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Ghibli Founder Isao Takahata Inducted Into 's Order of Arts and Letters
posted on by Egan Loo
Studio Ghibli, received the Officier decoration in 's Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) on Tuesday. French Ambassador Thierry Dana presented the honor in a ceremony at his official residence in Tokyo and praised Takahata as "legendary in the world of anime." The Officier rank is above the Chevalier, and below the Commandeur.
Takahata commented that he was truly happy for this honor since is a special country to him. He added that he has visited several times for film festivals and has spoken there about Japanese picture scrolls.
Takahata had a long career directing such classics as My Neighbors the Yamadas.
Takahata recevied an Honorary Award there.
Takahata majored in French literature at the University of Tokyo before becoming an animator. He also translated the works of French poet Jacques Prévert — including the first complete Japanese translation of the Paroles (Kotobatachi) volume — as well as several French films.
received the Chevalier decoration in the Order in 2009.
Sources: Sports Nippon, NHK, Chunichi Shimbun, Asahi via Hachima Kikō
Update: The French Embassy notified ANN that Takahata received the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, not the Ordre national de la Légion d'Honneur.
