Hayao Miyazaki's Controversial Statement Resurfaces

“What’s Wrong with Falling in Love with a 12-Year-Old?” – Hayao Miyazaki’s Controversial Statement Resurfaces

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Hayao Miyazaki is a household name in Japan—a two-time Academy Award winner and a pioneer of the anime industry. Over the course of his career, he has gained international acclaim as a masterful storyteller and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished filmmakers in the history of animation.

However, even a figure of his stature has been at the center of controversy regarding the sensitive topic of l*licon. An infamous quote attributed to the legendary Japanese director reads: “What’s wrong with falling in love with a 12-year-old girl!?”

This statement originally originates from “The World of Hayao Miyazaki”, a 2004 publication from the Creators File series by Takeshobo. The book delves into Miyazaki’s creative process, exploring the themes and philosophies behind his films.

One section features an interview with Mamoru Oshii, the renowned filmmaker behind Ghost in the Shell (1995). Oshii recalls an instance where Miyazaki, in what he describes as either a drunken or uninhibited state, made the controversial remark:

“Those girls are innocent plants for Miya-san. His mind is like a little girl standing beyond the mirror. I still don’t get it, though. I have no idea because I have never been interested in an actual little girl or child. But he has. When he got terribly drunk, he suddenly shouted, ‘What’s wrong with falling in love with a 12-year-old girl?’ That was obviously his true nature,” Oshii stated.

While this quote is often cited in debates, there is no concrete evidence to confirm its exact context or the circumstances under which it was said. Some argue that it was part of a broader discussion on artistic freedom rather than a literal belief.

Beyond this, other statements and images circulating online have been used to suggest Miyazaki’s aesthetic or emotional attraction to young girls. For example, during the promotion of Spirited Away, he made a comment about Chihiro’s voice actress on a live TV broadcast:

What's Wrong with Falling in Love with a 12-Year-Old?" - Hayao Miyazaki's Controversial Statement Resurfaces

“Hiiragi-san is about 13 years old. I’ve had a few girlfriends like that.”

Additionally, Miyazaki once revealed that his career in animation was inspired by his love for the young heroine Bai-Niang from Panda and the Magic Serpent, Japan’s first full-length color animated film.  

As reported by Flickering Myth, he recalled: “I can still remember the pangs of emotion I felt at the sight of the incredibly beautiful young female character, Bai-Niang, and how I went to see the film over and over as a result. It was like being in love, and Bai-Niang became a surrogate girlfriend for me at a time when I had none.”

While various sources suggest that Miyazaki holds a deep appreciation for youthful beauty, his statements are often fragmented, contradictory, or open to interpretation. His frequent use of young heroines in his films only adds to the debate.

Hayao Miyazaki’s contributions to the animation industry are undeniable, and his legacy is unparalleled. However, his views on l*licon culture and whether he genuinely embraces it remain a topic of controversy in Japanese fandom.

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