
Isao Takahata
Known for Directing · 27 credits
- Born
- 1935-10-29
- Died
- 2018-04-05
- Place of birth
- Ujiyamada [now Ise], Mie, Japan
- Also known as
- Такахата Исао · たかはた いさお · Paku-san · 타카하타 이사오 · ایسائو تاکاهاتا
Biography
Isao Takahata (October 29, 1935 – April 5, 2018), co-founder of Studio Ghibli, was one of the most famous directors of Japanese animated films. Unlike most anime directors, he did not draw and never worked as an animator before becoming a director.
For the first two decades of his career from the 1960s to the 1980s, Takahata worked primarily as director for anime television. In 1985 he and his long-time collaborative partner Hayao Miyazaki formed Studio Ghibli with Toshio Suzuki and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. From that point, his career transitioned into producing, directing, and writing films for Studio Ghibli. He is known for his five feature length anime films released under Ghibli, Grave of the Fireflies (1988), Only Yesterday (1991), Pom Poko (1994), My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999) and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013).
Known For
TV Shows (3)
Movies (24)

Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature
2025
as Self (archive footage)

The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness
2013
as Self

Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron
2024
as Self (archive fotage)

Japanese Cinema: New Territories
2011
as Self

Ghibli and The Miyazaki Mystery
2005
as Self - Interviewee

Isao Takahata and His Tale of The Princess Kaguya
2014
as Self

The Story of Yanagawa's Canals
1987
as Himself

Hayao Miyazaki and the Ghibli Museum
2005
as Self
Hyohyo: Dear Mr. Yasuo Otsuka
2015
as Self

The Cat Returns - Making of
2002
as Self

The Making of Only Yesterday
1991
as Self

Ghibli Landscapes - A Journey to Encounter Directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki's Starting Point
2011
as Self

Ghibli's Bookshelf
2010
as Self

Super TV: Frontline Information 15 Months of Exclusive Coverage! The Secret Behind "My Neighbors the Yamadas"
2000

How Ghibli Was Born
1998
as Himself

The Birth of Studio Ghibli
2003

2399 Days with Hayao Miyazaki & Studio Ghibli
2023
as Self

Paul Grimault, image par image
2003
as Self

Ghibli Landscapes - Visit 'Japan' as Depicted by Isao Takahata
2014
as Self

A Ghibli Artisan - Kazuo Oga Exhibition - The One Who Drew Totoro's Forest
2007
as Self

Yasuo Ōtsuka's Joy in Motion
2004
as Self

The World, The Journey Of My Heart - Traveler: Animation Film Director Isao Takahata
1999
as Himself
Hotaru no Haka to Takahata Isao to 7-satsu no Nōto
2025
as Self (archive footage)
NHK Image File: I Want To Meet This Person - Isao Takahata, Animation Film Director
2018
as Self (archive footage)
About Isao Takahata
Isao Takahata (October 29, 1935 – April 5, 2018), co-founder of Studio Ghibli, was one of the most famous directors of Japanese animated films. Unlike most anime directors, he did not draw and never worked as an animator before becoming a director. For the first two decades of his career from the 1960s to the 1980s, Takahata worked primarily as director for anime television. In 1985 he and his long-time collaborative partner Hayao Miyazaki formed Studio Ghibli with Toshio Suzuki and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. From that point, his career transitioned in… With 27 credits spanning from 1985 to 2025, Isao Takahata has appeared in 24 films and 3 TV shows.
Fans searching for Isao Takahata movies, Isao Takahata filmography, or the latest projects starring Isao Takahata can stream many of these titles on CineFlixo, free and in HD, with no subscription required.
Most Popular Isao Takahata Movies
- Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature (2025) — as Self (archive footage)
- The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013) — as Self
- Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron (2024) — as Self (archive fotage)
- Japanese Cinema: New Territories (2011) — as Self
- Ghibli and The Miyazaki Mystery (2005) — as Self - Interviewee
Where to Watch Isao Takahata Films
Most Isao Takahata movies and series are available to stream on CineFlixo in full HD, completely free and without signup. Browse the complete filmography above to jump directly to any title. For more films and the latest web series featuring Isao Takahata, check our movies catalogue and browse page.


