According to Toshio Suzuki, the diversion allowed Miyazaki to return for a fresh start on the creation of Princess Mononoke. Source: Internet
Hayao Miyazaki directed two mammoth box office and critical successes, Porco Rosso (1992) – which beat E.T. (1982) as the highest-grossing film in Japan – and Princess Mononoke (1997), which also claimed the top box office spot until Titanic (1997). Source: Internet
In a Tokyo Broadcasting System program, televised on November 26, 2013, Toshio Suzuki mentioned that Hayao Miyazaki had preferred The Legend of Ashitaka as the title while Suzuki himself favoured Princess Mononoke. Source: Internet
He also stated at one point that "Princess Mononoke" would be his last film. citation Tokuma Shoten merged with Studio Ghibli that June. Source: Internet
Many of Miyazaki's films have strong female protagonists that go against gender roles common in Japanese animation and fiction. citation Creation process and animation style Princess Mononoke was Miyazaki's first film to use computer graphics. Source: Internet
Eboshi also explains that San, self-dubbed Princess Mononoke, was raised by the wolves as one of their own and resents humankind. Source: Internet