FAQ About Studio Ghibli

Studio Ponoc is an animation studio in Japan that was founded by former Studio Ghibli staff members. While Studio Ponoc is a separate and independent studio, it has strong connections to Studio Ghibli due to the involvement of key Ghibli personnel in its founding and early projects. Here is an overview of the connection between Studio Ghibli and Studio Ponoc:

• Founders: Studio Ponoc was founded in 2015 by Yoshiaki Nishimura, a producer who had worked at Studio Ghibli on films like "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya" and "When Marnie Was There." Nishimura played a significant role in the development of Ghibli's projects. He was joined by other former Ghibli staff members, including animators and artists.
• Spiritual Successor: Studio Ponoc has often been described as a "spiritual successor" to Studio Ghibli due to its mission to create high-quality animated films in the tradition of Ghibli. The studio aims to carry on the legacy of Ghibli by producing films with strong storytelling, artistic integrity, and a focus on hand-drawn animation.
• Debut Film - "Mary and The Witch's Flower": Studio Ponoc's debut film, "Mary and The Witch's Flower," was released in 2017. The film was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, a former Ghibli animator and director ("When Marnie Was There" and "The Secret World of Arrietty"). The visual and storytelling style of the film bore similarities to Studio Ghibli works.
• Future Projects: Studio Ponoc has continued to produce animated films, and its works have been well-received by audiences and critics alike. While Studio Ponoc is not Studio Ghibli, its films have captured the attention of fans of Ghibli's animation style and storytelling.