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Ghibli Producer Yoshiaki Nishimura Works at New Studio

Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura (The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There) is now working at a new studio titled Studio Ponoc, as of April 15. Studio Ponoc runs separately from Studio Ghibli.

The studio is currently assisting with the West Japan Railway Company's "Summer Train" campaign by producing a television ad. Nishimura is serving as producer for the ad, Yoshiyuki Momose (key animator for Porco Rosso, Spirited Away, Tales from Earthsea) is serving as animation director and director, and Yūgo Kanno (Psycho-Pass, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, Library War) is serving as composer and music producer.

Nishimura took over as producer for Studio Ghibli films after Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki retired in March 2014.

The entertainment website Otapol asked Studio Ghibli about Nishimura in March when he was listed prior to his attendance at an AnimeJapan 2015 seminar as an "animation film producer" instead of a "Studio Ghibli producer." Studio Ghibli replied at that time saying, "Nishimura is currently attached to Ghibli." Nishimura's title was then changed to "Studio Ghibli producer" for the March 21 seminar.

Otapol has again inquired with Studio Ghibli regarding Nishimura's status with the company now that he's working for Studio Ponoc, and the studio's PR department again said that Nishimura was a member of Ghibli. The company added, "Depending on the [animated] work, he has handled duties as a producer, but we don't know about the future."

Source: Otapol via Ghibli no Sekai

Images © Studio Ponoc