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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s tweet congratulating Hayao Miyazaki on his recent award has led to speculation that she might be an anime enthusiast. The tweet came in response to Miyazaki’s receipt of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, which is often regarded as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
Co-founder of #StudioGhibli #HayaoMiyazaki gets the Ramon Magsaysay award.
His masterpieces are “My Neighbour Totoro” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service—can watch them any number of times.
Anime have much for adults and Miyazaki serves them like a magician. https://t.co/ymBxbxUoPG— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 1, 2024
Hayao Miyazaki, now 83 years old, co-founded Studio Ghibli, one of the most iconic animation studios globally. His works, including Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and The Boy and the Heron, have not only captivated audiences with their beautiful artistry but have also tackled complex themes like environmentalism, war, and the human condition.
These films are celebrated for their ability to communicate profound messages to both children and adults alike. In a post on its official X handle, Studio Ghibli lauded Miyazaki’s achievements, stating that he has used art to help children understand complex issues and created many of the world’s most beloved films.
Miyazaki’s recognition also highlights the growing influence of anime, a genre that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Other famous anime series, such as Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Attack on Titan, and My Hero Academia, continue to draw massive audiences, further establishing Japan’s cultural footprint in India and on the global stage.
This year’s award also recognises other notable individuals, including Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong from Vietnam, who has sought justice for victims of Agent Orange; Karma Phuntsho, a former Buddhist monk from Bhutan, for his educational work; and Farwiza Farhan from Indonesia, who has led efforts to protect the Leuser Ecosystem in Sumatra. Additionally, the Rural Doctors’ Movement of Thailand will be honored for its dedication to providing healthcare to the country’s rural poor.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award, established in 1957, is named after the third President of the Philippines. It honors individuals and organizations in Asia who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their fields. Miyazaki joins an illustrious list of previous awardees, including Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Journalists Ravish Kumar, P Sainath and social reformers like Aruna Roy and Baba Amte.