Studio Ghibli is a world-renowned animation studio known for its artistic storytelling and hand-drawn masterpieces. Fans often wonder who owns Studio Ghibli and how its ownership has evolved. This article explores the studio’s history, ownership structure, control, revenue, and associated companies.
History of Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with producer Toshio Suzuki. Its origin traces back to the success of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), a film directed by Miyazaki. The studio was created to continue producing high-quality animated films with strong narratives and unique visual styles.
Over the decades, Studio Ghibli has released global hits like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke. These films helped build its legacy as one of the most respected animation studios in the world.
Who Owns Studio Ghibli?
The question “who owns Studio Ghibli” became especially relevant after the founders began retiring. Today, Studio Ghibli is no longer fully independent. It is a subsidiary of Nippon Television Holdings, Inc. (Nippon TV), one of Japan’s major broadcasting companies.
In September 2023, Nippon TV announced it would acquire a majority stake in Studio Ghibli. This move aimed to secure the studio’s long-term future and preserve its legacy, especially as the original founders age and step back from operations.
Studio Ghibli Largest Shareholders
Below is the list of the major shareholders of Ghibli Studio:
| Shareholder | Estimated Ownership (%) | Role | Control/Influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nippon Television Holdings | ~40%+ (majority) | Parent company | Has board control and final decision-making authority |
| Toshio Suzuki | Small minority | Co-founder, Producer, Chairman | Key creative and strategic influence |
| Hayao Miyazaki & Family | Minimal or symbolic | Co-founder, Director | Strong creative influence; no major equity |
| Kiyofumi Nakajima | Not publicly disclosed | Director of Ghibli Museum | Plays a leadership role in Ghibli’s public presence and outreach |
| Senior Staff (Past/Present) | Small, mostly retired | Long-term employees (past) | Possible symbolic or historical ownership; likely reduced post-Nippon TV acquisition |
| Studio Ghibli Internal Trusts | Not publicly disclosed | Corporate/in-house holding entities | May retain residual internal ownership for continuity and legal purposes |
Nippon Television Holdings, Inc.
Nippon TV is currently the majority shareholder of Studio Ghibli, reportedly owning over 40% of the studio. This acquisition was formalized in September 2023.
Nippon TV has been Ghibli’s longtime broadcast and production partner since the late 1980s. The company aired many Ghibli films and specials, including the much-loved “Friday Road Show” program. Nippon TV’s acquisition ensures financial support, succession stability, and distribution expertise. The studio remains creatively independent, but Nippon TV now has decision-making power through board seats and voting control.
Toshio Suzuki
Toshio Suzuki, a co-founder and producer, still retains a minority stake in Studio Ghibli. While the exact percentage is undisclosed, his ownership is believed to be symbolic rather than controlling.
Suzuki remains deeply involved in Studio Ghibli’s creative and operational decisions. As chairman, he acts as a bridge between the founders’ vision and Nippon TV’s corporate oversight. His legacy as a producer of nearly every Ghibli film makes his presence central to maintaining the studio’s identity.
Hayao Miyazaki and Family
Although Hayao Miyazaki helped build Studio Ghibli into a global brand, he no longer holds a significant ownership stake. In the past, he may have held shares informally or through a private family trust, but by 2023, control had transitioned away from him.
His son, Goro Miyazaki, plays a creative role within the studio, directing films like Tales from Earthsea and working on Ghibli Park. However, the Miyazaki family does not exercise formal control or have major equity in the company today.
Kiyofumi Nakajima
Kiyofumi Nakajima, the Director-General of the Ghibli Museum, is also involved in Studio Ghibli’s extended leadership network. While he doesn’t hold a major ownership stake, he has been trusted by the studio’s founders to oversee public relations and educational outreach.
He represents the studio’s community and museum-facing mission. While not a shareholder in the traditional financial sense, his role in governance and legacy protection is noteworthy.
Institutional and Staff Shareholders
Before the Nippon TV acquisition, several shares were likely held by long-time senior staff and early investors. These might include directors, animators, or internal company entities. However, most of these shares were likely bought out or converted during the acquisition process.
