Few statements have echoed through the anime community with as much intensity and misinterpretation as Hayao Miyazaki’s now infamous remark: “Almost all Japanese animation is produced with hardly any basis taken from observing real people.” You’ve probably seen it quoted on forums, video essays, or rants about modern anime’s perceived decline. But at Animeblogworld, we believe that understanding context is everything. This article unpacks what Miyazaki really said, what he meant, and how much of the anime industry it truly applies to.
The Origin of Miyazaki’s Controversial StatementFull Quote Breakdown from the SoraNews24 Interview
The quote in question comes from a translated visual interview published by SoraNews24, showing Miyazaki sketching a young girl. Between pencil strokes and puffs from his ever-present cigarette, he shares:
“Whether you can draw like this or not, being able to think up this kind of design, it depends on whether or not you can say to yourself, ‘Oh, yeah, girls like this exist in real life.’
If you don’t spend time watching real people, you can’t do this, because you’ve never seen it.
Almost all Japanese animation is produced with hardly any basis taken from observing real people, you know.
It’s produced by humans who can’t stand looking at other humans.
And that’s why the industry is full of otaku!”
What Was Actually Meant: Character Design vs. Storytelling
It’s crucial to note that Miyazaki was speaking specifically about character design, not anime as a whole. His frustration was rooted in how some artists draw characters disconnected from lived experience. It wasn’t a blanket dismissal of anime writing, direction, or even all otaku.
How the Internet Misunderstood the StatementClickbait Headlines and Out-of-Context Quotes
Many articles ran headlines like “Hayao Miyazaki says the anime industry is full of otaku” without including the full transcript. This led to widespread misinterpretation, with people assuming he was bashing anime writing, tropes, or otaku culture as a whole.
The Otaku Stereotype Revisited
In pop culture, “otaku” often implies social reclusiveness or obsessive fandom. But in the professional sphere, many otaku are driven, talented, and deeply knowledgeable. The problem arises when “otaku” becomes shorthand for everything wrong with anime—a lazy argument devoid of nuance.
Animeblogworld’s Perspective: Is the Industry Really Full of Otaku?What Defines an “Otaku” in the Context of Anime Creation?
At Animeblogworld, we view “otaku” not as an insult, but a descriptor. It refers to creators with deep, niche passions—often for mecha, moe, or specific genres. The key isn’t whether someone is an otaku, but whether they translate that passion into rich, relatable characters and innovative stories.
Miyazaki’s View on Otaku vs. Reality
While Miyazaki paints a grim picture—“produced by humans who can’t stand looking at other humans”—that’s clearly not the full truth. His remark reflects a preference for realism in character inspiration, but anime is a vast medium that also thrives on abstraction, surrealism, and stylization.
Case Studies: Otaku vs. Notaku Creators
Let’s break down notable creators and where they fall on the otaku spectrum:
Otaku Creators
- Hideaki Anno (Evangelion): Openly otaku, revolutionary storyteller.
- Hiroyuki Imaishi (Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill): Influenced by classic mecha.
- Akiyuki Shinbou (Monogatari Series): Known for otaku-centric properties.
- Gen Urobuchi (Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero): Began in visual novels.
- Mari Okada (Anohana): Former hikikomori, introspective dramas.
Notaku Creators
- Masaaki Yuasa (Ping Pong, Devilman Crybaby): Started in children’s animation.
- Tsutomu Mizushima (Shirobako): Comedy roots, family-focused content.
- Mamoru Hosoda (Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast): Toei background.
- Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice): Studied photography and film.
Neutral Ground
- Makoto Shinkai (Your Name): Former game designer, balances realism with fantasy.
This breakdown reveals that the industry includes a diverse array of creators with varying levels of otaku influence. And many “otaku” have produced profound, deeply human work.
Do Otaku Create Less “Human” Characters?Exploring Emotional Depth in Otaku-Centric Stories
Take Evangelion—created by a self-admitted otaku. It’s one of the most psychologically complex anime ever made. Likewise, Madoka Magica explores existential dread and sacrifice through its magical girl shell. Clearly, the label “otaku” doesn’t preclude emotional resonance.
Examples Where Otaku Creators Excelled in Realism
- Anohana (Mari Okada): Grief and friendship portrayed with piercing authenticity.
- Steins;Gate (Takuya Satō): Socially awkward characters with real growth arcs.
- Bakuman (Takeshi Obata): A grounded look at the manga industry.
Beyond the Otaku Label: Bigger Issues in the IndustryOverproduction and Understaffing
One of the real threats to quality anime is the relentless production cycle. Studios churn out dozens of series annually, many based on popular source material, to secure commercial success. This leaves little room for innovation or detailed observation of human behavior.
Artistic Freedom vs. Realism in Anime Design
Miyazaki advocates for realism, but animation is also about imagination. Pink hair, floating cities, and gravity-defying battles are part of the charm. The medium doesn’t have to mimic life to convey truth—it just has to connect emotionally.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat did Miyazaki actually mean about anime being “full of otaku”?
He was specifically criticizing character design that lacks realism due to disconnection from real people—not condemning the entire anime industry.
Is the anime industry really filled with socially isolated creators?
There’s a mix. Some creators are deeply introverted or niche-focused, but many are trained professionals with diverse backgrounds.
Are Otaku creators less capable of writing human characters?
Not at all. Many otaku creators have delivered emotionally profound, human-centric stories.
Why is the quote often taken out of context?
Clickbait headlines and poor translations often isolate the line for drama, ignoring its context within a broader artistic discussion.
How does Animeblogworld approach nuanced anime critique?
Animeblogworld emphasizes context, creator backgrounds, and thematic depth, rather than sweeping generalizations.
Can anime both embrace realism and creativity?
Yes, and the best anime often do both—grounding fantastical elements with human emotion and relatability.
Conclusion: Context Over Clickbait – Rethinking Industry Criticism
Miyazaki’s frustration with anime disconnected from real-life observation is valid, especially from a master draftsman. But using his quote to condemn modern anime or its creators outright is misleading. The anime industry is diverse, layered, and constantly evolving. Labels like “otaku” shouldn’t be used to gatekeep artistic merit. At Animeblogworld, we hope to inspire more nuanced, informed discourse—because anime deserves better than hot takes.
