Hayao Miyazaki may have “retired,” but the iconic filmmaker never really left. Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki revealed that Miyazaki still shows up to work every day. Despite public announcements marking The Boy and the Heron as his final film, the director continues to spend time sketching and thinking through new stories—quietly and without fanfare.
According to Suzuki, Miyazaki’s so-called retirement is more symbolic than practical. The legendary animator remains deeply attached to his creative process, wandering through the studio like always, pencil in hand. His desk hasn’t been cleared. His habits haven’t changed. And his passion, Suzuki confirms, is as strong as ever.
Retirement in Name Only
In a recent interview, Suzuki confessed that Miyazaki’s routine hasn’t shifted since finishing The Boy and the Heron. “He comes in every day. He’s drawing storyboards. Nothing’s changed,” Suzuki said. When asked if a new film was on the way, Suzuki smiled and replied, “Don’t be surprised if there’s something.”
This isn’t the first time Miyazaki has stepped back only to return. After officially retiring in 2013, he eventually came back to direct The Boy and the Heron, which took nearly a decade to complete. His creative spirit, it seems, doesn’t respect the idea of retirement—especially not when new worlds are still waiting to be imagined.
Suzuki noted that the 83-year-old director isn’t motivated by deadlines or studio pressure anymore. Instead, he draws “for himself,” and occasionally shares new sketches with close staff. Whether these turn into another feature film remains uncertain, but Ghibli insiders suggest Miyazaki’s spark hasn’t dimmed.
Studio Ghibli’s Future Still Tied to Miyazaki
While Studio Ghibli is grooming successors, Miyazaki’s presence remains a guiding force. Even if he’s no longer officially directing, his creative input still influences projects in development. Several younger animators reportedly consult him for feedback, and his opinions carry weight—even if he claims he’s just “visiting.”
Ghibli’s legacy rests heavily on Miyazaki’s world-building, and the studio’s leadership seems content to let him continue at his own pace. There’s no pressure, no marketing campaign—just quiet, consistent visits and the slow unfolding of new possibilities. Suzuki hinted that whatever Miyazaki creates next will be “for fun,” not under obligation.
Whether or not fans see another full-length feature, Miyazaki’s presence at the studio ensures Ghibli’s soul remains intact. The man who brought us Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbor Totoro hasn’t said his last word—he’s just choosing when, where, and how to speak it.
