A new book exploring the imagination and influence of legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki is set to be released later this year. Titled “The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki”, this upcoming publication by Nicolas Rapold is scheduled to hit shelves on September 18, 2025, via Frances Lincoln, and it’s already available to pre-order in both hardback and eBook formats.
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“The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki” by Nicolas Rapold is available to pre-order in hardback.
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The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki by Nicolas Rapold is also available to pre-order as an eBook for Kindle.
Hayao Miyazaki has long been celebrated as one of the most influential figures in global animation, with a filmography that includes Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo. His work, often associated with Studio Ghibli, the iconic animation house he co-founded, has captivated audiences of all ages through its emotionally charged storytelling, breathtaking animation, and unforgettable characters. Even decades after their initial release, Miyazaki’s films continue to resonate, with Spirited Away still holding the title of the highest-grossing film in Japanese cinema history and earning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
In “The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki”, Nicolas Rapold offers readers a chance to explore what lies beneath the surface of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic films. Rather than focusing on plot or critique, “The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki” traces the threads of inspiration that have helped shape Miyazaki’s creative universe. From childhood memories and traditional Japanese folklore to European architectural styles, classic cinema, environmental concerns, and even political commentary, the book paints a fuller picture of the creative forces that inform Miyazaki’s distinct cinematic worlds.
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Author Nicolas Rapold brings years of experience to the project, having served as editor-in-chief of Film Comment and contributed writing to outlets such as The New York Times, Artforum, and Sight & Sound. His approach blends thoughtful analysis with visual language, offering a compelling read for anyone curious about the creative process behind animation’s most revered storyteller.
The book also reflects on recurring themes that appear across Miyazaki’s films, including flight, nature, girlhood, resistance, and renewal. It touches on how these concepts are used not only to build fantastical narratives but to ground his work in deeper emotional and philosophical truths. In doing so, “The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki” positions itself as a meaningful companion for fans and film lovers who want to better understand the cultural and artistic foundations of Miyazaki’s enduring legacy.
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Whether you’ve grown up watching Studio Ghibli’s magical tales or you’re only just discovering the power of his storytelling, this new book offers a chance to see Miyazaki’s work through a new lens.
“The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki” by Nicolas Rapold will be published by Frances Lincoln with the RRP at £25.00. It is available now to pre-order in hardback at Amazon, Waterstones, and Bookshop.org, and eBook formats including Amazon Kindle and Apple Books, ahead of its official release on 18th September 2025.