Nippon Television Holdings, a prominent Japanese broadcaster, has announced its acquisition of Studio Ghibli, set to take effect in October.

As reported by the Japan Times, Studio Ghibli, renowned for its illustrious history in the animation industry since its establishment in 1985, will be led by Hiroyuki Fukuda, Nippon TV's senior operating officer and board director. Toshio Suzuki, the current president of Ghibli, will assume the role of chairman, while Hayao Miyazaki, the esteemed director, will serve as honorary chairman and director.

The decision for this acquisition stems from concerns regarding succession planning. With Miyazaki and Suzuki aged 82 and 75 years old, respectively, and with Miyazaki's oldest son and fellow director, Gorou Miyazaki, declining to take over the studio, the search for a suitable successor led to discussions with Nippon TV.

The association between Ghibli and Nippon TV can be traced back to the 1980s. It all began with the broadcast of Hayao Miyazaki's 1984 masterpiece, "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind," which, although produced by the now-defunct Top Craft, is now recognized as part of Ghibli's esteemed body of work.

In 1985, Nippon TV began regularly showcasing Ghibli's films on its popular Friday Roadshow program block, marking the start of a longstanding collaboration. Additionally, Nippon TV has consistently provided financial support for Ghibli's productions, starting with "Kiki's Delivery Service," and played a crucial role in the establishment of the renowned Ghibli Museum.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Nippon TV will acquire a significant 42.3% ownership of Ghibli's shares, thereby securing a majority stake in the studio. This acquisition opens up new possibilities for the future of Studio Ghibli and its cherished legacy.