In a highly anticipated announcement that sent shockwaves through the global animation community, Studio Ghibli has officially confirmed that Hayao Miyazaki's latest masterpiece, 'How Do You Live?', will receive a worldwide theatrical release starting in December 2025. This marks Miyazaki's triumphant return to feature filmmaking after a decade-long retirement, during which he had repeatedly stated he would no longer create full-length films, instead dedicating himself to smaller projects, museum exhibits, and mentoring the next generation of animators at Studio Ghibli.
The film has already shattered box office records in Japan, grossing over ¥30 billion ($210 million) in its first month of release alone and dethroning 'Demon Slayer: Mugen Train' to become the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the film received minimal marketing, with no trailers, no press screenings, and only a single promotional poster released prior to its Japanese debut. This unprecedented success underscores the enduring global appeal of Miyazaki's work and Studio Ghibli's unparalleled reputation in the world of animation.
Based loosely on Yoshino Genzaburo's 1937 coming-of-age novel of the same name, 'How Do You Live?' is not a direct adaptation but rather a deeply personal reimagining that weaves Miyazaki's own experiences, philosophies, and artistic vision into a rich, immersive narrative. The story follows Mahito Maki, a 15-year-old boy struggling to cope with the sudden death of his mother in a hospital fire. When his father, a talented architect, remarries his late wife's younger sister, Mahito feels isolated and resentful in his new family situation.
His life takes a magical turn when he discovers a mysterious, ancient book titled 'How Do You Live?' in his late mother's belongings. The book, which includes handwritten notes from his mother, becomes a portal to a fantastical world where Mahito encounters talking animals, magical creatures, and powerful spirits. As he embarks on a perilous journey through this enchanted realm, Mahito must confront his deepest fears, learn to accept loss, and discover his own place in the world.
"This film is my answer to the question, 'How do you live?'" Miyazaki shared in a rare and emotional press conference following the film's Japanese success. "It's a story that has been with me for decades, ever since I first read Yoshino's novel as a young boy. In many ways, it's the culmination of everything I've learned about life, art, and storytelling throughout my career. I wanted to leave it as a legacy for future generations, particularly for my grandson, who was born during the film's production."
True to Miyazaki's artistic principles, 'How Do You Live?' features his signature hand-drawn animation style, with every frame crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The production process was arduous, spanning six years and requiring over 60,000 individual frames created by the studio's team of master animators. Miyazaki personally oversaw every aspect of the production, from character design to background art, ensuring that every element of the film reflected his unique vision.
"Working with Miyazaki-san on this film was both an honor and a challenge," said Atsushi Okui, the film's animation director. "He has an incredible ability to see the smallest details and an unwavering commitment to quality. There were times when we would spend weeks perfecting a single sequence, but the end result is something truly extraordinary that we're all incredibly proud of."
For the global release, Studio Ghibli has once again partnered with Walt Disney Pictures for distribution in North America, continuing a relationship that dates back to 1996 when Disney acquired the international rights to Studio Ghibli's films. This partnership has been instrumental in introducing Miyazaki's work to Western audiences, helping films like 'Spirited Away' and 'My Neighbor Totoro' become beloved classics around the world.
The English dub of 'How Do You Live?' will feature an impressive all-star cast, with Timothée Chalamet lending his voice to the protagonist Mahito. Chalamet, known for his critically acclaimed performances in films like 'Call Me By Your Name' and 'Dune', has expressed his admiration for Miyazaki's work, calling the opportunity to voice Mahito "a dream come true."
Saoirse Ronan will voice Himi, a mysterious girl Mahito encounters in the magical realm who holds the key to many of the film's secrets. Ronan, who has previously worked on animated films like 'Loving Vincent', praised Miyazaki's storytelling, saying, "Hayao Miyazaki creates worlds that feel both magical and deeply human, and being part of that tradition is an incredible honor."
Cate Blanchett will take on the role of Natsuko, Mahito's stepmother, a complex character who struggles to connect with her grieving stepson. Blanchett has previous experience with Studio Ghibli, having narrated the English version of 'Howl's Moving Castle' in 2004. "Returning to work with Studio Ghibli feels like coming home," she said in a recent interview. "Their films have such heart and depth, and this one is no exception."
No Studio Ghibli film would be complete without a memorable score by Joe Hisaishi, the legendary composer who has collaborated with Miyazaki on all but one of his feature films. Hisaishi's music for 'How Do You Live?' has been widely praised by critics, who have described it as "hauntingly beautiful," "emotionally resonant," and "a perfect complement to Miyazaki's visuals." The score blends orchestral arrangements with traditional Japanese instruments, creating a sound that is both timeless and uniquely Ghibli.
"Working with Miyazaki-san is always a collaborative process," Hisaishi explained. "He shares his vision for the film, and then I create music that enhances that vision. For 'How Do You Live?', we wanted the score to reflect the film's themes of loss, growth, and self-discovery. It's a more introspective score than some of our previous work, but it still has those moments of wonder and magic that are so characteristic of Studio Ghibli."
Film scholars and industry experts are already predicting that 'How Do You Live?' will be a major contender during the upcoming awards season. There is early speculation about potential Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score, and possibly even Best Picture, which would be a historic first for an animated film. The film's release also coincides with the 40th anniversary of Studio Ghibli's founding, making it a particularly significant milestone for the beloved animation studio.
"Studio Ghibli has been at the forefront of animation for four decades, and 'How Do You Live?' is a fitting celebration of their legacy," said Dr. Emily Thompson, a film studies professor and author of 'The Magic of Studio Ghibli'. "Miyazaki has always used animation to explore complex themes, and this film is perhaps his most personal and philosophical work yet. It's a testament to his genius that he can create a film that appeals to both children and adults, with layers of meaning that reveal themselves with each viewing."
The success of 'How Do You Live?' in Japan has also sparked discussions about the changing landscape of the global film industry. In an era dominated by superhero blockbusters and franchise films, Miyazaki's hand-drawn, character-driven animation has proven that there is still a massive audience for original, artistic storytelling. The film's minimal marketing strategy also challenges conventional wisdom about how to promote films in the digital age, relying instead on the strength of Miyazaki's reputation and word-of-mouth from enthusiastic viewers.
As anticipation builds for the global release, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the chance to experience Miyazaki's latest masterpiece. For many, 'How Do You Live?' represents not just another Studio Ghibli film, but a potential farewell from one of the greatest storytellers of our time. While Miyazaki has announced his retirement multiple times before, many believe that this could truly be his final feature film.
