CATDOLL: Is Miyazaki Hayao's first CG animation keeping up with the times or out of helplessness?

When talking about Japanese animation, we have to mention the master Hayao Miyazaki. He announced his official retirement at the Venice Film Festival in 2013, saying that "my animation era is over." Recently, Japan's "Asahi Shimbun" broke the news that "Studio Ghibli" confirmed that Hayao Miyazaki is currently working on the short animation "Porcupine Caterpillar."

In addition, Studio Ghibli head Toshio Suzuki also revealed in a speech in Tokyo that "Porcupine Caterpillar" will be completely produced using CG, unlike Miyazaki's previous works. Although it is only 10 minutes long, it will take 3 years to complete. Miyazaki is full of enthusiasm for this new challenge.

However, regarding computer technology, Hayao Miyazaki previously gave advice to his juniors: "It's best not to touch computers": "Computer technology seems to give people freedom, but in fact it can easily turn original creations into assembly-line production. CG is followed by 3D technology, and then it involuntarily surrenders to the Disney style. Is this the result everyone wants? So at the beginning of filming and production, I issued a 'no 3D' declaration to the working group. Basic painting techniques are something that animators can never abandon." Is this attempt a bold innovation that keeps pace with the times, or is it a forced response to follow the trend?