Watch ‘The Simpsons’ Pay Tribute to Hayao Miyazaki with an Anime Springfield!
We've seen plenty of incredible 'Simpsons' tributes in the couch gags from recent years, but this Sunday, the animation staff behind FOX's long-running hit will spirit away to a much higher level. See the famous animated works of director Hayao Miyazaki paid tribute in a new clip from this Sunday's latest episode of 'The Simpsons'!
Taken from this coming Sunday's "Married to the Blob," the newest 'Simpsons' tribute sees Homer and a new friend recoiling from a night of Japanese dining, when suddenly all of Springfield comes to life as different works of the legendary animator, who recently announced his directorial retirement with the release of upcoming film 'The Wind Rises.'
While those unfamiliar with the animation giant will only see a vividly-animated fever dream of Springfield, we caught references to the characters and creatures of 'My Neighbor Totoro,' 'Howl's Moving Castle,' 'Kiki's Delivery Service,' 'Spirited Away' and, of course, 'Princess Mononoke.' Just about anyone's favorite character can be found re-imagined as a famous Springfieldian (we won't spoil who), from the cat-bus, Kiki, Haku and even No-Face.
Take a look at 'The Simpsons' beautifully designed tribute to the animation works of Hayao Miyazaki above, and tell us what other references you caught in the comments!