The final work of celebrated “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro” filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, the animated feature “How Do You Live?”,w is set to hit Japan on July 14th.
In a bold move announced four weeks ago, it was revealed the vague teaser poster for the movie would be the only promotional material released for the film ahead of its premiere.
No trailers, no stills, no newspaper ads and no more poster art would be made available from the film until after its debut in Japan. Studio Ghibli president Toshio Suzuki previously indicated he believes it will only stir audience interest.
Now, in a recent interview with Oricon at the Ghibli Exhibit in Tokyo (via World of Reel), Miyazaki himself has addressed the film’s lack of marketing and has grown nervous about that approach:
“I wonder if it’ll be okay without publicity. I am beginning to worry […] I’m concerned, that’s all.”
The 125-minute-runtime film shares the same title as the 1937 Genzaburo Yoshino novel of the same name. However, according to producer Suzuki Toshio, it is confirmed to be a completely original story. Over 60 animators have reportedly worked on the film.
There is currently no official U.S. release date, though GKids will handle distribution.
