Gundam Creator Calls Miyazaki an Enemy But Defends His Art

Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of Mobile Suit Gundam, has made headlines with his recent comments about Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned director of Studio Ghibli. Despite referring to Miyazaki as his "enemy," Tomino expressed a deep respect for him, emphasizing that anyone who labels Miyazaki as merely a craftsman is mistaken. He challenges the notion by highlighting the artistic depth of Miyazaki's film, The Boy and the Heron, and notes that its lack of a happy ending reflects true artistry. Tomino, while acknowledging his own shortcomings as an auteur, recognizes how being compared to Miyazaki has motivated him throughout his career. The Boy and the Heron has recently won Studio Ghibli its second Academy Award, further solidifying its impact in the world of animated films.

Yoshiyuki Tomino acknowledged Miyazaki as his "enemy" while defending his artistic integrity, arguing that Miyazaki should be recognized as an auteur and not just a craftsman. He specifically praised The Boy and the Heron for its depth and complexity, which reflects Miyazaki's skill as an artist.

Mobile Suit Gundam is a groundbreaking anime series that revolutionized the mecha genre, introduced in 1979. It has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, establishing a vast and enduring franchise. Conversely, Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, is celebrated for his lush animation and poignant storytelling, creating classic films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. The contrast between Tomino's mecha-focused narrative style and Miyazaki's more fantastical approach highlights the diverse storytelling methods that define anime as a medium.