The Boy and the Beast
Everyone loves Ghibli movies, and for good reason. But since Miyazaki retired (or not, depending on how he feels this week), people have wondered – who will be his spiritual successor?
Titled Mirai, new anime will be a return to the “human drama” elements of Wolf Children and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Mamoru Hosoda has made a name for himself as one of the most respected anime directors working today, so why do most of his films lack A-list anime voice actors?
Shibuya restaurant is ready to give customers as big a smile as the rising anime director’s feel-good movies.
Mamoru Hosoda‘s The Boy and The Beast film has sold over 3 million tickets to earn over 3.8 billion yen (about US$30.5 million), 30 days after opening on July 11. It dropped from #4 to #7 at the Japanese box-office for the August 8-9 weekend. It played on 354 theaters in its fifth weekend.
Many would argue that Mamoru Hosoda is the most talented director of family anime in the industry today. That “family” classification is two-fold, by the way. Not only are Hosoda’s works appropriate for just about all ages, taking the high road by eschewing in-your-face sex appeal and gratuitous violence, the bond between family members is a recurring theme in his films. In 2009, Hosoda’s Summer Wars showed audiences an extended yet close-knit family headed by the female lead’s tough yet kind grandmother. Three years later, the focus was on a single mother raising two lycanthropes in rural Japan in Wolf Children Ame and Yuki.
Now, Hosoda is turning viewers’ gaze towards a relationship he hasn’t put the spotlight on before, with the just-released The Boy and the Beast, which asks what a boy needs to learn from his father, and also what that father can learn from his boy. So how does it answer those quesitons? Read on for the rest of our review of Hosoda’s latest hit to find out.
Mamoru Hosoda‘s The Boy and The Beast film debut at #1 during the July 11-12 weekend, topping the Japanese debut of Terminator Genisys. The Boy and The Beast opened on 457 screens, and earned 667,035,100 yen (about US$5.4 million) in its first two days. The film sold 494,170 tickets over the weekend.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
Weekly
- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
- Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates- Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan- Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Monthly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Yearly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
RECOMMENDED STORIES
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Foreign resident of Japan arrested after spraying bear repellant inside post office
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sanrio’s new McDonald’s Japan Happy Meals give the spotlight all to Cinnamoroll[Photos]
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
We try Krispy Kreme Japan’s first-ever all-you-can-eat doughnut deal
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
-
