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
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
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
Kihara is a firm believer that creativity begins with the pencil and paper. Photo: MEFCC
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
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
Writer and animator Hirokatsu Kihara attended this year's Middle East Film and Comic Con event in Abu Dhabi. Photo: MEFCC
