Isao Takahata: A Legend in Japanese Animation, currently held at Azabudai Hills Gallery, a new cultural hub in Minato Ward, is a large-scale retrospective exhibition of director Isao Takahata (1935–2018), who left a significant mark on the Japanese animation world. The exhibition covers the half-century creative journey of Director Takahata, known for works like "Grave of the Fireflies," "Pom Poko," and "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya." It's an exhibition that can be enjoyed by many, from the generation who watched his works in real time to younger anime fans and families with children. This time, we're reporting on the exhibition, which runs from Friday, June 27, to Monday (and national holiday), September 15, 2025. We have traced the path of a master who greatly influenced the world of Japanese animation.

The venue, Azabudai Hills Gallery, is located in Garden Plaza A of Azabudai Hills and is directly connected to Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. A large poster for the "Isao Takahata Exhibition" was displayed in the passageway connecting the station and the gallery.

The year 2025 marks two major milestones: the 90th anniversary of Director Takahata's birth and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War, which greatly influenced his creative activities. Held in such a commemorative year, the exhibition begins with photographs, including portraits of Director Takahata and scenes from animation production.

Director Takahata constantly explored the possibilities of animation expression and continued to confront the question of what should be expressed through animation throughout his life. His starting point was Toei Doga (now Toei Animation), which he joined in 1959. "Horus: Prince of the Sun" (1968), his directorial debut for a feature-length theatrical film, took three and a half years to complete. The film involved many staff members who would later be involved in Takahata's works, including animation director Yasuo Otsuka, key animator Yōichi Kotabe, and Hayao Miyazaki, who was in charge of not only key animation but also scene design.

In this exhibition, not only are original drawings and cels from Takahata's works on display, but also numerous valuable production materials such as proposals and script preparation notes by Director Takahata himself, offering a glimpse into the deep thought and trial-and-error process behind his creations.

In 1971, Director Takahata, along with Hayao Miyazaki and Yōichi Kotabe, moved from Toei Doga to A Production. Initially, they planned to work on an animation of "Pippi Longstocking," based on the original work by Astrid Lindgren, but the project was canceled after failing to obtain the author's permission. Amid this, an animation project featuring a panda, which was very popular at the time, was launched. Director Takahata, together with Miyazaki, Kotabe, and other staff, produced "Panda! Go Panda!" (1972) and its sequel, "Panda! Go Panda!: The Rainy-Day Circus" (1973). Afterward, Director Takahata went on to create classic television series, starting with "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" (1974), followed by "3000 Leagues in Search of Mother" (1976) and "Anne of Green Gables" (1979). This may be a valuable opportunity to learn about the process behind the creation of these masterpieces.

Heidi, Girl of the Alps is a story depicting the interactions between the main character, a young girl named Heidi, her grandfather, and other characters like Clara and Peter. Many people have surely been cheered by the sight of Heidi running through the great nature of the Alps.

The depiction of nature is one of the major attractions of "Heidi, Girl of the Alps." Art director Masahiro Ioka vividly portrayed the magnificent scenery of the Alps, referencing photographic materials from location scouting.

3000 Leagues in Search of Mother is the story of Marco, a boy who travels from Genoa, Italy, in search of his mother who went missing after going to Argentina to work. Following "Heidi, Girl of the Alps," this series also had all 52 episodes created by the duo of Isao Takahata as director and Hayao Miyazaki in charge of layout (scene composition).

Based on the original work by Lucy Maud Montgomery, "Anne of Green Gables" was the third television series directed by Takahata. The characters, including the protagonist Anne Shirley, are vividly depicted. The character design and animation direction were handled by Yoshifumi Kondō, who is known as the director of "Whisper of the Heart." After the films "Chie the Brat" (1981) and "Gauche the Cellist" (1982), Director Takahata began to create works set in Japan. Then, in 1985, he participated in the establishment of Studio Ghibli.

Director Takahata continued to create numerous masterpieces during his time at Studio Ghibli. In 1988, one of his representative works, "Grave of the Fireflies," was released. Set in Japan at the end of the Pacific War, this film depicts the tragedy of a brother and sister and remains an enduring masterpiece in the hearts of many.

Grave of the Fireflies is characterized by its use of colors with lower saturation than typical animated works. To realistically portray the Japanese people during the war, the entire color plan was said to be fundamentally revised.

Following "Only Yesterday" (1991), Director Takahata's next film, "Pom Poko," is a story about tanuki (raccoon dogs) set in the Tama Hills, where residential development is advancing. The struggle between the tanuki, who are losing their homes, and humans is humorously depicted.

Art director Kazuo Oga explored methods of simplification in this work. He is said to have created a contrast between detailed and simplified areas, leaving room for the audience's imagination.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013), his first new film in 14 years since "My Neighbors the Yamadas" (1999), took eight years from planning to completion. This film, which became Director Takahata's final directorial work, adapted a classic Japanese story into a feature-length animation.

The world of the film was expanded through image boards created by Oga and animator Yoshiyuki Momose. "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya" brought together Japan's leading animation staff to create an evolved form of visual expression. It can be said to be one of the works that showcased the diverse expressive techniques of Japanese animation.

The exhibition doesn't end with just the display of production materials. During the event period, a special "Isao Takahata Exhibition Merchandise Shop" and a collaboration cafe, "Kissa Isao Takahata Exhibition," are open on the B1 floor.

At the "Isao Takahata Exhibition Merchandise Shop," you'll find a wide array of goods related to Takahata's works, including the exhibition catalog, plush toys, mugs, tenugui (hand towels), and postcards. You'll be spoiled for choice.

Furthermore, there is a photo spot where you can take a picture with Papanda from "Panda! Go Panda!" You can hug the panda lying on the floor and have your photo taken by a camera pre-installed on the ceiling. You can take the image data home with you.

At the collaboration cafe "Kissa Isao Takahata Exhibition," you'll find menu items inspired by Takahata's works. It might be fun to discuss your impressions of the exhibition over tea.

The meticulous realism, sharp eye for society, and the challenge of expression that continued into his later years in Takahata's works have had a great influence on Japanese animation. This exhibition was a place where one could directly feel the creativity and passion of Director Takahata. During the exhibition period, visitors can listen to an audio guide by talent Hikaru Ijūin, who voiced Minister Abe in ""The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,"" and voice actress Sakiko Tamagawa while viewing the exhibits. The audio guide also features an official playlist (5 songs in total) by film director Shunji Iwai, who has deep ties to Director Takahata and Studio Ghibli. For detailed information on tickets and more, please check the official website below. The exhibition runs until Monday (and national holiday), September 15. Why not take this opportunity to touch the source of Director Takahata's creations?

[Isao Takahata: A Legend in Japanese Animation]
https://www.azabudai-hills.com/azabudaihillsgallery/sp/isaotakahata-ex/