- I am studying influential japanese animators because I want to find out what about their style and storytelling made them so important, in order to understand how and why they shaped the current japanese animation and pop culture.
- Your thesis statement (2%)
- Satoshi Kon and Hayao Miyazaki have had significant influences on both modern Japanese animation as well as western films due to their unique approach to storytelling, artstyle, and deep dedication to their craft.
- At least 5-7 credible sources (primary and secondary) must be cited to show that background research has been done to frame the project. (2%)
- Include a 2/3 paragraphs that document your research process and findings on locating sources (including the databases they came from). Consider your search strategies, your methods of evaluation, and your ultimate findings. (5%)
I found different types of sources for both animators including interviews, scholarly articles, video essays, and even a dissertation that includes both of them. While reading and watching these sources I learned a lot about their creative process as well as the time it takes to create these animated movies. I also learned about some of the Western pieces of media that they have greatly influenced, including but not limited to Black Swan, How to Train Your Dragon, and Inception. Through reviewing sources, I decided to narrow my research question to mainly just focus on Satoshi Kon and Hayao Miyazaki as I think the point I am trying to make would have gotten lost trying to analyze the works of many directors. Instead, I expanded the reach of my thesis to include their inspirations and influences on not only Japanese media but media around the world.
As for any remaining questions I may have about this topic, there aren’t too many, I just want to find more sources that better articulate the points I am trying to make, as well as find more pieces of media that credit one of these two animators as their source of inspiration. Thankfully through my research I still managed to learn a lot and became better acquainted with the personalities and approaches of Satoshi Kon and Hayao Miyazaki. I also learned about some of the historical influences as well as some mentors that may have affected their work. Something that did make this research a bit difficult, however, was the lack of good journal articles or even credible newspaper articles pertaining to my topic, especially ones relating to Satoshi Kon’s influence. I will do my best to find more as I continue to complete this project.