Director Hideaki Anno, renowned for anime like "Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion," as well as live-action films such as "Shin Godzilla" and "Shin Ultraman," is still going strong in the animation and film world as he approaches 66.
Today (3/13), Studio Khara's official X account shared news of Director Anno's visit to Hayao Miyazaki's studio. The post read: "A while ago, we visited Studio Ghibli's 'Ni Ma Ryoku' (literally 'Two Horsepower,' Miyazaki's personal studio) again after a year." This reunion between master, apprentice, and long-time rivals clearly touched many fans.
The official post stated that Hayao Miyazaki is still in great spirits, freely drawing whatever he pleases. The post exclaimed: "Miya-san (Miyazaki) is still so full of energy, drawing whatever 'pictures' he likes at will. He's truly an incredible person." A photo of the two together was also released.
Furthermore, as Anno was leaving, Miyazaki walked him out and even spontaneously said, "Let's shake hands." This led to the heartwarming photo of their handshake. The post also mused, "He seems to have mellowed out a bit."
Of course, Hayao Miyazaki is now 85 years old, and Hideaki Anno is almost 66. With these two animation legends' ages combined exceeding 150, fans are naturally curious about what they discussed.
Speaking of Hideaki Anno, he worked on Miyazaki's projects as a young animator and was deeply influenced by him. He later became an indispensable figure in Japanese animation history, standing alongside Miyazaki as one of its most iconic directors. The two actually reconnected just last year after a six-year hiatus, and this latest meeting has left fans feeling quite nostalgic.
▼ The two met at the same location last year.
Seeing these two animation titans side-by-side, many netizens expressed their emotion in the comments: "For an 85-year-old to say 'Let's shake hands' when saying goodbye, it feels like it holds so much emotion. Truly touching." "To be described as 'only mellowing out at 85,' that's the genius of Miyazaki." "Seeing him still so energetic and passionate, that final handshake photo is truly inspiring and moving."
While there's no news of new projects, this "master-and-apprentice" reunion still has fans buzzing! After all, both masters are getting on in years, and perhaps health is what matters most to them. The bond between these decades-long friends is truly admirable.