Evangelion's Hideaki Anno: Creators Reach Their Peak Around Age 30

The Peak of Creativity: Anno on the Ideal Age for Creators

Hideaki Anno, the creator of the Evangelion franchise, recently shared his thoughts on the prime age for creative individuals during the "Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion" festival. He participated in a Q and A session alongside Kazuya Tsurumaki, Mahiro Maeda, Yuriko Yamaguchi, and Miki Nagasawa, where a fan inquired about what experiences people should pursue before turning 30. Anno's response drew upon the wisdom of other influential figures in the anime industry.

Ishiguro's Insight

Anno quoted Noboru Ishiguro, the director of Space Battleship Yamato, who believed that creators reach their peak around the age of 30. Anno reflected on his own experiences, noting that he worked on Aim for the Top! Gunbuster and Nadia - The Secret of Blue Water during his late 20s and early 30s. He explained that he strived to reach his creative peak during that period, working diligently to maximize his potential before the inevitable decline.

The Downhill Trajectory

Anno suggested that a creator's life often follows a pattern of ascent, peak, and descent. He mentioned that with luck, one might experience a smaller resurgence of creativity later in life. To mitigate a sharp decline, Anno emphasized the importance of exploring one's creative limits before reaching 30. He stated that the foundation for a creative person's future is built during this period, encouraging young individuals to experiment and try various endeavors.

Miyazaki and Tomino: Case Studies

Anno supported his argument by referencing Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary director and co founder of Studio Ghibli, and Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of Mobile Suit Gundam. He asserted that both filmmakers produced their best work in their 30s. Anno encouraged students to dedicate their time to studying diverse subjects, implying that this broad knowledge base would contribute to their creative development.

Miyazaki's Formative Years

While Anno did not provide specific examples, the article highlighted Miyazaki's work in his 30s. Before founding Studio Ghibli and achieving international acclaim, Miyazaki contributed to numerous productions by Tokyo Movie, Zuiyo, and Nippon Animation. These included Lupin III, Panda! Go, Panda!, Heidi - A Girl of the Alps, Future Boy Conan, and Anne of Green Gables. He also directed his first feature film, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, during this period. Miyazaki's later successes, such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and his subsequent Ghibli films, came after he turned 40.

Tomino's Sci Fi Legacy

The article also showcased Tomino's prolific output in his 30s. He created several significant science fiction series, including Muteki Chōjin Zambot 3, Muteki Kōjin Daitarn 3, the original Mobile Suit Gundam, and Space Runaway Ideon. These works established Tomino as a prominent figure in the anime industry and laid the groundwork for his continued success.