Description: An American's unique behind-the-scenes look at Japanese business and how the animated films of Hayao Miyazaki were introduced to the world.
Review Quotes:
"It's a fabulous book. Informative and illuminating."
-Neil Gaiman, author of American Gods, Sandman, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane
"The modern-day Japanese answer to Disney, this company could not be further from the American animation studio model, and Alpert reveals part of why Ghibli's reputation for cinematic excellence is well-deserved, in a memoir that's equal part anecdote and cultural primer."
--Shelf Awareness
"Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man may be the only behind-the-scenes book about Studio Ghibli we ever get -- at least until Miyazaki finally retires for good."
--Nikkei Asian Review
"A massively informative book on Studio Ghibli's pivotal years, with sublime comedy moments."
--The Anime News Network
"A wellspring of sharp insights into the studio's creative process and fiery gossip about its main players."
--Cartoon Brew
"An utterly priceless insider account, loaded with shouting matches, dastardly deals, moments of searing creative wisdom and fist-gnawing awkwardness. Ghibli, and anime, will never look the same again."
--Jonathan Clements, author of Anime: A History
"A comedic and detailed portal into what it was like to work with one of the world's most influential animators."
--Metropolis Magazine
"I've been waiting a long time for Steve Alpert's book. With humor and insight he describes his years working at Japan's premiere animation company--Studio Ghibli--where I always marveled at his ability to survive. Fans of Ghibli and its films, and its best-known founder and director, Hayao Miyazaki, will be delighted. And so, too, will anyone interested in Japanese society and business, the animation industry, and problems of intercultural communication."
--Frederik L. Schodt, translator, with Beth Cary, of Hayao Miyazaki's autobiographical books, Starting Point and Turning Point
"A new book by the studio's long-time international executive, Japanese-speaking American Steve Alpert, lifts the veil on some of the business transactions and industry practices that led to the studio's success."
--The South China Morning Post
"An insider's view of how cultural products are translated and transformed, also how art and commerce collide in the world of cinema."
--Japan Forward
"Spirited Away, one of Miyazaki's most successful films, was my gateway drug to Ghibli's animation which was in turn my gateway to Japanese culture as a whole, so disenchantment would be a high price for me to pay. Fortunately, though, I derive deep satisfaction from finding out how the things I love are made--it only adds to my experience. For anyone who is like me and who enjoys watching How It's Made videos and behind the scenes documentaries, Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man is a must."
--Kyoto Journal
"A snapshot of one of the film industry's most exciting times, and an intimate portrayal of the people making the movies we love."
--Tokyo Weekender