Anime/Studio Ghibli Timeline

First Known Anime in Existence

Apr 29, 1917

Anime History Playlist
First screened in 1917, it's a two-minute clip of a samurai trying to test his new sword on someone, only to be defeated.

Anime Becomes an Alternative Storytelling Format

Apr 29, 1930

Anime became an alternative storytelling format in Japan. It suffered competition from foreign producers and animators such as Noburou Oufuji and Yasuji Murata who still worked in cheapter cutout animation instead of cel animation.

Kenzou Masaoka and Mitsuyo Seo, however, made great strides in animation, especially with help from the government, who used animation in education and propaganda.

First Anime with Speech

May 1, 1933

The first anime with speech was produced by Kenzou Masaoka in 1933, called Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka which roughly translates to (thanks to Google Translate) "World and woman power."

Anime Artist Organizations Formed

May 1, 1940

Numerous anime artist (called "mangaka") organizations sprung up, including the Shin Mangaha Shudan and Shin Nippon Mangaka (which mean New Cartoons Unit and New Japan Cartoonists, respectively). During this time, anime was primarily used by the government for propaganda

Hayao Miyazaki is Born

Jan 5, 1941

Hayao Miyazaki, a major influence in the international popularity of anime, a director, producer, and writer for Studio Ghibli, is born.

First Feature Length Film

May 1, 1945

The first feature-length anime film, directed by Seo, was called Momotaro's Divine Sea Warriors, and was sponsored by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Huge Growth in Anime Popularity

May 1, 1970

History of Anime
Anime got a huge boost with the help of Osamu Tezuka, often called a "legend" and the "god of manga." His work inspired characteristics and genres that remain in anime today.

Castle of Cagliostro Released

Dec 15, 1979

Hayao Miyazaki's first film, the Castle of Cagliostro (of which he is director and writer) is released.

Nausicaa Released

Mar 11, 1984

Miyazaki's first breakthrough movie, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, is released.

Castle in the Sky Released

Aug 2, 1986

Miyazaki's first film with Studio Ghibli is released, titled Castle in the Sky, to very positive reviews.

My Neighbor Totoro Released

Apr 16, 1988

Miyazaki's first film that was majorly geared toward children, is one of the most popular foreign children's movies in America

Kiki's Delivery Service Released

Jul 22, 1989

The only movie in which Miyazaki was the director, producer, and writer.

Princess Mononoke Released

Jul 12, 1997

Miyazaki's next breakthrough film is released, bringing in $159,375,308 at the box office.

Spirited Away Released

Jul 20, 2001

By far, Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's most popular film, is released. It has been the only Japanese anime to win an American Oscar -- ever. It has won seven awards, The 25th Japanese Academy Award for Best Film and Best Song, 52nd Berlin International Film Festival in Golden Bear, Cinekid Festival for Cinekid Film Award, 15th European Film Awards for Screen International Award, Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Asian Film, and, of course, the 75th Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature.

Howl's Moving Castle Released

Sep 5, 2004

Miyazaki's next breakthrough film is released (although it is wildly more popular in Britain than it is in the U.S.)