Lasseter-san, Thank You 2003
"The More Than 20 Year Friendship Between Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter Behind Spirited Away's Academy Award Win"
Step behind the curtain of Studio Ghibli's heartfelt 2003 documentary, *Lasseter-san, Thank You*, a rare glimpse into the decades-long friendship between animation visionaries Hayao Miyazaki and Pixar's John Lasseter.
Director: Junichi Sato
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lasseter-san, Thank You (2003) about?
This documentary follows a 2002 trip by Studio Ghibli staff to North America, where they celebrated the success of *Spirited Away*—including its Academy Award win—while paying tribute to John Lasseter. Filmed as a private gift, it blends behind-the-scenes moments with clips from Miyazaki's films and Pixar shorts, capturing the warmth of a creative partnership.
Who directed Lasseter-san, Thank You?
Junichi Sato directed this heartfelt documentary, which offers an intimate look at one of animation's most inspiring friendships.
Who stars in Lasseter-san, Thank You?
The documentary features key figures like Hayao Miyazaki, John Lasseter, Toshio Suzuki, and Rex Jones, all central to the story of collaboration and gratitude.
Is Lasseter-san, Thank You (2003) worth watching?
While not a mainstream release, this documentary is a must-see for fans of Studio Ghibli or Pixar, offering a rare, unfiltered look at the creative bonds that cross cultural divides. Its earnestness and rarity make it a poignant time capsule for animation enthusiasts.
How long is Lasseter-san, Thank You?
This documentary runs for 155 minutes, or just over 2.5 hours—long enough to savor its intimate charm.
About Lasseter-san, Thank You (2003) — The Ghibli-Pixar friendship behind Spirited Away's Oscar win
Step behind the curtain of Studio Ghibli's heartfelt 2003 documentary, *Lasseter-san, Thank You*, a rare glimpse into the decades-long friendship between animation visionaries Hayao Miyazaki and Pixar's John Lasseter. Directed by Junichi Sato, this intimate home-movie-style tribute follows a 2002 journey as Ghibli's team travels across North America to celebrate the Oscar-winning *Spirited Away*. Woven through the footage are playful snippets from Miyazaki's own films—like the swashbuckling skies of *Porco Rosso*—paired with Pixar shorts, creating a visual love letter that bridges two cinematic empires. The documentary pulses with warmth and nostalgia, capturing spontaneous moments of camaraderie in hotel rooms, theaters, and screening halls, all while honoring the man who played a pivotal role in bringing Ghibli's magic to Western audiences. It's a celebration of creative kinship and the universal language of animation.
An unexpectedly personal artifact from the animation world, *Lasseter-san, Thank You* feels both private and profound. Without a traditional narrative, it thrives on authenticity—casual conversations, backstage preparations, and shared laughter—all stitched together to reveal the human connections that shape great art. The film's tone is unguarded and affectionate, a testament to the bonds forged over more than two decades. For fans of Miyazaki or Lasseter, or anyone who's ever marveled at the power of storytelling to unite cultures, this documentary offers a rare and rewarding peek into the hearts behind the films we love. It's less a polished production and more a joyful, unfiltered snapshot of gratitude in motion.