There have been rumors about Studio Ghibli disbanding recently. Producer Toshio Suzuki explained the rumor on TBS's interview show Jounetsu Tairiku, where he said it was too much for him after Hayao Miyazaki left the studio and that he had a hard time producing Omoide no Marnie. He said the restructuring was to "clean up" the anime production department by letting go of animators who are contract employees and to start anew. Their intent is not to disband, but rather to "take a break." It is still not clear of what Studio Ghibli will become.

Studio Ghibli still has one more upcoming TV anime this Fall, Sanzoku no Musume Ronja.

Source: Irorio, Narinari.com, Livedoor News


Update August 5
According to Zakzak, Studio Ghibli is planning to be sold to Dwango. The company's chairman is a former employee of Studio Ghibli and, among other endeavours, Dwango currently manages Nico Nico Douga. In May, Japan Times announced that Dwango would merge with Kadokawa and the new "Kadokawa Dwango" corporation would be listed on October 1st. If the contract with Studio Ghibli is successful, the anime production section of Ghibli will go to Kadokawa.

Source: Zakzak


Update August 6
Kawakami, chairman of Dwango, replied strongly to ITMedia today that the news regarding Studio Ghibli being sold to Dwango is fake.

Source: Yahoo! Japan News


Update August 8
Toshio Suzuki appeared on NHK's morning information show Asa Ichi yesterday and said that most of the reports saying Studio Ghibli going to get disbanded is not true. He is just fixing the way he runs the studio. He also mentioned that Hayao's retirement is just from producing long movies; he is still creating shorts, i.e., shorts for the Ghibli Museum.

Source: Cinema Today