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Wednesday, 4th September 2013
In Japan Entertainment News,

Ghibli co-founder announces retirement

World-renowned animator and director Hayao Miyazaki has announced he will retire for the second time, with his latest project The Wind Rises set to be his last film.

The announcement came at the Venice Film Festival and was made by Koju Hoshino, president of Studio Ghibli, which was co-founded by Mr Miyazaki.

While further details were not given to reporters, a press conference to be given next week in Tokyo will shed further light on the departure, which is likely to send shockwaves through the anime and manga communities.

"He wants to say goodbye to all of you," Mr Hoshino said, commenting on the press conference.

Mr Miyazaki's films have delighted and enchanted animation fanatics across the world, but he received particular acclaim for the 2001 film Spirited Away, for which he won an Oscar.

He initially announced his retirement in 1997 but returned to work four years later.

Written by Susan Ballion