Hirokatsu Kihara and Studio Ghibli films - in pictures

  • As an animator, Kihara was a production co-ordinator at the pioneering Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli from 1985 to 1990. Photo: Studio Ghibli
    As an animator, Kihara was a production co-ordinator at the pioneering Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli from 1985 to 1990. Photo: Studio Ghibli
  • Laputa: Castle in the Sky follows the story of a young boy and a girl in possession of a magic crystal which is the key to finding a floating castle. Photo: Studio Ghibli
    Laputa: Castle in the Sky follows the story of a young boy and a girl in possession of a magic crystal which is the key to finding a floating castle. Photo: Studio Ghibli
  • Laputa: Castle in the Sky has strong themes of anti-war and violence. Photo: Studio Ghibli
    Laputa: Castle in the Sky has strong themes of anti-war and violence. Photo: Studio Ghibli
  • During his time at Studio Ghibli, Kihara worked with the renowned director and animator Hayao Miyazaki. Photo: MEFCC
    During his time at Studio Ghibli, Kihara worked with the renowned director and animator Hayao Miyazaki. Photo: MEFCC
  • Miyazaki with his Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Cinema palace in Venice September 9, 2005. Reuters
    Miyazaki with his Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Cinema palace in Venice September 9, 2005. Reuters
  • Kihara is a firm believer that creativity begins with the pencil and paper. Photo: MEFCC
    Kihara is a firm believer that creativity begins with the pencil and paper. Photo: MEFCC
  • My Neighbour Totoro, 1988. Photo: Studio Ghibli
    My Neighbour Totoro, 1988. Photo: Studio Ghibli
  • My Neighbor Totoro follows the story of two little girls who move to the country to be near their ailing mother where they are befriended by forest spirits who live nearby. Photo: Studio Ghibli
    My Neighbor Totoro follows the story of two little girls who move to the country to be near their ailing mother where they are befriended by forest spirits who live nearby. Photo: Studio Ghibli
  • Kiki's Delivery Service, 1989. Photo: Studio Ghibli
    Kiki's Delivery Service, 1989. Photo: Studio Ghibli
  • Kiki's Delivery Service follows the adventures of a young witch who, while on her mandatory year of independent life, runs an air courier service. Photo: Studio Ghibli
    Kiki's Delivery Service follows the adventures of a young witch who, while on her mandatory year of independent life, runs an air courier service. Photo: Studio Ghibli
  • Writer and animator Hirokatsu Kihara attended this year's Middle East Film and Comic Con event in Abu Dhabi. Photo: MEFCC
    Writer and animator Hirokatsu Kihara attended this year's Middle East Film and Comic Con event in Abu Dhabi. Photo: MEFCC