Hayao Miyazaki’s European Animation: From European Literary Influences to Nostalgic Re-imaginings

Abstract

The article focuses on the sources on Miyazaki's anime offering new research insights into Miyazaki's sources and working methods for the creation of the stories and settings for his films. The author draws on research by other critics, such as Susan Napier, to trace the way in which European literary influences, especially children's literature, alongside Europe's geography, are mined to create a ‘Euroworld’. Denison also explores the tension between the fantastic and the real in Miyazaki's creative toolbox. While referencing Lindsay Smith's work on ‘transformative adaptations’, the author argues for Miyazaki's unique use of hybridised adaptation. This, Denison argues, enables Miyazaki to work his stories within a decentred context which nevertheless reflects global themes of industrialisation, the costs of war and the environment. The article argues that Miyazaki's anime ‘fantasies’ are always purposeful and anchored to the real world.