In an interview with the website Hollywood Channel, Studio Ghibli producer and spokesperson Toshio Suzuki revealed that the newest Hayao Miyazaki production is not one that "everyone in the audience can relax and watch". Miyzaki's intent for this film is to show what he sees as the current state of Japan with a touch of autobiography.
Miyazaki's desire to create something realistic has led to this film, says Suzuki. Hie decision was not influenced by recent events such as the economic downturn or the earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan in March.
The current schedule has the film's completion at Summer 2013.