Anime Great Miyazaki Not Happy With Public iPad Fondling

Hayao Miyazaki is often called the greatest among Japanese animators. He is so well known that fans of his needn't have his first name uttered; Miyazaki is enough. Still, comparing use of the iPad to masturbation? Hmmm ...

Speaking in an interview for the newsletter (Neppuu) of his production company, Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki said he's not enamored with the magical iPad. Of course, Miyazaki has said before he doesn't own a computer or fax, so he might be somewhat of a technophobe.

After all, Miyazaki also noted that he got annoyed when everyone on trains started reading manga en route, and still later when folks began using cell phones on trains to call and text message.

Here's what he said of the iPad:

"For me, there is no feeling of admiration or no excitement whatsoever. "It's disgusting. On trains, the number of those people doing that strange masturbation-like gesture is multiplying."

Interesting analogy. Mizayaki has created such classics as "My Neighbor Totoro," which Roger Ebert called "one of the most beloved of all family films" and "visually enchanting." Other such films include "Ponyo" and the Oscar-winning "Spirited Away."


With that list of classics, who cares if he doesn't like the iPad (we know, we know, Steve Jobs)? Watch a trailer for "Totoro," below.