Zen and Ghibli

Life Lessons for Lasting Happiness from the Legendary Studio

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by Toshio Suzuki

Type

Stories

Subject

Studio > Ghibli

Keywords

Ghibli, philosophy

Publishing date

2026 (October 13, 2026)

Publisher

G. P. Putnam's Sons

Language

English

Relative size

Physical desc.

Hardcover • 256 pages
5 ¼ x 8 inches (13.5 x 20 cm)

ISBN

979-8-217-18469-9

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Book Presentation:
The secrets for how to live a happy, enlightened life from three charming Buddhist monks and Toshio Suzuki, the Oscar-winning Studio Ghibli producer behind internationally beloved and acclaimed films including Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and The Boy and the Heron.

One visionary filmmaker. Three Buddhist monks. Countless life-changing lessons.

How do we live now? In Zen and Ghibli, legendary Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki embarks on an intellectual journey with three leading Buddhist monks—Sokyu Gen’yu, Nanrei Yokota, and Shinsuke Hosokawa—to explore Zen themes woven into the universally treasured Ghibli films. In ways unpredictable and delightful, life-changing lessons are revealed, such as:

• zazen, redirecting our focus inward (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
• kunjū, learning through observation (The Wind Rises)
• fushiki, strength in not knowing (Princess Mononoke)
• furyū monji, how to convey feelings that cannot be expressed into words (Howl’s Moving Castle)
From the skill of embodying nothingness as a form of worry relief, to why Kiki’s black cat Jiji stopped talking, each conversation gradually reveals a basic principle that lies at the very heart of Zen Buddhism and Studio Ghibli—that we, and our world, are worth fighting for.

Beautifully illustrated with Japanese artwork and stills from these iconic films, Zen and Ghibli is at once a charming antidote for our times and a fascinating glimpse into the magic of Studio Ghibli that has shaped fans for over forty years.

About the Author:
Toshio Suzuki is an award-winning Japanese film producer. He is the chief producer and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, alongside Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. He was president of the company from 2005-2008, and remains a chairman there.Beth Cary is a translator of fiction and non-fiction and interpreter who has worked with Studio Ghibli filmmakers. She is co-translator (with Frederik L. Schodt) of Hayao Miyazaki’s Starting Point and Turning Point and translator of the two-volume set Hayao Miyazaki and the Ghibli Museum.

Press Reviews:
"The book brings together the broad popularity of Studio Ghibli with a readerly appetite for what publishers call 'healing philosophy,' and the pairing mostly earns its keep. The book's real interest, however, lies in its refusal to overexplain." —Japan Times

"Those with an appreciation for Japanese animation, Buddhist philosophy, and the pursuit of peace and happiness through art will find much to enjoy in this distinctive work. Readers of Ian Condry’s The Soul of Anime and Akira Kurosawa’s Long Take will find this title of interest. Fans of Studio Ghibli films in particular will not want to miss this thoughtful and engaging work." —Library Journal

"Animation-loving, contemplative souls may well find this a rewarding read. An erudite exercise in interlacing art and meaning, ideal for philosophically engaged readers." —Kirkus Reviews

"This book made me want to slow down. Its gentle wisdom and thoughtful insights reveal the beautiful connection between Studio Ghibli and Zen, making both even more fascinating. A calming, uplifting and inspiring read." —James Norbury, author of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon

"Zen is the practice of looking not at the ego, but at the self. Ghibli animation depicts not only human strength, but also human weakness. In this book, where the two meet, lies the essence of Japanese culture." —Sosuke Natsukawa, author of The Cat Who Saved Books

"A very welcome addition to the Studio Ghibli bookshelf. Toshio Suzuki—film producer, former studio president, and tireless hype-man for all things Ghibli—sits down with three Buddhist monks for a series of wide-ranging dialogues that both deepen our appreciation of Ghibli’s films and broaden our spiritual horizons. Encompassing work, life, the world around us and everything in between, these idiosyncratic chats are rich, compelling and surprising—much like the work of the legendary studio itself." —Michael Leader, co-creator of Ghibliotheque

"Enlightening, revelatory and hugely enjoyable. A unique, insightful read for any Studio Ghibli fan’ OR ‘Full of wisdom, humor and artistic revelation. A charming and insightful journey into spirituality and Studio Ghibli." —Jake Cunningham, co-creator of Ghibliotheque

"Gentle, calm and inspiring, this book has enriched my own relationship with life and creativity." —Nick Bradley, author of The Cat and the City