‘She Was Miyazaki’s Type’: Studio Ghibli Founder Says Major Anime Character ‘Wasn’t Chosen for Her Voice’

Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki recently shared an interesting story during a Tokyo event celebrating the new 4K remaster of Princess Mononoke. He explained that voice actress Masako Ishida wasn’t chosen for her vocal talent, but because Hayao Miyazaki, Ghibli’s co-founder, was particularly impressed with her. Suzuki recalled seeing Miyazaki’s reaction when Ishida greeted the team after voicing Okiyo in Pom Poko. He remembered Miyazaki’s lip twitching with approval, and said that was the deciding factor – she simply fit Miyazaki’s preferences.








