Hayao Miyazaki has not, as far as I can verify from the available sources, left a famous direct public quote specifically about Akira the film. What is clear is that Miyazaki generally values animation that feels “natural” and emotionally grounded, which makes his style pretty different from Akira’s explosive, hyper-detailed cyberpunk energy.

What can be said safely

  • Miyazaki has spoken warmly and respectfully about other major filmmakers and animation artists, but I did not find a reliable direct remark from him praising or criticizing Akira specifically.
  • Fans often compare the two because they are landmarks of Japanese animation, yet they represent very different creative instincts: Miyazaki tends toward nature, character, and wonder, while Akira leans into dystopia, kinetic spectacle, and urban collapse.
  • So the most careful answer is: there is no well-known, well-sourced public statement from Miyazaki about Akira that I can confirm here.

Context

A useful way to frame it is that Miyazaki and Katsuhiro Otomo belong to the same broad cultural moment, but their work is almost a study in contrasts. Miyazaki’s own comments in a 1993 conversation emphasize his preference for making films that feel rooted in lived reality and environment, which helps explain why Akira’s style would likely read as very different from his own.

Bottom line

If you mean “does Miyazaki admire Akira,” the honest answer is: I can’t confirm a direct public opinion from him , but based on his known artistic values, he would likely respect its craft more than its tone.