamoru Hosoda. In 2014, the studio formed a key partnership with French production and distribution company Gaumont to handle international distribution and provide co-production support for upcoming projects, beginning with The Boy and the Beast (2015). Throughout the , Studio Chizu expanded through successive film productions, achieving financial stability via strong performances that enabled greater self-funding; for instance, grossed approximately $49 million in , while Mirai (2018) and Belle (2021) further bolstered the studio's resources with worldwide earnings exceeding $65 million for the latter. By 2025, following the global success of Belle, the studio had grown its infrastructure and staff to support larger-scale productions, culminating in preparations for , a co-production and co-financed project with and that marked a significant international alliance for worldwide distribution.

Organization and staff

Leadership and key personnel

Studio Chizu was co-founded in 2011 by director and producer Yuichiro Saito, who have remained the central figures in its leadership since inception. Hosoda serves as the primary director and creative head, overseeing all major projects and artistic decisions, drawing from his extensive experience directing acclaimed animated films such as Wolf Children (2012), (2015), Mirai (2018), and Belle (2021). Yuichiro Saito acts as CEO and lead , managing business operations, securing funding, and negotiating international distribution deals for the studio's output. Since joining in 1999, Saito has produced every Hosoda-directed feature from The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) onward, including recent efforts like the upcoming (2025), where he continues to represent Studio Chizu in production partnerships. Among other key personnel, animation directors Takaaki Yamashita and Kazutaka Ozaki play pivotal roles in the studio's film pipelines. Yamashita, who collaborated with Hosoda at Toei Animation before the studio's founding, has served as a key animator, layout artist, and animation director on projects including Wolf Children and Belle, ensuring consistency in visual storytelling. Ozaki contributes as animation co-director and key animator, with credits on Hosoda's Summer Wars (2009) and Belle, as well as external works like Studio Ghibli's The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013), bringing specialized expertise to Chizu's production processes. The studio's leadership has evolved minimally since 2011, maintaining its core duo of Hosoda and Saito at the helm, with Yamashita and Ozaki as longstanding creative contributors through 2025; no major hires or structural changes have been reported, allowing focus on Hosoda's visionary projects.

Facilities and operations

Studio Chizu is headquartered in the Amanuma district of Suginami-ku, , . The studio was established in April 2011 by director and producer Yuichiro Saito during the production of , serving as a dedicated base for planning and producing animation films. As a small-to-medium studio, Studio Chizu operates with a core in-house team of key personnel to maintain continuity and availability for projects, while collaborating with external animation directors from other facilities such as and Studio Wombat for specialized contributions. This structure allows the studio to handle feature-length productions through a self-reliant model focused on internal planning and execution, supplemented by targeted partnerships. Under CEO Yuichiro Saito's oversight, operations prioritize creating a supportive environment for creators to develop high-quality films. The studio's daily workflows encompass planning, pipelines managed by in-house and collaborating teams, and finishing, enabling efficient handling of complex projects. By 2025, Studio Chizu has expanded its capacity to independently produce and release multiple theatrical , including upcoming works such as , demonstrating sustained growth in operational scale.

Creative approach

Studio philosophy

Studio Chizu's philosophy centers on creating that functions as a "public park" accessible to audiences of , encouraging family gatherings and emotional exploration through shared . This vision, articulated by co-founder and director , emphasizes films that serve the public by fostering communal experiences akin to open spaces where diverse viewers can connect. The studio's mission is to produce original for both children and adults, aiming to discover "a new continent of movies that nobody has ever seen before" by venturing into uncharted emotional and narrative territories. At the core of this is an emphasis on adventure, , and , which guides project selection and creative decisions. Hosoda's influence is pivotal, as he prioritizes original stories over adaptations to explore fresh themes, embodying a spirit of determination and challenge like "adventurers setting sail out to the big seas toward a frontier of possibilities." The studio's symbolizes this through a of a leaping figure, representing the energetic characters in Hosoda's works, while its use of the minchotai font—commonly seen in newspapers and books—underscores accessibility and , making a democratic medium for all. This commitment extends to inclusive, theme-driven that blends fantasy with real-life issues such as family dynamics and personal growth, allowing viewers to navigate complex emotions in a supportive environment. By focusing on characters who actively choose their paths, Studio Chizu promotes and emotional , ensuring its works resonate universally while mapping innovative landscapes.

