The studio co-founder has taken the reins from former president Hoshino Koji, who retired this week after alleging Suzuki misappropriated company funds.
There must be something in the air over at Studio Ghibli. Studio president Hoshino Koji has officially resigned from his post, and will be replaced by the studio’s co-founder Suzuki Toshio, a seemingly odd move considering Hoshino’s recent allegations about Toshio’s supposed misappropriation of company funds.
Studio Ghibli released Hoshino’s letter of resignation on Tuesday: “I, Koji Hoshino, will resign as a director of Studio Ghibli and leave Ghibli at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of shareholders in June. Prior to that, I will step down from my position as Studio Ghibli’s president and chairman at the end of March, but I will continue to serve as representative director until the general shareholders’ meeting,” the letter states.
Hoshino does not mention any of the allegations he lodged against Suzuki, but does briefly describe his career as well as his plans for the future. “Since taking my current post in February 2008, I have been striving to manage the studio for 15 years. With the completion of the film ‘”‘How Do You Live?,’ I decided that this was the best time to leave Ghibli. I will entrust the future management to my successor in the hope that he will lead a new Ghibli. On a personal note, I will turn 67 this May. I intend to take on challenges in new fields in the future, making use of my experience and personal connections,” the letter concludes.
While Suzuki has now officially taken up the post of president, a Ghibli spokesperson has yet to comment on any of the purported misconduct.
In happier news, Hayao Miyazaki’s last Studio Ghibli film, How Do You Live?, is poised to release this July.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
