Even if you’re someone who isn’t well-versed in Japanese animation, you’ve probably experienced a film by Hayao Miyazaki. Not only is he probably the most revered name in anime, but he’s one of the most celebrated filmmakers on the planet. So, you better believe that any announcement about a new film from Miyazaki is going to get film fans excited.
According to Studio Ghibli, the newest film from Hayao Miyazaki is tentatively titled “How Do You Live?” and is scheduled to hit Japanese theaters next July. They haven’t given too much info about the film, but we do know the feature is based on Genzaburo Yoshino’s YA novel of the same name. In that book, we follow a 15-year-old boy and his coming-of-age journey as he is guided through the big questions in life thanks to the words of his uncle, who instilled wisdom in a journal. Just from that premise, you can just imagine the emotion and heart someone like Miyazaki is going to be able to bring to the film.
Miyazaki has just a plethora of features that have become classics over the years. A film such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Princess Mononoke,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and, of course, “Spirited Away.” The latter of which is often used a gateway film into the vast world of anime and Japanese filmmaking, in general.
What makes “How Do You Live” so special is that it’s been nearly a decade since the release of Miyazaki’s most recent feature film, 2013’s “The Wind Rises.” That film was universally acclaimed upon its release and ended up earning a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination.
While a US release for “How Do You Live?” has yet to be announced, we know the film will be seen in Japan on July 14, 2023.