Production style

Studio Chizu employs a distinctive blend of traditional hand-drawn with digital enhancements, including (), to achieve fluid motion and richly detailed backgrounds that evoke a painterly, organic feel. This approach allows animators to maintain the expressive warmth of hand-drawn lines for character movements while leveraging digital tools for complex environmental effects and seamless integration of elements, ensuring a cohesive across productions. The studio's collaborative process centers on director Mamoru Hosoda's dominant role in storyboarding, where he personally crafts the initial visual narrative to establish pacing and emotional arcs, before incorporating team input on character design and to refine expressions and dynamics. This integration fosters a unified aesthetic, with designers focusing on imbuing characters with vitality and autonomy, while effects specialists enhance atmospheric depth through layered digital compositing. Music and play a pivotal role in amplifying emotional resonance, with the studio frequently partnering with composers such as to create scores that intertwine melodic motifs with ambient layers, underscoring narrative tension and introspection. These auditory elements are meticulously synchronized during to heighten immersive experiences, drawing from the studio's of exploratory to evoke and empathy. Innovations in visual at Studio Chizu include refined techniques for seamless transitions between real and fantastical realms, achieved through evolving CG-2D hybrids that blur boundaries without jarring shifts, as seen in advancements up to where elements differentiate spatial and emotional contexts while preserving hand-drawn authenticity. This method has progressively sophisticated the studio's ability to convey metaphysical journeys, prioritizing fluid world-building over stylistic rigidity.

Works

Feature films

Studio Chizu's feature films primarily consist of animated works directed by , focusing on family dynamics, personal growth, and fantastical elements. The studio's debut project marked its entry into full-length , with subsequent productions showcasing increasing independence and international collaboration. Key metrics such as performance highlight the commercial success of these releases, particularly in and select global markets. Wolf Children (2012) was co-produced by Studio Chizu and , directed and co-written by alongside Satoko Okudera, with a runtime of 117 minutes. Distributed by in and in , the film explores themes of parenthood through the story of a mother raising half-wolf children. It grossed approximately $55 million worldwide. The Boy and the Beast (2015) marked Studio Chizu's first independent production, directed and written by Mamoru Hosoda, running for 119 minutes. Handled by Toho domestically and GKIDS internationally, it centers on mentor-apprentice relationships in a fantastical beast world. The film earned about $49.8 million globally. Mirai (2018), directed and written by Mamoru Hosoda in collaboration with Nippon Television Network, has a runtime of 98 minutes and incorporates international co-production elements. Distributed by Toho in Japan and GKIDS in North America, the family-oriented time-travel narrative achieved a worldwide gross of roughly $28.8 million. Belle (2021), another Hosoda-directed and written project co-produced with Network, runs 124 minutes and premiered at the . Featuring virtual world exploration, it was distributed by domestically and in , generating over $64 million worldwide. Scarlet (2025), the studio's latest feature, is directed and written by in co-production with Entertainment and Network, with a runtime of 111 minutes. Scheduled for release on November 21, 2025, in via and globally through , it follows a strong female lead in a space-time adventure blending medieval fantasy and otherworldly quests. figures are pending its theatrical run.

