Studio Ghibli has announced Kaze Tachinu (The Wind Rises), the next—and possibly the last—feature film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It is to be loosely based on the life of Jiro Horikoshi, aircraft designer from the first half of the 20th century, especially known for his design of the Mitsubishi A6M “Zero Fighter”, which was used by the Japanese Navy in World War II, and was a notable presence in the attack of Pearl Harbor.

Considering Miyazaki’s consistent philosophy regarding the personal & global ramifications of war, and his painting-on-the-head-of-a-pin attention to detail when depicting the intricacies of individual characters, this should make for a very interesting story.

It is said that the film will also feature the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, which may be used to speak on the events of 2011’s Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Joe Hisaishi will provide the score.

Kaze Tachinu will have a Summer 2013 release in Japan. 

via Ghibli Blog