Hayao Miyazaki Announces His Retirement

Briefly: Anime legend and Studio Ghibli cofounder Hayao Miyazaki has just announced his retirement.

Miyazaki’s latest film, the controversial historical fantasy The Wind Rises, will also be his last. The feature is currently competing at the annual Venice Film Festival, where the news of Miyazaki’s retirement was announced.

Ghibli president Koju Hoshino declined to answer questions about the announcement. A press conference in Tokyo has been set for sometime next week, as  “He [Miyazaki] wants to say goodbye to all of you. ”

It’s sad news, but it had to happen sometime. Miyazaki has crafted some of the most beautiful pictures that the world has ever seen, and he’s more than earned a good, long rest.

Thanks for the memories, Hayao.