The first Studio Ghibli movie I watched was My Neighbor Totoro. My parents were separated and I had few visits with my dad, who always tried to have fun with my sister and I. One time my dad showed us Totoro and I remember loving it. I loved big, fluffy Totoro and loved the similar relationship between Mei and Satsuki and my older sister and I. Every time my mom took us to a video store I'd always search for the "Totoro movie". But I could never find it, most likely because it's not a normal Californian film. So your movie has always had a sweet spot in my childhood. But the reason all your work has touched me in such a way is different than it being a childhood film. My dad went to University in Japan, that's how he knew your work. And he shared his love for your movies with my sister and I. But when I was 11, I lost my dad suddenly. I loved him a lot and the thought of never seeing him again really hurt me for a long time. But seeing your movies, new and old, make me feel connected to him. So thank you for making your movies with your studio. I deeply respect you and your colleagues because of the happiness the brought to me, my family, and especially my dad. You are truly a stupendous and talented man.