After founding the most successful anime studio in history, and bringing countless joy to millions across the world, you’d think that Hayao Miyazaki would be able to pick up the rubbish around his neighbourhood in peace. 

The 79-year-old co-founder of Studio Ghibli was ambushed by a keen-eyed reporter while picking up litter in the area around his house earlier this week, according to Yahoo Japan. The reporter wanted to know what Miyazaki thought of a new anime, Demon Slayer, that’s slated to take Spirited Away from its top position as highest-grossing film at the Japanese box office. But, as you can imagine, Miyazaki was not impressed. 

When asked whether he’d seen the film, Miyazaki replied: “No I haven’t. I rarely watch other things. I don’t watch TV, I don’t watch movies. I’m a retired old man picking up trash.”

“It’s better if people don’t concern themselves with things like box-office records and concentrate on making their workplaces harmonious instead,” he added, honourably. “It’s fine as long as you work hard on what you’re making.”

Responding to the suggestion that fans would be upset if Spirited Away didn’t retain its historic number one spot, Miyazaki dropped some subtle shade: “That sort of thing isn’t worth worrying about. There’s always inflation in the world. Right now, I have to pick up trash.”

Meanwhile, Goro Miyazaki, the son of Hayao, has directed Aya and the Witch, Studio Ghibli’s first film in six years and their first-ever CGI offering. Have a first look here.