Dear Mr. Miyazaki,
The first movie of yours that I watched was Spirited Away on Cartoon Network when I was in elementary school around 10 years old. I remember that day very well because it was the day my mind expanded completely. It was like a cold wave refreshing my mind, reinventing me in the process. I fell in love, and I couldn't stop talking about it or wanting everyone I knew to watch it and be just as obsesssed as I was. The experience was like meeting someone for the first time who you instantly click with, like you were meant to be with eachother. I became a fan of your movies, partly because they are all wonderful and magical but also because I could see in every one that I watched that a great deal of love and passion was put into them. I am grateful to you because you changed my life and the way I see things, think, and behave. I was always really sad with myself because I always thought I could be better, something more than what I was. But when I saw Spirited Away it inspired me in a way that made me fulfill the expectations I had for myself. I became more creative and openminded, crafting my own stories filled with magic and adventure. It opened up my perspective of the world because it gave me hope. I no longer saw the world as a bleak place. When I was somewhere I didn't like, I just daydreamed of your movies and of the beautiful nature in them and everything was alright. I still wish I could transport into your movies and be a part of your characters' worlds. But since that is very unlikely, I will continue to watch them and pass them on to everyone I love and know, because I consider your movies to be one of the greatest gifts anyone could receive due to the hope they inspire and the deep meanings they carry. The messages in them are important ones regarding people, the way they should treat eachother despite their differences, acceptance, bravery, and being caring and nurturing instead of destructive and cruel. These are things some people forget about as they grow, so I'm happy someone has been teaching the importance of these traits. I don't know if you realize how much of a difference you've made in the world and in the hearts of so many people. So many people are happy and captivated and inspired by your work. Thank you for everything, Mr. Miyazaki, and I hope to meet you someday.

Dear Hayao Miyazaki,
When I was really little we would go to my grandma's house there was always a weird crazy movie on TV. It used to scare me really bad, to the point that I would have nightmares.
A couple years later, my parents took my sisters and I to a movie called Ponyo. I loved it! It was so unique, unlike anything I had ever seen before. A couple more years went by and I forgot about both movies almost all together. One day, my dad brought home a movie called Pom Poko and even though Pom Poko isn't one of my favorite movies I still wanted more. I asked my dad to bring home more of these movies and I'm really glad he did. Over the coarse of three-ish years I was learning everything about you and how you had the ideas to make these wonderful movies.
Last year you announced your retirement and I was devastated. My parents took us to your last movie, The Wind Rises. My oldest sister and I wore Totoro costumes to the movie theater. We got some strange looks but we didn't care. At the end of the movie I was crying. Partially because of the ending but mostly because I felt like it was the end. No more magical movies, no more beautiful art, and no more inspiration. I took a couple weeks to get out of this attitude and then I realized that even though there weren't going to be any new movies I could still watch the old movies and feel the same wonderful feelings and for that I want to thank you. You made me closer with my family and your movies are now a big part of my life. I can go back and fall in love with your characters as many times as I want. In short, what I am trying to say is thank you for everything you do. You have done great things for my and millions of other people. Thank you.
Your devoted fan,
Lucy