Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki has been honoured with this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award for his contribution to environment protection and promotion of peace through animation, Studio Ghibli announced on Sunday.

“Hayao Miyazaki wins the Ramon Magsaysay Award, known as the ‘Nobel Prize of Asia’,” Studio Ghibli, the Oscar-winning Japanese animation studio co-founded by Miyazaki, wrote on X.

The post further stated, “The foundation praised him, stating, ‘He has used art to help children understand complex issues, such as environmental protection and the promotion of peace. He has created many of the most memorable and beloved films in the world.’ The award ceremony will be held in Manila in November.”

Miyazaki, who co-founded Studio Ghibli and directed celebrated anime films like My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and The Boy and the Heron, is known for exploring themes like environmentalism, anti-war sentiments, technology vs nature and the ambiguity of good and evil. His films, despite having a devoted adult following, aim to engage with children.

The 83-year-old filmmaker came out of his retirement to direct The Boy and the Heron, which won the best animated feature award at this year’s Oscars. He previously bagged the award for Spirited Away in 2001.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, headquartered in Manila, also selected three other individuals and a group from Thailand as awardees for this year.

The award ceremony will be held in Manila in November.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award is given to people and groups who have made major contributions to Asia. It was established in honour of Ramon Magsaysay, former president of the Philippines.