Short films and other projects

Studio Chizu has ventured into short-form animated content primarily through collaborations on music videos tied to its feature films, serving as creative extensions that preview stylistic elements and thematic motifs. One notable example is the 2021 music video for "U," the main theme song for the studio's film Belle, produced in collaboration with the Japanese music collective Millennium Parade. The "U" video, released on July 15, 2021, features animation and visual effects crafted by Studio Chizu, directed by the creative duo MARGT (Arata Takabatake and Isamu Maeda), with production oversight by Shu Sasaki of PERIMETRON. Clocking in at approximately five minutes, it immerses viewers in the virtual world "U" central to Belle, showcasing fluid 3D animation that blends fantastical digital landscapes with dynamic character movements to evoke themes of self-discovery and online identity. Performed by Millennium Parade with vocals by Kaho Nakamura as the character Belle, the video not only promotes the song but also functions as a standalone animated short, garnering over 64 million views on YouTube and highlighting the studio's ability to adapt its feature-level techniques to concise formats. This project exemplifies Studio Chizu's approach to non-feature works as experimental outlets during periods of studio growth, allowing the team to test innovative and hybrid styles that later influence full-length productions. By integrating promotional elements with artistic expression, such collaborations expand the studio's reach beyond theatrical releases, fostering ties between and while previewing narrative and aesthetic innovations. No additional short films or anthology contributions by the studio have been publicly documented as of 2025, underscoring its primary focus on features while occasionally engaging in these targeted, high-impact shorts.

Reception and impact

Awards and nominations

Studio Chizu's films have garnered significant recognition from prestigious awards bodies, particularly in the animation category. The studio has won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year three times: for at the 36th ceremony in 2013, at the 39th in 2016, and Mirai at the 42nd in 2019. These victories reflect the studio's sustained impact on Japanese animation since its founding. Internationally, Mirai (2018) received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 91st Oscars in 2019, marking a milestone for Studio Chizu. The film also premiered at the Film Festival's in 2018 and won the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature – Independent at the 46th ceremony in 2019. Belle (2021) achieved further global acclaim with its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section at the 74th , where it received a 14-minute . The film earned five nominations at the 49th in 2022, including for Best General Independent Animated Feature and Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation. It was also nominated for the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year at the 45th ceremony but did not win. In 2025, the studio's latest feature premiered at major international festivals, including the , , and , positioning it for awards consideration. These accolades, including the three Japan Academy Prize wins, underscore Studio Chizu's reputation for excellence and innovation in animated filmmaking.

Critical reception and legacy

Studio Chizu's films have garnered widespread critical acclaim, evidenced by high aggregate scores on , including 95% for Wolf Children (2012), 91% for Mirai (2018), and 95% for Belle (2021). Critics frequently praise the studio's work for its emotional depth, particularly in exploring family dynamics and personal growth, as seen in Mirai, described as "a beautiful and perceptive ... full of heart and memorable moments" by Ready Steady Cut. Similarly, Belle has been lauded for its "emotionally astonishing" resonance and ability to move viewers through humanistic storytelling. The visuals are another hallmark, with Wolf Children noted for its "beautiful imagery - both of the detailed and delicate variety," enhancing themes of and . These elements combine to create immersive experiences that balance heartfelt narratives with innovative animation techniques. The studio's legacy lies in its influence on modern anime through family-centric stories that bridge Japanese traditions with global audiences, often drawing comparisons to Studio Ghibli while carving a distinct path. Mamoru Hosoda, Studio Chizu's founder and creative force, has been positioned as a key figure in elevating auteur-driven animation in the post-Ghibli era, with his works echoing Ghibli's focus on character-driven fantasy but emphasizing contemporary themes of love, family, and time. Films like Belle exemplify this by incorporating international collaboration and digital-age motifs, fostering cross-cultural appeal and expanding anime's reach beyond Japan. This approach has contributed to discussions on anime's evolution, with Hosoda's retirement of Hayao Miyazaki cited as liberating new creative freedoms in the industry. Culturally, Studio Chizu has played a pivotal role in diversifying themes up to 2025, moving from intimate family tales to broader explorations of , , and East-West , as in the studio's latest Scarlet (2025), a gender-swapped supernatural adaptation of Hamlet that incorporates Christian motifs and questions human existence. Hosoda's oeuvre has inspired emerging animators by championing innovative visuals and emotional , positioning the studio as a leader in amid industry shifts toward global distribution and hybrid storytelling. Featured at major festivals like Animation Is Film 2025, Studio Chizu continues to influence the next generation, emphasizing respect for predecessors while nurturing new talent.