Studio Ghibli has never been publicly listed on a stock exchange, so institutional investors (like banks or mutual funds) do not hold shares unless through Nippon TV holdings.
Who Controls Studio Ghibli?
Although Studio Ghibli is now majority-owned by Nippon Television Holdings, day-to-day control and creative decision-making are shared across several key figures and entities. The studio maintains a unique balance between corporate structure and artistic freedom. Here’s a breakdown of who controls Studio Ghibli today:
Toshio Suzuki – The Creative Steward
Toshio Suzuki, one of the original founders, remains the most influential figure in Studio Ghibli’s leadership. He serves as Chairman of the studio, guiding overall direction and managing the balance between business and creativity.
While he no longer owns a controlling share, Suzuki acts as the glue between the founding spirit of Ghibli and its modern corporate governance. His decades-long experience as a producer of nearly all Ghibli films grants him deep authority and trust internally.
He oversees talent development, approves key projects, and often speaks on behalf of the studio in public.
Hayao Miyazaki – The Creative Soul
Though semi-retired, Hayao Miyazaki still plays an active role in shaping the studio’s creative projects. His most recent film, The Boy and the Heron, released in 2023, was proof that he continues to influence the studio’s vision and style.
Miyazaki is not involved in daily business operations, but his opinions are highly respected. When he is working on a film, he leads the artistic direction completely—from storyboarding to character development.
Miyazaki’s name and vision are deeply tied to the brand. As such, even without formal control, his creative influence remains unmatched.
Goro Miyazaki – The Next Generation Voice
Goro Miyazaki, Hayao’s son, has increasingly taken on more responsibilities within Studio Ghibli. He directed films like From Up on Poppy Hill and Tales from Earthsea, and led the creative concept for Ghibli Park, which opened in 2022.
Although his leadership style differs from his father’s, Goro represents a generational shift. He is expected to play a larger role in future Ghibli projects, especially as the studio transitions its leadership.
Nippon TV Executives – Corporate Oversight
As the majority owner, Nippon Television Holdings now has formal control over Studio Ghibli’s business decisions. This includes:
- Financial oversight
- Board appointments
- Approval of major investments and corporate strategy
- Licensing and distribution deals
Executives from Nippon TV have joined Studio Ghibli’s board of directors. However, they have pledged to protect the studio’s creative independence. Rather than intervening in artistic matters, their role is to ensure financial sustainability and succession planning.
Board of Directors – A Balanced Power Structure
The current Board of Directors includes a mix of Studio Ghibli veterans and Nippon TV executives. This board structure allows Ghibli to maintain its unique identity while staying financially viable.
Decisions are made collaboratively, with business and creative perspectives both represented. This dual approach has worked well so far, as seen in the studio’s ability to produce high-quality content while adapting to modern business environments.
Kiyofumi Nakajima – Public Relations and Cultural Leadership
Kiyofumi Nakajima, the Director-General of the Ghibli Museum, plays a less visible but still important role. He oversees Ghibli’s cultural outreach, education, and public image.
While he does not make high-level studio decisions, Nakajima ensures the Ghibli brand is respected and well represented in exhibitions, museums, and fan communities.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli’s annual revenue varies, as it depends heavily on new film releases and merchandise. In recent years, estimates suggest the studio earns between $100 million and $200 million annually, including global licensing and streaming rights.
The net worth of Studio Ghibli is estimated to be around $500 million to $800 million, thanks to its intellectual property, merchandise, museum, and film library. Its global appeal continues to generate consistent income even without frequent new releases.
Companies Owned by Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli does not own many external companies, but it operates several important divisions and brands:
Studio Ghibli Inc.
This is the core production company behind all Ghibli films. Studio Ghibli Inc. handles everything related to animation production, story development, directing, and post-production.
Founded in 1985, this company was set up to give Ghibli creators full control over their projects without relying on external studios. It employs animators, producers, background artists, and sound engineers.
Films like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away were all produced in-house. Even today, Studio Ghibli Inc. remains one of the few animation studios to create hand-drawn films at this scale.
