Nippon TV Acquires Studio Ghibli, Securing Future of Miyazaki's Legacy

On September 21, 2023, Nippon Television Network Corporation acquired a 42.3% stake in Studio Ghibli, formalizing a long-standing partnership. The deal, signed by Ghibli director Toshio Suzuki and Nippon Television Holdings president Yoshiyuki Sugiyama, ensures continuity for the animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki in 1985. Nippon TV has been a key supporter since broadcasting Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) on its Friday Road Show in 1985, and later financing Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) and contributing to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka City. The acquisition addresses the unresolved issue of artistic succession, as Miyazaki's son Gorō has repeatedly declined to take over. With Nippon TV's backing, Ghibli can focus on producing quality animated films. The deal also honors the memory of Seiichirō Ujiie, late Nippon TV president and close friend of Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, who funded Takahata's The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013). Notably, Miyazaki designed Nippon TV's mascot logo in 1992. The new leadership structure includes Hayao Miyazaki as director and honorary chairman, Toshio Suzuki as representative director and president, and Hiroyuki Fukuda as vice president.