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Isao Takahata Thinks There Is a Chance of Hayao Miyazaki's Return
posted on by Egan Loo
Director Isao Takahata gave the press his thoughts on the retirement of fellow director, Studio Ghibli co-founder, and friend Hayao Miyazaki: "[Miyazaki] said, 'This time, I am serious,' but I think there is a decent chance that may change. I think so, since I've known him a long time. Don't be at all surprised if that happens."
Takahata spoke at a Tokyo press conference on Thursday to mark the completion of The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Kaguya-hime no Monogatari), his first new feature film in 14 years. When asked about his next work after this, he said, "I haven't given it a single thought."
Takahata was also asked, "Will this be the first Ghibli title without Hayao Miyazaki around?" He replied, "Miyazaki is still here, so I haven't even thought of that." Takahata elaborated, "I guess [Miyazaki] has watched The Tale of Princess Kaguya, but I haven't heard any comments from him." As for the future of Studio Ghibli, he said, "Because producer Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki have been making decisions on what to do with Ghibli, I have no responsibility."
The Tale of Princess Kaguya will open in Japan on November 23, after eight years in the making and a 5-billion-yen (about US$51 million) budget. Miyazaki's last feature film, The Wind Rises, is playing now in Japan and will open in North America on February 21. Yume to Kyōki no Ōkoku (The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness), Mami Sunada's documentary about Studio Ghibli, will open on November 16.
Miyazaki, Suzuki, and Takahata are sitting from left to right in the Yume to Kyōki no Ōkoku image that accompanies this article.
Sources: Nikkan Sports, Mainichi Shimbun's Mantan Web
