Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Hiromasa Yonebayashi, known affectionately as Maro, was born on July 10, 1973, in Nonoichi, Ishikawa, Japan. He is a distinguished animator and director, celebrated for his contributions to the world of animation, particularly during his tenure at Studio Ghibli. Yonebayashi made his directorial debut with the enchanting film 'The Secret World of Arrietty,' which marked him as the youngest director of a theatrical film produced by the renowned studio.

In 2015, Yonebayashi received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature for his second film, 'When Marnie Was There.' This recognition solidified his status as a prominent figure in the animation industry. After an impressive eighteen years with Studio Ghibli, he, alongside producer Yoshiaki Nishimura, departed the studio in December 2014 to embark on a new venture.

In June 2015, Yonebayashi co-founded Studio Ponoc, where he continued to showcase his creative vision. His first project as director at the new studio was 'Mary and the Witch's Flower,' further establishing his reputation as a talented filmmaker. Yonebayashi's artistic journey began at the Kanazawa College of Art, where he majored in commercial design, laying the foundation for his future successes in animation.