Whisper from TOTORO

Once, about 2 years ago, Ghibli producer Suzuki mentioned that Takahata was planning to produce a film which deales with "komoriuta"--(lullaby).
On hearing it, I expected very much of its completion. However, Takahata seemed to give up the plan before starting actual production. As we know, he is now producing a film about "Taketori monogatari".

I guess he couldn't cast his ideas into shape as a feature animation film.
I can imagine it well.
There are many folk lullabies in Japan. They are placed into 2 groups. One is komori-uta (cradle song) and another is moriko-uta ( songs comforting nursemaid sung by herself). The latter is mainly known well. Famous lullabies are almost latter ones. Most of them are sad songs because nursemaids used to be in pitiable plight in feudal period.
So, Takahata's film should have been a tragic drama. Maybe it might have been the obstacle for realization. Usually Ghibli anime is released during summer vacation and attract a lot of audiences including children and their parents.

upper: I painted a nursemaid of "Itsuki no komori-uta"
She is watching camellia flowers.

lower: old photo showing nursegirls in meiji-era, more than 100 years ago.
It is colored by hand paint.