Goddesses of Water & Sky: Feminist Ideologies in the Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki

Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki has created a number of astonishing worlds and memorable characters in his animated films. From 1984’s seminal Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to 2008’s Ponyo, a central theme of Miyazaki’s work has been his unique utilization of female protagonists. This paper investigates the gender ideologies espoused by Miyazaki’s feature films. Questions regarding narrative structure, character agency, gender role deviation, and genre precedence are addressed. Miyazaki’s work is also examined within the greater context of Japanese animation as a powerful media sphere.