Born on January 5
Hayao Miyazaki's Birthday
Hand-drawn worlds, full of wonder.
Next: January 5, 2027
Where it comes from
Hayao Miyazaki was born in Tokyo on 5 January 1941, and this Story marks his birthday. After graduating from Gakushuin University in 1963 he joined Toei Animation as an animator, and in 1985 he co-founded Studio Ghibli with the director Isao Takahata and the producer Toshio Suzuki.
How it's celebrated
There is no formal observance, but his birthday is a perfect excuse for a Ghibli film night, especially with someone seeing Totoro or Spirited Away for the first time. Fans draw his characters, cook the meals that appear in his films and share favourite scenes.
Did you know
Spirited Away won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2002 and the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
Read the full story of Hayao Miyazaki's Birthday
Star sign
Capricorn · December 22 – January 19 · Earth sign
Patient and ambitious, climbing steadily to the top.