Happy birthday! Hayao Miyazaki turns 85 today

Hayao Miyazaki is celebrating his 85th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed directors of his generation.

Popular director Hayao Miyazaki (The Boy and the Heron, ...) has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 85th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Miyazaki, a cultural icon

Born Miyazaki Hayao in Tokyo on January 5, 1941, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in Japanese history. Miyazaki's not just a great director, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Hayao hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Hayao Miyazaki as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 85.

Happy Birthday, Hayao, you're the best!

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