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
The Ghibli Museum, located in Mitaka, Tokyo, is one of the most iconic cultural institutions in Japan. It is not just a museum but a whimsical, immersive experience designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself.
Owned and operated by Studio Ghibli, the museum includes exclusive short films that cannot be seen anywhere else. It also features art exhibits, storyboards, animation workshops, and detailed recreations of scenes from Ghibli films.
The museum is managed by Kiyofumi Nakajima, who ensures it remains a beloved destination for fans and families. Its revenue supports cultural preservation and educational programming.
Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park is Studio Ghibli’s large-scale theme park located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Opened in November 2022, the park is a collaboration between Studio Ghibli, Aichi Prefecture, and the Aichi Tourism Bureau.
While not 100% owned by Studio Ghibli, the studio retains full creative control over its design and storytelling. The park features real-world recreations of Ghibli worlds such as:
- My Neighbor Totoro’s Dondoko Forest
- Spirited Away’s Bathhouse
- Princess Mononoke’s Emishi Village
The park avoids traditional amusement rides in favor of immersive environments and interactive exhibits. It’s designed to reflect Ghibli’s philosophy of connecting people with nature and emotion.
Ghibli Merchandise and Licensing
Studio Ghibli also owns and oversees a dedicated licensing and merchandise division. This entity handles the production and distribution of official Ghibli products in Japan and globally.
Licensed products include:
- Plush toys
- Apparel
- Jewelry
- Stationery
- Kitchenware
Ghibli-branded shops operate in locations like Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as online. The brand has also partnered with international retailers such as Uniqlo, Loewe, and Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli’s official store chain in Japan).
This division is a key revenue source and helps maintain tight control over how the brand is presented to fans around the world.
Ghibli Publishing (Toshio Suzuki Books and Memoirs)
While not a full-scale publishing company, Studio Ghibli manages a publishing arm focused on books, art collections, and memoirs by its staff.
This includes:
- Artbooks for each film
- Storyboards and concept sketches
- Biographies and essays by Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki
These materials are published both in Japanese and in translated editions for global audiences. They serve both as revenue products and as a way to preserve Ghibli’s artistic legacy.
Brands Owned by Studio Ghibli
In addition to its companies and cultural sites, Studio Ghibli owns a portfolio of powerful intellectual properties. These brands include films, characters, and franchises that have become iconic around the world. Each brand generates revenue through licensing, merchandise, publishing, and media streaming deals.
My Neighbor Totoro
Totoro is Studio Ghibli’s most recognizable character and its de facto mascot. Since the release of My Neighbor Totoro in 1988, Totoro has become a global symbol of childlike wonder and environmental harmony.
The character is featured in toys, clothing, books, theme park exhibits, and the logo of Studio Ghibli itself. Totoro is especially popular in Japan and East Asia and is often compared to Disney’s Mickey Mouse in cultural impact.
Spirited Away
Released in 2001, Spirited Away is Ghibli’s highest-grossing and most critically acclaimed film. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and is considered one of the greatest animated films of all time.
Characters like Chihiro, No-Face, and Haku are central to the brand. The film is a core part of Ghibli’s merchandising and digital licensing portfolio. It also has dedicated sections in Ghibli Park and is featured in global art exhibits.
Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke is a darker, more mature brand within Studio Ghibli’s catalog. Released in 1997, it focuses on environmental conflict and spiritual folklore.
Its brand includes powerful characters like San (Mononoke), Ashitaka, and the Forest Spirit. While less commercialized than Totoro or Kiki, the film has a strong following among adult Ghibli fans and is used heavily in international art publications and special-edition merchandise.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
The character Kiki, a young witch navigating adulthood, has become a cult favorite worldwide. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) is one of Ghibli’s most enduring brands, especially in fashion and lifestyle products.
You’ll find Kiki-themed handbags, stationery, and kitchenware in both Japanese and international Ghibli stores. The brand is also featured in books, manga reprints, and seasonal marketing campaigns in Japan.
