Studio Ghibli animator Hayao Miyazaki ends retirement

Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki has come out of retirement and begun working on a feature film, according to a Studio Ghibli producer.

Miyazaki's long-time producer Toshio Suzuki confirmed reports of his return to film during a pre-Oscars interview for the animation studio's film The Red Turtle.

During his retirement Miyazaki began working on a CG short titled Kemushi no Boro and expressed interest in returning to feature films.

A report by Kyodo news agency stated that Suzuki said prep work has already begun on the film, which he will produce.

"Right now in Tokyo, he's putting all his effort into making it [the feature]," Suzuki said.

Miyazaki announced his retirement in 2013, stating that The Wind Rises would be his last feature film.

Some of Miyazaki's most recognized films include Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo and Spirited Away.