References

  1. [1]
    About Studio Chizu
    Studio Chizu is Director Mamoru Hosoda's headquarters that was established during the production of Wolf Children. Director Hosoda gave the studio its name, ...About · Company Profile · Mamoru
  2. [2]
    Studio Chizu - Anime News Network
    Studio Chizu Films Get Orchestral Concert in August (May 18, 2022) ; Mamoru Hosoda's Studio Chizu Animates Its 1st Original Anime Ad (Oct 22, 2020).
  3. [3]
    WORKS - Studio Chizu
    Mamoru Hosoda's New Film Announced! Learn More. Feature films. Scarlet. 2025. About this film. BELLE. 2021. About this film. MIRAI. 2018. About this film ...Missing: 2024 | Show results with:2024
  4. [4]
    Director Mamoru Hosoda's latest film “Scarlet” to be released in ...
    Dec 22, 2024 · Studio CHIZU and Director Mamoru Hosoda's latest film, “Scarlet” has been officially announced for winter 2025!
  5. [5]
    Interview: Mamoru Hosoda on Mirai, Family and Studio Chizu
    Oct 13, 2018 · I had the opportunity to talk with Mamoru Hosoda about Mirai, the formation of Studio Chizu, and family. Questions are in bold.Missing: challenges funding
  6. [6]
    Chizu | Anime Movie Guide
    Studio Chizu was then formed in 2011 as an “auteur's studio” to grant Hosoda more creative freedom with his subsequent films. He was quite active even before ...<|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Gaumont Dives Into Japanese Animation with Mamoru Hosoda's ...
    Dec 12, 2014 · This partnership with Studio Chizu illustrates Gaumont's endeavor to broaden its scope with strong, original projects of different genre and ...
  8. [8]
    Charades, Studio Chizu strike deal on 'Mirai' director Mamoru ...
    Jan 16, 2024 · Studio Chizu was launched in 2011 by Hosoda and Yuichiro Saito and has become a leading global animation outfit. Yohann Comte, co-founder of ...Missing: milestones | Show results with:milestones
  9. [9]
    Sony To Co-Produce Mamoru Hosoda's 'Scarlet' - Deadline
    Dec 23, 2024 · Scarlet film. Studio CHIZU. Sony Pictures is set to co-produce and co ... box office success with $65 million worldwide. Read More About ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    SONY PICTURES CLASSICS TO RELEASE MAMORU HOSODA'S ...
    Aug 25, 2025 · SCARLET will have a qualifying run this year, followed by an early 2026 release. From visionary Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda ...
  11. [11]
    Mamoru Hosoda's 'Scarlet' Lands December Release From Sony
    Apr 28, 2025 · The collaboration marks Sony Pictures' first venture with Studio CHIZU, the animation studio co-founded by Hosoda and producer Yuichiro Saito in ...Missing: early funding challenges
  12. [12]
    Mamoru Hosoda's next animation film gets a title, producer
    Dec 23, 2024 · Yuichiro Saito will serve as the producer on behalf of Studio CHIZU, alongside Toshimi Tanio of Nippon TV and Nozomu Takahashi of Studio CHIZU.Missing: leadership hires 2023
  13. [13]
    'Mirai' director Mamoru Hosoda readies 'Scarlet' with Sony Pictures ...
    Dec 22, 2024 · He won the same prize in 2010 with Summer Wars, which also performed strongly at the box office and screened at Locarno and the Berlinale. After ...
  14. [14]
    studio cheese - NamuWiki
    Oct 3, 2025 · STUDIO CHIZU. File:Studio Cheese Logo.jpg. company name. Official ... japan 3-3, Amanuma 3-chome, Suginami-ku, Tokyo. link. File:Homepage ...Missing: headquarters | Show results with:headquarters
  15. [15]
    The Anime Industry Bottleneck: The Unrewarding Nightmare To ...
