Hayao Miyazaki wishes Studio Ghibli fans a Happy New Year with new artwork for the Year of the Snake

The legendary anime director’s drawing celebrates his star sign.

If you were born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 or 2025, then congratulations! You were born in the Year of the Snake, the current zodiac year. and you share your star sign with one of the most acclaimed anime directors in the world, Hayao Miyazaki.

Miyazaki, born in 1941, will be 84 years old this year, in a few days, on January 5th. Snakes are known for their charm, wisdom, sensitivity And PerformanceThese are qualities that the master director displays in everything he does, too the New Year’s card he creates for fanswhich has become something of an annual tradition since 2021.

New Year’s cards are often sent to family, friends and customers in Japan, and Studio Ghibli sends its greetings to fans via the Internet, with beautiful artwork by Miyazaki depicting the zodiac sign of the year.

▼ For example, last year Miyazaki created this artwork for the Year of the Dragon.

Since the zodiac sign was born in the Year of the Snake, it is particularly close to the director’s heart this year, which is also reflected in the new artwork he drew for this year’s message to fans. The snake doesn’t have a single but eight headswith A snail and a mouse appear near the snake’s tail. At the top is the question: “お元気ですか?” (“Ogenki desu ka?” (“How are you?”)), followed by “今年もよろしく” (“Kotoshi mo yoroshiku”), a common New Year’s greeting expresses the wish for continued goodwill in the coming year.

The artwork is accompanied by the following message from the studio:

“We would like to extend our warmest New Year’s greetings to all of you.
Thank you for always supporting Studio Ghibli.

Last year began with a series of natural disasters and accidents and therefore began with a heavy heart. We sincerely hope that those affected by these events can return to their normal lives as soon as possible and pray from the bottom of our hearts that people in other areas can enjoy a peaceful New Year without incident.

As for Studio Ghibli, we have almost completed the worldwide release of The Boy and the Heron and we not only saw it but also received many awards. Additionally, we are currently in the process of touring exhibitions and developing new projects, so we hope you look forward to it. The second area of ​​Ghibli Park was successfully opened, and all five originally planned areas have now been completed. This year we will strive to further improve and improve our facilities and operations.

Studio Ghibli will resume work on Monday, January 6th. Director Hayao Miyazaki’s 84th birthday falls on the previous day, but the studio staff will certainly celebrate with him on this day.

Thank you for your continued support of Studio Ghibli and Studio Ghibli works this year.

2025.1.1.”

The heartwarming beauty of Miyazaki’s hand-drawn artwork is complemented by the beautiful message of the message, which not only expresses concern and goodwill for the studio’s fans, but also lets us in on the goings-on behind the scenes, including plans to celebrate its 84th birthday of the director.

If we had his illustration skills, we would definitely send him a card to wish him well and thank him for the New Year’s message. Happy New Year And Happy birthday, Miyazaki-san! All the best for your zodiac year!

Source: Studio Ghibli
Picture above ©SoraNews24
Insert images: Studio Ghibli (1, 2)
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!