What are some famous Japanese animated films?
Japan is the world's largest producer of animated films.
The Japanese word anime has even gained currency in English.
Older works include Tezuka Osamu's animated film tor TV, Tetsuwan Atomu, which gained popularity in the United States as Astro Boy.
More recently, Sailor Moon became very popular in the United States.
There are numerous other animated films that have been exported and are being watched around the world.
Another outstanding contemporary animation artist is Miyazaki Hayao, whose works such as Kaze no Tani no Naushika (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind) and Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro) have all become big hits.
His Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke), which came out in 1997, was watched by 13.6 million people and generated hox-office returns of 18.6 billion yen.
Then in 2001, an animated film appeared that exceeded the popularity of Princess Mononoke.
It was called Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away).
Originated, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the work won prize for the Best Animated Feature Film at the 75th Academy Awards.
Bringing in 30.4 billion yen in box-seat revenues, it also became the top-earning film in Japanese history.