Oscar winning director and screenwriter Hayao Miyazaki is to retire.
The animation legend that was behind classics like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, is set to retire after his latest film The Wind Rises is released.
Miyazaki’s retirement was revealed by Studio Ghibli president Koju Hoshino ahead of a full press conference in Tokyo next week.
“He wants to say goodbye to all of you,” he said.
The 72-year-old is one of the world’s most celebrated figures in animated film-making.
The acclaimed Japanese filmmaker co-founded Studio Ghibli with Isao Takahata in 1985.
Since its foundation it’s produced 18 feature films.
Miyazaki won a lifetime achievement award from the Venice Film Festival in 2005. His 2001 film Spirited Away won an Oscar with his 2004 animation Howl’s Moving Castle also gaining global recognition.
The Wind Rises will be the director’s 11th feature film with Studio Ghibli.
