Studio Ghibli representative director and co-founder Toshio Suzuki stated that Studio Ghibli is considering dismantling their production department.

Suzuki made these statements on TBS program Jōnetsu Tairiku while discussing the future of the studio with Hayao Miyazaki retiring from feature films.

Suzuki discussed the great changes that the entire studio is undergoing at the studio’s shareholders meeting, and mused that these changes may include dismantling the production department. While there has been talk among some about dissolving the studio outright, Suzuki emphasized that the truth is that the studio is considering “housecleaning” or restructuring for now. The end result would be “rebuilding” the studio and creating an environment for the next generation.

Suzuki did not downplay the significance of Miyazaki’s retirement. Still, he added, “On what to do with Studio Ghibli’s future, it is by no means impossible to keep producing [movies] forever. However, we will take a brief pause to consider where to go from here.”

Miyazaki retired from directing feature films last year. Suzuki himself stepped down from his producer role this year, although he is assuming the new title of “general manager.” The studio’s latest film, When Marnie Was There from director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, opened at #3 during the July 19-20 weekend with 378,790,697 yen (US$3,721,297) on 461 screens.

Source: Anime News Network