Isao Takahata

Who is Isao Takahata?

Isao Takahata is a Japanese film director, animator, screenwriter and producer that has earned critical international acclaim for his work as a director of anime films. Takahata is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli along with long-time collaborative partner Hayao Miyazaki. He has directed films such as the war-themed Grave of the Fireflies, the romantic-drama Only Yesterday, the ecological-adventure Pom Poko and the comedy My Neighbors the Yamadas. Unlike most anime directors, Takahata doesn't draw and never worked as an animator before becoming a full fledged director.

According to Hayao Miyazaki, "Music and study are his hobbies". He was born in the same town as fellow director Kon Ichikawa, while Japanese film giant Yasujiro Ozu was raised by his father in nearby Matsusaka.

Takahata graduated from the University of Tokyo French literature course in 1959.