Starting Point. 1979 ~ 1996 by Hayao Miyazaki.

A collection of essays, interviews, talks, sketches and a short manga story about the history of Inflight Meals. 

I learned a great deal from this book, about Miyazaki himself and the art of making anime. Through these pages you'll discover: 

. Miyazaki's motivations for making anime for children, 

. His views on ideas and values portrayed in anime characters, 

. His love for his country, 

. His views on wars, progress and Japanese traditions, 

. Why most of his protagonists are girls! 

. A glimpse into his personal life (only a glimpse), 

. His creative process, not that he had a formal method, quite the opposite. 

. A few stories about colleagues and staff. My favourite story is about A Woman Finish Inspector, someone in charge of checking for mistakes, dirt and scratches in anime cels (transparent sheets were images are drawn). That woman had a passion for her work, so much that she lived in her office, sacrificed her free time and sleep to finish her work. 

. Why he didn't like Osamu Tezuka's work! 

. A few months ago I watched a documentary titled 10 years with Hayao Miyazaki. A great complement to this book I think. Find it on NHK World on Demand. 👍