    Feb 22, 2022 · While small by design, Hosoda's Studio Chizu now properly employs some of his greatest allies to ensure they're always available by his side.
  16. [16]
    Studio Chizu Shares Vision of the Future at JX '23
    Feb 15, 2023 · Hosted at the Grammy Museum, the inaugural JX '23 honored Studio Chizu as a cultural pioneer for its global success in film.Missing: meaning | Show results with:meaning
  17. [17]
    Studio Chizu
    Studio Chizu is Director Mamoru Hosoda's headquarters that was established during the production of Wolf Children. Director Hosoda gave the studio its name, ...Works · Studio · News · SUMMER WARS 15th
  18. [18]
    Merging Hand-Drawn Tradition with CG Artistry for Mamoru ...
    Jan 31, 2019 · In Mirai, which was produced by Japan's Studio Chizu, the studio behind Hosada's two previous films, Wolf Children and The Boy and the Beast ...
  19. [19]
    Mamoru Hosoda on Creating an Idealized Digital World in Belle
    Jan 12, 2022 · ... studios Toei and Madhouse; as of 2011 he has been self-employed at Studio Chizu, which he co-founded with former Madhouse producer Yuichiro ...
  20. [20]
    STUDIO CHIZU Music Journey Vol. 2 Masakatsu Takagi / A Time To ...
    Mar 20, 2025 · In this album, a special songbook presented by Masakatsu Takagi, who composed the music for three of Mamoru Hosoda's six feature films, namely “ ...Missing: sound design composers
  21. [21]
  22. [22]
    Wolf Children (2012) - IMDb
    Rating 8.1/10 (53,448) After her werewolf lover unexpectedly dies in an accident, a young woman must find ways to raise their werewolf son and daughter while keeping their trait ...Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  23. [23]
    Wolf Children (おおかみこどもの雨と雪) (2012) - The Numbers
    All Time Worldwide Box Office for GKIDS Movies, 11, $43,964,395. Full financial estimates for this film, including domestic and international box office, video ...Missing: Studio Chizu success independence
  24. [24]
    Wolf Children (2012) - Box Office Mojo
    Running Time1 hr 57 min. GenresAnimation Drama Family Fantasy. IMDbPro ... Lifetime Gross, Rank. East Africa, 1, $514,658, 6. United Kingdom, 1, $31,147, 7,446.
  25. [25]
    The Boy and the Beast (2015) - IMDb
    Rating 7.6/10 (29,153) When a young orphaned boy living on the streets of Shibuya stumbles upon a fantastic world of beasts, he's taken in by a gruff warrior beast looking for an ...Full cast & crew · Plot · Filmmakers · VideosMissing: Chizu | Show results with:Chizu
  26. [26]
    The Boy and the Beast (2015) - Box Office and Financial Information
    Financial analysis of The Boy and the Beast (2015) including production budget, domestic and international box office gross, DVD and Blu-ray sales reports.
  27. [27]
    The Boy and the Beast (2015) - Box Office Mojo
    ... beast looking for an apprentice. Cast information · Crew information ... Lifetime Gross, Rank. Japan, 1, $46,863,971, 151. South Korea, 1, $1,396,332, 2,076.
  28. [28]
    Mirai (2018) - IMDb
    Rating 7/10 (19,410) Box office · Gross US & Canada. $812,794 · Opening weekend US & Canada. $63,325; Dec 2, 2018 · Gross worldwide. $28,780,532.Full cast & crew · Mirai नो Mirai (2018) · Mirai · Release info
  29. [29]
  30. [30]
    Mirai (2018) - Box Office Mojo
    Domestic DistributorGKIDS See full company information. Domestic Opening ... Gross. France, Dec 26, 2018, –, $1,529,222. United Kingdom, Nov 2, 2018, $91,613 ...
  31. [31]
    Belle (2021) - IMDb
