Legendary Animation Company, Studio Ghibli, Announces Closure; Hearts Of Anime Fans Break Around The World

For the young and the young-at-heart, Studio Ghibli provided some of the best movies ever seen in animation history. From classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle, to newer “Disney-backed” films such as Ponyo and The Secret World of Arrietty, there was always at least one film that pulled a viewer’s heartstrings. Unfortunately, The Inquisitr reported news that was disheartening for fans when it came to the company’s future. This includes their most famous animator, the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, retiring.

Now, the most painful news has been officially reported as the legendary animation company, Studio Ghibli, officially announced they will be closing their doors this year.

The news was announced by Toshio Suzuki from Japanese news outlet. Thankfully, the Tumblr blog oh-totoro was able to provide an English translation of the announcement, which reads:

“Just moments ago, Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli producer, announced on the TV show of the MBS Jounetsu Tairiku chain effectively as announced as sources close to the studio, Studio Ghibli will close and production studio anime, leaving himself only as a company that will manage its trademarks. As stated in the program’s producer, “the production department of anime will be dismantled,” which coincides with the data that we gave in our previous post on this decision had been taken from spring after the poor reception at the box office of Kaguya-hime no Monogatari.

In the interview, Suzuki has also admitted that it was a major setback for the study progress Hayao Miyazaki, one of the reasons already unveiled the portal Rakuten Woman. Once we have access to the full TV interview, adding more data. No doubt that this is a very sad news for Japanese animation, of which we are all fans, because it is undeniable everything Studio Ghibli has given the anime. Please remember that what will be his last film, Omoide no Marnie, premiered at the Japanese box office on 19 July.”

The Escapist followed up on the announcement on their article in which they made sure to confirm the closure to being fact, and not just some sort of hoax to stir the emotions of fans. Unfortunately, this is all true, and Suzuki did appear on a talk-news show to confirm the closure. As of now, the studio’s final production, When Marnie Was There, opened up at the box office in Japan last month.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Only the animation studios is closing. Studio Ghibli will still be around to manage merchandising and licensing. This means Disney will still sell Studio Ghibli products in their “Japan” at Disneyworld’s EPCOT center. Besides that, there is no other information available except the departure of animators of any previously in-production projects.

Though this news is sad, we still want to hear from all you Studio Ghibli fans. What was your favorite movie? What was your favorite moment? Better yet, do you think Disney – the mega-company that bought Marvel and LucasArts – should buy Studio Ghibli to continue animation? If they do, do you think it will be good or bad? Let us know in the comments below.

[Images via Studio Ghibli films]