Panda Da Pa Ya

Panda Da Pa Ya, also known as Panda Kopanda, was produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha and directed by Isao Takahata, with a screenplay written by Hayao Miyazaki. Created in 1972, this short film was commissioned by the Japanese broadcaster NHK following the success of the studio's earlier animation work. The narrative centers on a young girl named Mimiko who encounters a giant panda and his cub, blending whimsical fantasy with the gentle, grounded storytelling style that would eventually define the later aesthetic of Studio Ghibli.

The character designs were heavily influenced by Miyazaki’s interest in Pippi Longstocking, which is reflected in Mimiko’s distinct personality and appearance. The film was conceived during a period when Japanese animation was shifting toward more emotive, character-driven shorts for family audiences. While it was not initially a global phenomenon, it achieved significant critical appreciation within Japan for its playful tone and clean, expressive animation, serving as a vital creative precursor to the later works of both Takahata and Miyazaki.