On Nov. 23, the legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki overturned his retirement decision and returned to the Japanese animation filmmaking Ghibli Studio for his last movie, How Do You Live? Miyazaki announced that the film will be based on the novel How Do You Live? by Yoshino Genzaburō, which is about a teenage boy and his uncle who struggle through poverty yet experience spiritual growth as human beings.

“As an anime lover who enjoyed many Ghibli Studio movies, it was sad to hear Hayao Miyazaki’s retirement announcement in 2017,” Joon Kim (10), avid Miyazaki fan, said. “I am excited that I can watch one more movie of his and look forward to it.”

Fans of his are thrilled for his new movie for good reasons. 

Over his long lasting career of 58 years, Miyazaki has created numerous masterpieces, such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo, all of which have been a great success. For instance, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away have made a worldwide gross of $236 and $395 million, respectively. Fans laud his works for his thrilling plots, compelling characters, and artistic animation and aspire to see the same excellence in his last movie.

“Howl’s Moving Castle is definitely my favorite movie among the Miyazaki’s movies. First, I was attracted by Howl’s character design, but later as I watched the movie over and over again, the beautifully drawn background and the apt music fascinated me,” Allison Lee (10), avid anime fan, said. “I also liked how the movie explored a deeper theme regarding society and love, something I wish to see in his new movie too.”

Not only the sensation the new movie will likely bring, but also the fact that How Do You Live? may not be his last movie he directs, excites fans.

“Miyazaki has a past record of overturning his retirement announcement prior to the recent incident,” Jay Lee (11), movie enthusiast, said. “I am optimistic that after How Do You Live?, he will reappear in the anime industry to once again surprise us with his masterwork.”