CATDOLL: Is Ghibli really over? Hiromasa Yonebayashi announces his exit from Studio Ghibli

Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, who is considered one of the successors of Studio Ghibli, recently attended a special animation completion seminar for the movie "When Marnie Was There" held in Tokyo. At the seminar, he publicly announced that he had resigned from Studio Ghibli at the end of last year. During a conversation with Daisuke Takahashi, a super fan of Studio Ghibli's works, the host asked him about his thoughts on the next work. In response, Director Yonebayashi said, "I am no longer a member of Ghibli. I resigned from the company at the end of the year and am no longer a member of the agency."

However, he later expressed confidence in the production of future animations: "I have talked a lot with producer Yoshiaki Nishimura. Although I don't know what form it will take, I hope to continue making works." When asked about the type of specific works, he also looked forward to: "For example, a work that is completely opposite to this work and full of happy actions, and I also want to try fantasy works."

Director Yonebayashi also said, "I still have the desire to make a work, and being able to work with Mr. Takahashi, who has reached a new level, gives me courage." However, in response to Yonebayashi's thanks, Takahashi opened his eyes wide and exclaimed, "The news is shocking." But he still sent his blessings: "I will look forward to it."

This time, in order to commemorate the release of the Blu-ray DVD, the main film was projected on ice, and Takahashi performed a special animation with the theme song "Fine On The Outside". You can now watch this video on the official website, and related advertisements will also be broadcast on TV stations throughout Japan.

This big news has sparked various discussions among Japanese netizens: "Ghibli is really over", "Yonebayashi has been fired", "After all, Ghibli is just the work of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, young people should look for other jobs."