Howl’s Moving Castle
The fantastical world of Howl’s Moving Castle is a major Ghibli brand, known for its steampunk elements and romantic fantasy. Characters like Howl, Sophie, and Calcifer are regularly featured in high-end merchandise, especially apparel and jewelry.
The castle itself is a popular icon in Ghibli Park, and the film is heavily licensed for streaming and DVD/Blu-ray reprints globally.
Ponyo
Ponyo (2008) is a major children’s brand owned by Studio Ghibli. The fish-girl character Ponyo is aimed at younger audiences and is used in toys, books, and aquatic-themed merchandise.
Ponyo is especially popular in coastal cities and is used in campaigns related to ocean conservation, reflecting Ghibli’s ongoing environmental themes.
The Cat Returns / Baron Humbert von Gikkingen
From the 2002 film The Cat Returns, the character Baron has become a fan-favorite and a mini-brand within the Ghibli universe.
He also appears in Whisper of the Heart and is featured in Ghibli Park and Ghibli Museum displays. Baron-themed items like figurines, brooches, and wall art are popular among collectors.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Although technically released before Studio Ghibli was officially founded, Nausicaä is fully owned and considered a Ghibli property.
The brand includes environmental themes, strong female protagonists, and futuristic designs. It remains one of Ghibli’s most respected titles among adult audiences and is still used in artbook reprints and philosophical essays.
Conclusion
So, who owns Studio Ghibli today? The answer is Nippon Television Holdings.
It holds a controlling interest, ensuring the studio’s stability as its founders age. However, the heart of Studio Ghibli remains with its original creators, who still influence its stories and vision. This balance of corporate support and creative freedom is what keeps Studio Ghibli magical.
FAQs
Who founded Studio Ghibli?
Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki founded Studio Ghibli in 1985.
Is Studio Ghibli still independent?
No, it is now a subsidiary of Nippon Television Holdings.
Does Disney own Studio Ghibli?
No, Disney does not own Studio Ghibli. It once held distribution rights in some markets but has no ownership stake.
Who runs Studio Ghibli today?
Toshio Suzuki remains chairman, while Nippon TV executives manage the business side.
What is Studio Ghibli’s most successful film?
Spirited Away is the most successful, both critically and financially. It won an Academy Award and earned over $380 million worldwide.
What makes Studio Ghibli’s art style unique?
Studio Ghibli’s art is known for its hand-drawn animation, intricate backgrounds, and emphasis on natural landscapes and emotion. It blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with soft, whimsical designs and deep storytelling. Characters are expressive, and even mundane scenes are rich in visual detail. Ghibli’s color palettes and architecture are also heavily inspired by real-world nature and folklore.
Is Studio Ghibli’s art protected by copyright?
Yes. All of Studio Ghibli’s characters, backgrounds, films, and visual styles are protected under international copyright law. This includes both the animation and the conceptual art. Unauthorized use of their artwork for commercial or public projects without permission is considered infringement.
Can OpenAI use Studio Ghibli’s art style in its tools?
No, OpenAI tools (including image generation models) do not have permission to use or replicate Studio Ghibli’s copyrighted artwork. Users cannot legally generate exact Ghibli characters or scenes unless the visuals are heavily transformed and do not directly infringe on Ghibli’s intellectual property. OpenAI discourages the use of copyrighted material without a license or transformative purpose.
Can I use AI to make Ghibli-style images for personal use?
Creating Ghibli-inspired artwork with AI for personal enjoyment (not commercial use) may be tolerated in a gray area. However, it’s important to avoid generating exact replicas of characters like Totoro, Chihiro, or Howl. If shared online, it should clearly state it is fan-made and unofficial. Selling or promoting AI art using Studio Ghibli IP without authorization can result in copyright takedown notices.
Has Studio Ghibli collaborated with any AI companies?
As of now, Studio Ghibli has not officially collaborated with OpenAI or any AI company for creative or commercial projects. In fact, Ghibli is known for preserving traditional, hand-drawn techniques and may be cautious about AI tools. Its creative process relies on human storytelling and craftsmanship, staying true to its artistic roots.