Overview
- Makoto Shinkai distinguishes himself from Hayao Miyazaki through his unique storytelling methods and thematic elements.
- His forthcoming film in 2025 continues a successful trajectory following nominations for Suzume at prestigious events like the Golden Globes and Annie Awards.
Renowned for his artistic excellence, Makoto Shinkai is often placed alongside legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki. However, their approaches are distinctly different; Shinkai’s films showcase a unique blend of visual artistry and narrative depth that sets them apart from Studio Ghibli’s iconic works.
Shinkai’s films possess a distinctive hallmark—viewers can easily identify his storytelling style and thematic elements across his body of work. Fans who appreciate his narrative style often find that their preferences extend similarly to his filmography, creating a coherent artistic experience. Conversely, if certain films do not resonate, it may influence perceptions of his other works.
His latest release, Suzume, premiered in 2022 and garnered significant recognition, earning nominations from both the Golden Globes and the Annie Awards, often regarded as the Oscars of animation. Shinkai recently teased the announcement of a new film in 2025, suggesting exciting developments on the horizon:
Happy New Year! I spent 2024 working on a new movie. I’m happy to work hard with my colleagues to build from scratch a new world no one has seen yet. I’ll do my best to be able to share information on it this year. I hope 2025 will be a peaceful year for all of you.
Box Office Results and Accolades
Exploring Suzume, Your Name, and More
Shinkai’s illustrious career as a film director and writer began in 1998, with notable works including 5 Centimeters per Second, The Garden of Words, Your Name, Weathering with You, and Suzume. His talents extend beyond film; he has directed openings and trailers for various video games, such as The Legend of Heroes III: Song of the Ocean (1999) and Ys II Eternal (2000).
Perhaps his most acclaimed film, Your Name (2016), achieved a monumental box office success, grossing over ¥25.17 billion, and became the second highest-grossing film in Japanese cinema history at the time, following Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Internationally, it received critical acclaim, a rare feat for anime films outside the Ghibli franchise, though it did not secure an Academy Award nomination.
In 2019, Weathering with You also performed well, earning over ¥12 billion. Following its release in 2022, Suzume grossed an impressive ¥14.94 billion, marking its status as the fourth highest-grossing Japanese film worldwide, only trailing behind Mugen Train, Your Name, and Spirited Away.
For those eager to watch Suzume, it is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Sources: AnimeCorner, Gamerant
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