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Even Toshio Suzuki, Isao Takahata's closest friend, had to admit 100% to the tragedy of that year. According to Suzuki, Isao Takahata indirectly bore responsibility for the death of his colleague Yoshifumi Kondo. In the past, director Kondo himself 'pleaded for help' to Suzuki, saying: Takahata 'tries to kill me,' and whenever Takahata's name is mentioned, Suzuki trembles.
The most tense moment was the startling statement at Yoshifumi Kondo's funeral.
Someone attending shouted: 'Paku-san (Takahata's nickname) killed Kon-chan (Kondo's nickname), didn't he?'
The atmosphere in the room froze until Takahata quietly nodded. As for Hayao Miyazaki, he asserted that he was the only one who could work with Takahata, and had no influence on the unfortunate director.
Currently, the sad story of Yoshifumi Kondo remains a prime example of 'toxic' work culture in Japan. From a young talent, expected to inherit Studio Ghibli, director Kondo lost his bright future permanently, all because of unnecessary exertion.
Image Source: Ghibli, Compilation
