In a film eight years in making, Studio Ghibli’s cofounder Isao Takahata tells the untold story of Princess Kaguya.

An old bamboo cutter and his wife find a tiny girl inside a bamboo shoot and raise her. The mysterious little princess grows rapidly into a young lady, enthralling everyone who encounters her–but ultimately, she must face her fate. This book captures the breathtaking art of the film from conception to production, and features commentary, interviews, and an in-depth look at the production process.

“Every frame is worthy of being its own painting.” –Joe Hisaishi, film’s composer