Hideki Itô

Hideki Itô might not be the first name you hear when folks rattle off anime legends, but if you've ever been swept up in the time-jumping chaos of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, or got all misty-eyed watching Omohide Poro Poro, you’ve already seen his handiwork. He’s got this knack for slipping into stories that seriously mess with your emotions—like, one minute you’re laughing at some goofball moment, next you’re questioning the meaning of your own existence (not even exaggerating). The Girl Who Leapt Through Time? That one’s all about a teen who stumbles onto time travel and, naturally, makes a mess of everything. It’s a wild coming-of-age ride—awkward crushes, botched friendships, and a bunch of “oh no” moments that totally hit home. Then there’s Omohide Poro Poro, which is basically nostalgia bottled up. It follows Taeko, a woman reflecting on her childhood while on a countryside retreat. The movie jumps between her adult life and her memories, digging into all those tiny, bittersweet moments that make you who you are. It’s quiet, it’s beautiful, and honestly, it’ll probably have you texting your mom by the end. And Kurenai no Buta (or Porco Rosso, if you wanna get fancy) just flips the script—imagine a WWI flying ace who happens to be a pig. It’s one of those movies that refuses to be put in a box: part adventure, part romance, all heart. So yeah, Hideki Itô’s filmography is a weird, wonderful trip through some of anime’s most unforgettable stories.