Japanese animator Miyazaki retires, studio chief says

VENICE - Agence France-Presse

Japan's animation movie director Hayao Miyazaki speaks at a news conference in Tokyo, in this November 20, 2008 file photo. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/Files

Japanese animation and manga master Hayao Miyazaki is retiring, the head of his production company said Sunday at the Venice film festival, where his last work Kaze Tachinu ("The Wind Rises") was being shown.

"Miyazaki has decided that 'Kaze Tachinu' will be his last film and he will now retire," said Koji Hoshino, head of Studio Ghibli co-founded by Miyazaki.

Hoshino did not give any further details, saying only that Miyazaki would hold a briefing in Tokyo.
 
The director himself was not at the film festival.

The 72-year-old Miyazaki has won hearts and accolades around the world in a career that began in the 1960s.