    Rating 7/10 (19,718) Japanese · Also known as. Belle: The Dragon and the Freckled Princess. Production companies · Studio Chizu · BookWalker · Dentsu · See more company credits at ...Full cast & crew · Awards · Parents guide · User reviewsMissing: name meaning<|separator|>
  32. [32]
    Belle (竜とそばかすの姫) (2021) - Box Office and Financial Information
    Financial analysis of Belle (竜とそばかすの姫) (2021) including production budget, domestic and international box office gross, DVD and Blu-ray sales reports ...
  33. [33]
    Belle (2021) - Box Office Mojo
    Domestic DistributorGKIDS See full company information. Domestic Opening ... Gross. France, Dec 29, 2021, $382,648, $716,105. Germany, Jun 10, 2022, $370,676 ...
  34. [34]
    Scarlet (2025) - IMDb
    Rating 6.6/10 (120) Scarlet: Directed by Mamoru Hosoda. With Mana Ashida, Masaki Okada, Masachika Ichimura, Kôji Yakusho. A medieval princess on a quest to avenge her father's ...
  35. [35]
    Scarlet (2025) - Box Office and Financial Information - The Numbers
    Financial analysis of Scarlet (2025) including production budget, domestic and international box office gross, DVD and Blu-ray sales reports.
  36. [36]
    Sony's Mamoru Hosoda-Directed 'Scarlet' To Slay ... - Deadline
    Apr 28, 2025 · Sony is releasing its co-production of Mamoru Hosoda's Scarlet on December 12, 2025.
  37. [37]
    ꉈꀧ ꁄꍈꍈꀧ ꉈ ꉣꅔꎡꅔꁕꁄ - U - YouTube
    Jul 15, 2021 · ... Director / Producer: Shu Sasaki (PERIMETRON) Director: MARGT ... 「U」/millennium parade 踊ってみた #竜とそばかすの姫. 12K views ...
  38. [38]
  39. [39]
    Welcome to the World of U: GKIDS Debuts 'Belle' Opening Scene
    Jan 11, 2022 · The sequence invites viewers into the film's rich virtual world, as our heroine makes a stunning musical entrance to theme song “U” by ...
  40. [40]
    'Wolf Children' Wins Best Animation Japan Academy Prize
    Mar 13, 2013 · Hosoda has won the Japan Academy Prize honor twice before; in 2007 for The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and in 2010 for Summer Wars. The animated ...
  41. [41]
    'Boy and the Beast' Wins Japan Academy Prize - Animation Magazine
    Mar 6, 2016 · Mamoru Hosoda's latest animated feature, The Boy and the Beast, has taken the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.
  42. [42]
    News Mirai Wins Japan Academy Prizes' Animation Award
    Mar 1, 2019 · Mamoru Hosoda 's Mirai Film won the Animation of the Year award at the 42nd annual Japan Academy Prizes on Friday.
  43. [43]
    GKIDS Earns Historic 11th Academy Award® Nomination with ...
    Jan 22, 2019 · GKIDS' MIRAI, directed and written by Mamoru Hosoda, was nominated this morning for an Academy Award for “Best Animated Feature” by the Academy of Motion ...
  44. [44]
    Hosoda to Premiere 'Mirai' in Cannes - Animation Magazine
    Apr 17, 2018 · The latest movie from Japanese helmer Mamoru Hosoda, Mirai of the Future will screen as part of Cannes Directors' Fortnight section in May ...
  45. [45]
    Japanese Anime 'Mirai no Mirai' Wins Annie Awards in L.A.
    Feb 4, 2019 · The film Mirai no Mirai by Mamoru Hosoda won in the independent feature category at the 46th Annie Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 3.Missing: Prize | Show results with:Prize
  46. [46]
    Cannes Premiere: Hosoda Mamoru's 'Belle' Joins Festival Lineup
    Jul 4, 2021 · The festival said Sunday that “Belle” will have its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section and play on Thursday July 15.
  47. [47]
    BELLE nominated for FIVE 2022 Annie Awards - Studio Chizu
    Studio Chizu – “BELLE” 01/14/22 ...
