Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary co-founder of Studio Ghibli, is trending due to significant recent events related to both his artistic endeavors and the business aspects of the renowned animation studio.

Reasons for Trending (Entertainment):

• Award-Winning Film Success: Miyazaki's latest film, The Boy and the Heron (released as How Do You Live? in Japan), has garnered immense critical acclaim and several prestigious awards. It won Best Animated Feature at the 96th Academy Awards in March 2024, the 81st Golden Globe Awards, and the 77th British Academy Film Awards. This marks Miyazaki's second Oscar win, further cementing his global recognition.
• Box Office Performance: The film has been a major commercial success worldwide, becoming the fifth highest-grossing Japanese film of all time internationally with over $294.2 million as of May 2024. It also made history by becoming the first original anime film to top the North American box office and Studio Ghibli's highest-grossing release in North America. By April 2024, it had crossed the $300 million mark globally, making it the fifth anime movie in history to achieve this milestone.
• Continued Creative Output and "Retirement" Speculation: Despite previous announcements of retirement, Miyazaki, at 84 years old (as of June 2025), is reportedly working on new projects. His son, Goro Miyazaki, has teased that his father is creating a new "action-adventure-type movie, nostalgic and reminiscent of the old days." This ongoing creative activity and the recurring speculation about his "final" film keep him in the public eye.
• Ghibli Park and Merchandise: The Studio Ghibli-themed amusement park, Ghibli Park, which opened in November 2022, continues to be a major tourist attraction. Additionally, Studio Ghibli regularly releases new merchandise, such as 2025 art calendars featuring characters from their films, which generates ongoing interest among fans.

Reasons for Trending (Business and Finance):

• Studio Ghibli Acquisition by Nippon TV: In October 2023, Studio Ghibli became a subsidiary of Nippon Television Holdings Inc., a major Japanese broadcaster, which acquired a 42.3% stake. This significant business development was driven by concerns over succession planning due to the advanced ages of Miyazaki (82 at the time) and producer Toshio Suzuki (75 at the time). Nippon TV aims to support Ghibli's management while ensuring its creative independence. This acquisition ensures the long-term future of the studio.
• Financial Success and Valuation: Miyazaki's films, particularly those from Studio Ghibli, have consistently generated hundreds of millions of dollars globally, contributing to his personal net worth, estimated at $50 million as of 2025. The robust box office performance of The Boy and the Heron further highlights the financial strength and market value associated with the Studio Ghibli brand.
• Discussions on AI and Copyright: The rise of AI image generators capable of imitating Studio Ghibli's distinctive style has sparked public debate about copyright infringement and the future of animation, drawing attention to the studio's unique artistic value and business challenges. Goro Miyazaki has voiced concerns that AI could eventually replace animators, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of his father's creativity.