O Studio Ghibli is known not only for its captivating animations, but for the unique and innovative mind of its founder, Hayao Miyazaki.
Recently, a peculiar practice of Miyazaki regarding the team selection process was revealed by Shinsaku Kozuma, renowned animator in the anime universe.
Miyazaki and his search for excellence
In a blog interview Full frontalKozuma shared an intriguing aspect of Miyazaki’s tenure: the separation of animators according to their blood types.
According to the animator, Miyazaki believed in the influence of blood type on personality of people, something that is a common belief in Japan, similar to astrology in other cultures.
Hayao Miyazaki. – Image: Studio Ghibli/Reproduction
The director was known for being meticulous and rigorous, imposing fines for late arrivals and closely monitoring professionals’ arrival and departure times.
Regarding this, Kozuma revealed:
“Miyazaki actually checked when everyone came in or out. His seat was the closest to the door, so he saw everything. He had type B people and type A people sitting separately.”
Blood types and personality
The belief in Japan is that blood type influences people’s personality characteristics.
Type A people are generally seen as perfectionists and sensitive but prone to anxiety, while type B people are considered cheerful, eccentric, individualistic and selfish.
Miyazaki’s strict attitude in the workplace, although it may seem surprising to some, is contextualized by Shigeo Akahori, a former animator at Studio Ghibli.
Akahori attributes the steadfastness of Miyazaki and his generation as one of the crucial factors in the creative flourishing of the film industry. anime in season.
The interview offers a fascinating insight into the working environment under Miyazaki, highlighting his unique approach and the impact he had on the Japanese animation industry.
The revelation of this peculiar superstition only adds another layer to the puzzle that is Hayao Miyazaki and his unwavering dedication to quality and originality in his works.
