Famed Japanese animation film director, Isao Takahata, has passed away at the age of 82! Mr. Takahata (1935-2018) worked on many Japanese anime series including Heidi, Girl of the Alps, 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother, Future Boy Conan, and Anne of Green Gables. But, his most famous contributions have been his work with the Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli.

Mr. Takahata co-founded Studio Ghibli in 1985 along with Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki and has been involved with the studio since its inception. Some of the Studio Ghibli films that he has directed include Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Pom Poko, and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

Mr. Takahata passed away in Tokyo on April 5, 2018. He shall be missed!

What is your favorite film that Isao Takahata directed? Which of his non-Studio Ghibli works do you enjoy? Let us know in the comments below!

Edited by: Kelly Conley