Hayao Miyazaki’s Protege Clarifies Long-Running Studio Ghibli Controversy

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Studio Ghibli, renowned as one of the most cherished anime studios today, owes much of its success to the innovative mind and public image of director Hayao Miyazaki. However, it’s important to remember that Miyazaki, like any individual, has his share of controversies and flaws. For instance, Miyazaki’s reputation for being a workaholic is well-known and has reportedly strained his relationship with his son, Goro. Additionally, there has been an ongoing debate about the workplace environment and culture at Studio Ghibli. Fortunately, one of Miyazaki’s former apprentices has stepped forward to address these concerns.

Back in 2015, I stumbled upon an intriguing online post showing a studio notice board from Studio Ghibli. This notice board displayed a set of seven characteristics that they deemed unsuitable for potential employees, and here’s what it said:

1. Those who are not passionate about their work.
2. People who can’t work as part of a team.
3. Individuals who don’t have the ability to take criticism constructively.
4. Those who can’t handle tight deadlines or pressure well.
5. People who lack creativity and originality.
6. Employees who are unwilling to put in the necessary effort.
7. Lastly, those who can’t maintain a positive attitude even during difficult times.

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These characteristics were a clear indication of the kind of spirit and dedication Studio Ghibli values in their employees!

  • Employees who are not smart　
  • Employees who cannot do things unless they are told
  • Employees who are quick to rely on others
  • Employees who are quick to shift the blame
  • Employees who are not motivated
  • Employees who are quick to complain
  • Employees who often take time off and are often late

Indeed, having such a list would undoubtedly create public relations difficulties and be concerning if true. However, in our current post-fact society, it’s crucial to view online information with skepticism. In reality, the practice is not universally applied across all departments but is confined to a single producer’s office due to his amusement.

The Worrying Studio Ghibli Poster Isn’t What You Think

Recently, an image related to Studio Ghibli’s recent reputation has reappeared online, leading director Kenji Itoso – who studied under Miyazaki during his teenage years – to clarify the true story behind the poster. In an interview with Business Journal, he disclosed that the poster did not reflect Studio Ghibli’s overall work culture. Instead, it was displayed solely in one producer’s office as they found it intriguing and amusing.

The director clarified that the item is currently located in Producer Suzuki’s office, but it doesn’t serve as a company slogan or anything similar. Intrigued by his travels to Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture for Shiki-Jitsu (directed by Hideaki Anno, released in 2000), Producer Suzuki stumbled upon this item in a building’s trash can and thought it was interesting. He took it back with him, and even Dwango founder Nobuo Kawakami, who had been an apprentice producer here, appreciated it and displayed it in his own company as well.

ジブリが掲げる「去ってほしい社員の条件」
言わなければできない社員
すぐ他人の力に頼る社員
すぐ責任を転嫁する社員
やる気旺盛でない社員
すぐ不平不満を云う社員

— ジブリのせかい【非公式ファンサイト】 (@ghibli_world) August 18, 2015

Studio Ghibli Doesn’t Follow the Controversial Poster’s Rules

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Contrary to the reputation many anime studios have for being tough on their staff and maintaining stressful work environments, Isao Takahata, a key member of Studio Ghibli, clarified that the studio did not enforce the rules laid out in the poster as official company policy, contrary to concerns raised by some online fans.

At our organization, we don’t recite or ask our team members to recite the Seven Commandments during our morning gatherings, and we certainly don’t employ them as a means to coerce employees into leaving their positions.

For avid Studio Ghibli enthusiasts, the upcoming interview brings a sense of relief, as they had begun to feel a tinge of guilt over enjoying movies produced under challenging circumstances. However, this guilt will be alleviated when Hayao Miyazaki’s next film is released, although no specific details about the project have been announced yet, and the movie has not officially been given the go-ahead by the studio. Instead, a hint about the new film was dropped by a Studio Ghibli executive back in May of last year.

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2025-03-13 22:12