Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film was established in 1988. This creation marked a deliberate schism in Japanese cinema recognition designed to rescue the prestige of the existing Ofuji Noburo Award.
Kiki's Delivery Service won the first Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film. The film was directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli.
Studio Ghibli secured ten wins in the Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film between 1989 and 2013. These victories included the landmark 1997 win for Princess Mononoke and the 2013 win for The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.
Satoshi Kon directed the 2003 Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film winner Tokyo Godfathers. This victory signaled a shift toward adult-oriented storytelling and complex themes within the category.
Your Name won the Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film in 2016. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film became a cultural phenomenon that transcended the award itself.
Isao Takahata won the Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film for The Tale of the Princess Kaguya in 2013. This win marked the final chapter of his legendary career and showcased a watercolor aesthetic.