Legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki honoured with 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award

Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki has been honored with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2024, often referred to as Asia's Nobel Prize, for his significant contributions to environmental protection and the promotion of peace through animation. The announcement was made by Studio Ghibli, the renowned animation studio co-founded by Miyazaki, on Sunday.

The global announcement of the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees was made on Saturday by the Manila-based Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation. This year’s recipients include three individuals and one group, all recognized for their exceptional contributions to society. The official award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Manila this November, according to The Japan Times.

Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli recently made history by becoming the first group to be awarded the honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Hayao Miyazaki, who had initially retired, returned to the director's chair to create The Boy and the Heron, an animated fantasy film that has received widespread critical acclaim. The film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Studio Ghibli shared the news of Hayao Miyazaki's Ramon Magsaysay Award win, stating, 'Hayao Miyazaki wins the Ramon Magsaysay Award, known as the 'Nobel Prize of Asia'." The foundation praised Hayao Miyazaki for his ability to use art to help children understand complex issues such as environmental protection and peace promotion. The post added, "He has created many of the most memorable and beloved films in the world." The award ceremony will be held in Manila in November.

Hayao Miyazaki wins the Ramon Magsaysay Award, known as the "Nobel Prize of Asia."The foundation praised him, stating, "He has used art to help children understand complex issues, such as environmental protection and the promotion of peace. He has created many of the most pic.twitter.com/F3lPoSIX5z
Studio Ghibli Pictures (@ghiblipicture) September 1, 2024

Hayao Miyazaki, at 83, is celebrated for his extensive body of work, including iconic anime films such as My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and The Boy and the Heron. His films are known for exploring profound themes like environmentalism, anti-war sentiments, the conflict between technology and nature, and the ambiguity of good and evil. While his works resonate deeply with adults, they are crafted to engage with children on a meaningful level.

This recognition marks another milestone in Hayao Miyazaki’s illustrious career. The Boy and the Heron not only won this year’s Academy Award for Best Animated Feature but also served as a testament to Hayao Miyazaki’s enduring influence in the world of animation. He previously won the same award in 2001 for his critically acclaimed film Spirited Away.

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The Ramon Magsaysay Award, named in honor of the former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, is given to individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to Asia. The award is a recognition of those who embody the spirit of service and leadership that Magsaysay represented.

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This year’s awardees, including Hayao Miyazaki, will be honored in a ceremony in Manila this November, further solidifying their legacy and contributions to society.