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Steve Alpert studied Japanese Literature at Columbia University under Donald Keene and Edward Seidensticker. He speaks Japanese and Chinese fluently, having lived in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Taipei for a combined total of over 35 years. Alpert worked in Tokyo as a vice president at a major bank, as president of an American TV animation company, and as head of international sales at Japan's premier animation studio, Studio Ghibli, cofounded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata . He has translated more than a dozen Japanese films and several short works of Japanese fiction. His book in Japanese about his experiences working at Studio Ghibli was published in 2015 by Iwanami Shoten. He lives near New Haven, CT.
It's a fabulous book. Informative and illuminating. -Neil Gaiman, author of American Gods, Sandman, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane The modern-day Japanese answer to Disney, this company could not be further from the American animation studio model, and Alpert reveals part of why Ghibli's reputation for cinematic excellence is well-deserved, in a memoir that's equal part anecdote and cultural primer. -Shelf Awareness Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man may be the only behind-the-scenes book about Studio Ghibli we ever get - at least until Miyazaki finally retires for good. -Nikkei Asian Review A massively informative book on Studio Ghibli's pivotal years, with sublime comedy moments. -The Anime News Network A wellspring of sharp insights into the studio's creative process and fiery gossip about its main players. -Cartoon Brew An utterly priceless insider account, loaded with shouting matches, dastardly deals, moments of searing creative wisdom and fist-gnawing awkwardness. Ghibli, and anime, will never look the same again. -Jonathan Clements, author of Anime: A History A comedic and detailed portal into what it was like to work with one of the world's most influential animators. -Metropolis Magazine I've been waiting a long time for Steve Alpert's book. With humor and insight he describes his years working at Japan's premiere animation company-Studio Ghibli-where I always marveled at his ability to survive. Fans of Ghibli and its films, and its best-known founder and director, Hayao Miyazaki, will be delighted. And so, too, will anyone interested in Japanese society and business, the animation industry, and problems of intercultural communication. -Frederik L. Schodt, translator, with Beth Cary, of Hayao Miyazaki's autobiographical books, Starting Point and Turning Point A new book by the studio's long-time international executive, Japanese-speaking American Steve Alpert, lifts the veil on some of the business transactions and industry practices that led to the studio's success. -The South China Morning Post An insider's view of how cultural products are translated and transformed, also how art and commerce collide in the world of cinema. -Japan Forward Spirited Away, one of Miyazaki's most successful films, was my gateway drug to Ghibli's animation which was in turn my gateway to Japanese culture as a whole, so disenchantment would be a high price for me to pay. Fortunately, though, I derive deep satisfaction from finding out how the things I love are made-it only adds to my experience. For anyone who is like me and who enjoys watching How It's Made videos and behind the scenes documentaries, Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man is a must. -Kyoto Journal A snapshot of one of the film industry's most exciting times, and an intimate portrayal of the people making the movies we love. -Tokyo Weekender
