Hayao Miyazaki came out of retirement for his grandson

Image: NHK

Hayao Miyazaki coming out of retirement was not a big surprise to fans and the anime industry. The director had failed to stay retired several times in the past. However, his reason this time appears to have more weight than what people may think.

His long-time producer Toshio Suzuki disclosed the reason why the living legend came out of retirement yet again.

During an interview with NHK television program Nichiyoubi Bijitsukan (Sunday Art Gallery), Suzuki said Miyazaki started creating his latest feature film for the director’s grandson, according to Japanese news outlet Shukan Josei Prime via Kotaku.

Miyazaki also said that his grandson might say something like, “Grandpa passed into the next world, but he left this work,” as per Suzuki’s statement.

It wasn’t for the fame, recognition, or a sense of responsibility to the art form. It turns out Miyazaki may have indeed come out of retirement simply as a grandpa wanting to leave something good behind for his grandchild.

Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are currently running on full steam to produce “Boro the Caterpillar” (Kemushi no Boro) for a possible 2020 release. The new movie project started out as a short film shown at the Ghibli Museum. “Boro” will be the first time that Miyazaki will work with 3D. Alfred Bayle/JB

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