- Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned Japanese animator and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, believes that the golden age of anime is over. In an interview, Miyazaki expressed his disappointment with the current state of the anime industry, stating that it has become too commercialized and focused on pandering to otaku (hardcore anime fans) rather than creating genuinely meaningful and artistically compelling works.

- Miyazaki lamented the lack of originality and innovation in modern anime, criticizing the industry's tendency to rely on adaptations of light novels, manga, and video games rather than developing original stories and characters. He argued that the industry has become too risk-averse, prioritizing financial success over artistic expression and the creation of thought-provoking narratives.

- Despite his pessimistic outlook, Miyazaki acknowledged that there are still talented individuals working in the anime industry who are striving to create meaningful and visually stunning works. However, he believes that the overall direction of the industry has shifted away from the kind of artistic and thematic depth that characterized the golden age of anime, which he associates with the works of his own studio and other pioneering animators from the past.