The BEST episodes directed by Kaku Arakawa

Drawing What's Real
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8.40
10 votes

#1 - Drawing What's Real

10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki - Season 1 - Episode 2

An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the genius of Japan's foremost living film director, Hayao Miyazaki -- creator of some of the world's most iconic and enduring anime feature films. Miyazaki allowed a single documentary filmmaker to shadow him at work on what would become his 2008 blockbuster, "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea." As he dreams up characters and plot lines, he delves into memories of his late mother for a thread to weave the story. "Movies show who you are," Miyazaki says, "no matter how hard you try to hide it."

No Cheap Excuses
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8.40
10 votes

#2 - No Cheap Excuses

10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki - Season 1 - Episode 4

An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at legendary Japanese animator and director Hayao Miyazaki. For a decade, he allowed a single documentary filmmaker to shadow him. At age 72, he takes on a new challenge - one that would become the highly-acclaimed "The Wind Rises" (2013), Miyazaki's first film about a historical figure. Bringing the film from concept to reality turns out to be a long and difficult journey. In the process, Miyazaki grapples with tough questions about issues like aging, and the meaning of making animated films in a turbulent time.

Go Ahead — Threaten Me
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8.36
11 votes

#3 - Go Ahead — Threaten Me

10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki - Season 1 - Episode 3

An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the genius of legendary Japanese animator and director Hayao Miyazaki. For a decade, he allowed a single documentary filmmaker to shadow him. Sparks begin to fly as he and his son, Goro - an up-and-coming director - work on the film "From Up on Poppy Hill" (2011). In the final stretch, a massive earthquake and nuclear disaster rock Japan and leave the team in shock. Amid power outages, they decide they must pause their work. That's when Hayao puts his son's resolve as a director to the test.

Ponyo is Here
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8.33
15 votes

#4 - Ponyo is Here

10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki - Season 1 - Episode 1

An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the genius of Japan's foremost living film director, Hayao Miyazaki -- creator of some of the world's most iconic and enduring anime feature films. Miyazaki allowed a single documentary filmmaker to shadow him at work, as he dreamed up characters and plot lines for what would become his 2008 blockbuster, "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea." Miyazaki explores the limits of his physical ability and imagination to conjure up memorable protagonists. This program is the first of a 4-part documentary, "10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki." Episode 2 will air on March 30 (JST). Episodes 3 and 4 will air in April and May. All episodes will be available on our video-on-demand site after the broadcast.