The Secret World of Arrietty established Hiromasa Yonebayashi as the youngest director of a theatrical film produced by Studio Ghibli. Born in 1973 in Nonoichi, Japan, Yonebayashi developed his professional practice through extensive technical roles in animation, eventually pivoting to lead directorial projects that earned international critical recognition and prestigious industry awards throughout his multi-decade career.
Early Training and Studio Ghibli Tenure
Yonebayashi attended the Kanazawa College of Art, where he focused his studies on commercial design. Following his education, he joined Studio Ghibli, where he spent eighteen years refining his craft. His early contributions included in-between and clean-up animation for Princess Mononoke in 1997, as well as work on Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade and My Neighbors the Yamadas. As his expertise grew, he took on key animation and directorial support roles for notable projects such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Tales from Earthsea, Ponyo, and The Wind Rises.
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The transition to lead director occurred with the 2010 film The Secret World of Arrietty, where he also managed storyboards and unit direction. This debut solidified his standing within the studio. He subsequently directed and wrote the screenplay for When Marnie Was There, released in 2014. This film garnered a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2015. His technical contributions also expanded to television series, including work on Serial Experiments Lain and Monster.
Founding Studio Ponoc
In December 2014, Yonebayashi departed Studio Ghibli alongside producer Yoshiaki Nishimura. By June 2015, the pair established Studio Ponoc. Under this new entity, he directed and wrote the screenplay for Mary and the Witch's Flower in 2017. His later work includes directing and screenwriting duties for Modest Heroes in 2018. He has continued to contribute to the field through key animation roles, including on the 2023 film The Boy and the Heron.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Nonoichi, Japan
- Education: Kanazawa College of Art
- Notable Works: Arrietty, When Marnie Was There
- Studio Ghibli Tenure: 18 years
- Studio Ponoc Established: 2015
- 2011 Japan Academy Prize: Animation of the Year
- 2015 Japan Movie Critics Award: Best Animation Director
Questions readers ask
What was Yonebayashi's first directorial role?
He made his directorial debut with the Studio Ghibli film The Secret World of Arrietty in 2010.
Which studio did Yonebayashi help establish?
In June 2015, he established Studio Ponoc alongside producer Yoshiaki Nishimura.
Achievements
- Notable work: Kūsō no Sora Tobu Kikaitachi
- Notable work: Arrietty
- Notable work: When Marnie Was There
- Worked as animator, animation director and film director
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