  48. [48]
    Awards - Belle (2021) - IMDb
    Kaho Nakamura and Takeru Satoh in Belle (2021). 2022 Nominee Award of the Japanese Academy. Best Animation Film. 2022 Winner Award of the Japanese Academy. Best ...
  49. [49]
    Mamoru Hosoda's 'Scarlet' Lands At Sony Pictures Classics
    Aug 26, 2025 · Hosoda, who co-founded Studio Chizu with producer Yuichiro Saito, said the story reflects a global need for compassion: As we witness ...Missing: funding | Show results with:funding
  50. [50]
    Wolf Children | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 95% (20) Discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for Wolf Children on Rotten Tomatoes. Stay updated with critic and audience scores today!Critics Reviews · Audience Reviews · Photos
  51. [51]
    Mirai no Mirai - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 91% (85) Release Date (Theaters): Nov 29, 2018, Limited. Release Date (Streaming): Apr 9, 2019. Box Office (Gross USA): $682.2K. Runtime: 1h 38m. Sound Mix: Dolby ...
  52. [52]
    Belle | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 95% (132) A remarkable story brought to life with dazzling animation, Belle finds writer-director Mamoru Hosoda setting a brilliant new benchmark. ... Box Office (Gross USA) ...
  53. [53]
  54. [54]
  55. [55]
  56. [56]
    Family guy: the anime worlds of Mamoru Hosoda | BFI
    Jul 30, 2020 · His emphasis on normalcy amid the chaos of his stories shows through in the very design of his characters. ... original story that ...
  57. [57]
    Mamoru Hosoda: A New Japanese Animation Master
    Jun 15, 2019 · While his style echoes some aspects of Studio Ghibli (including beautiful visuals, a strong character focus, and a delicate touch of fantasy), ...Missing: appeal | Show results with:appeal
  58. [58]
    'Belle' creator Mamoru Hosoda on global collaboration, Japanese ...
    Jan 20, 2022 · Since he and producer Yuichiro Saito launched their Studio Chizu animation company in 2011, Hosoda's international renown has been boosted ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
  59. [59]
    Mamoru Hosoda: Miyazaki retirement has brought "freedom" to anime
    Nov 22, 2016 · Wolf Children director Mamoru Hosoda spoke about future of anime after the retirement of Hayao Miyazaki.
  60. [60]
    'Scarlet' Director Mamoru Hosoda Bridges East and West - Variety
    Sep 1, 2025 · In anime master Mamoru Hosoda's latest feature, “Scarlet,” the innovative Japanese filmmaker looks West for inspiration: to Shakespearean ...Missing: critical reception
  61. [61]
    Scarlet Review: Hamlet Goes Anime - Slash Film
    Oct 11, 2025 · By adapting a Western story with "Scarlet," Hosoda brings along Christian themes of forgiveness and life after death. Otherworld is neither ...
  62. [62]
    'Scarlet' Director Mamoru Hosoda Won't Deify Hayao Miyazaki
    Oct 1, 2025 · The setting underscores Hosoda's big idea for the film: to represent and abstract human struggles so that audiences can better understand them.
  63. [63]
    Animation Is Film Unveils 2025 Competition And Industry Lineups
    Sep 17, 2025 · The festival will open with Scarlet, the latest feature from Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda (Mirai), produced by Studio Chizu ...Missing: position | Show results with:position
  64. [64]
    Mamoru Hosoda named first featured director at ANIAFF 2025 -
    Aug 1, 2025 · Acclaimed animation director Mamoru Hosoda from Studio Chizu will be the first featured director at Aichi Nagoya International Animation ...