Miyazaki is frank in his interviews with Sunada, whom he allows to tag along to his studio, his garden, and his private atelier.
“There was a time when we both had passion for our work,” Miyazaki later says, referring to himself and Takahata.
He does not admit it, but Miyazaki likely sees the resemblance between himself and Horikoshi as well.
And when asked whether he worries about Studio Ghibli after he and Takahata retire, Miyazaki is frank.
Another reason The Wind Rises is so sad is that it seems to be a story about Miyazaki himself.
We have journeyed so fast that I think we must already have come to Miyazaki in the country of Hyga.
I am told they have banished him to Miyazaki in the country of Hyga, and there in changed estate he passes the months and years.
