How a reluctant director turned a 'girls' book' into a masterpiece of realistic animation

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: When Isao Takahata was asked to adapt Anne of Green Gables in 1979, he was skeptical. He found the novel uneventful and doubted it could work as animation. Yet, his commitment to historical accuracy and realistic character design created a legendary series that remains a beloved classic today.

To capture the late 19th-century atmosphere of Prince Edward Island, Takahata and his team, including Yoshifumi Kondō, traveled to Canada in July 1978. They took sketches, photos, and even collected soil samples to ensure the color palette of the anime was authentic. This dedication to realism defined the production, which aimed for a sober, everyday-life tone that contrasted sharply with the more dynamic, expressive styles popular in animation at the time.

The production was marked by significant creative friction, particularly between Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, who handled the initial scene settings and layouts. Miyazaki, who was unfamiliar with the source material, clashed with Takahata’s controlled approach. While Miyazaki preferred idealized, protective female protagonists, Takahata insisted on an unidealized, impulsive Anne. This tension, combined with Takahata’s rejection of initial shōjo-style character drawings in favor of a look inspired by actress Mia Farrow, ensured the series remained grounded in the nuances of the 1973 Taeko Kamiyama translation.

Despite internal studio politics and the departure of Miyazaki after the first 15 episodes, the series became a cultural phenomenon. It was broadcast on Fuji Television from January to December 1979, totaling 50 episodes. Its influence extended far beyond Japan; the series became a classic in Italy and Germany, often achieving status comparable to other legendary works like Heidi. The show’s legacy is preserved through various releases, including a 2010 compilation film and multiple home media editions, cementing its place as a high-water mark for the World Masterpiece Theater franchise.

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