Animator Hayao Miyazaki retires at 72

Oscar-winning director Hayao Miyazaki's animation studio says The Wind Rises, in competition at the Venice Film Festival, will be his last film.

Koju Hoshino, president of Tokyo-based Studio Ghibli, announced Miyazaki's intention to retire Sunday, but declined to take questions, deferring to a news conference next week in the Japanese capital.

"He wants to say goodbye to all of you," he said.

Miyazaki was not in Venice for the international premiere of his movie. His Italian distributor said he stayed in Japan for the domestic release.

Miyazaki, 72, is one of animation's most-admired and successful directors. He won an Oscar for Spirited Away in 2003, and a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement in 2005.

His films also include Princess Mononoke and Howl's Moving Castle.

The Wind Rises, Miyazaki's 11th feature film, is a fantasy-filled look at the man who designed Japan's Second World War fighter planes.