Before co-founding Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki was involved in the creation of Sherlock Hound, marking his early venture into the world of anime. This lesser-known work predates Miyazaki's renowned Studio Ghibli projects, providing a unique glimpse into his early artistic contributions.

Sherlock Hound originally aired from 1984 to 1985, featuring 26 episodes that reimagine the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and other characters as anthropomorphic dogs. The series incorporates a Jules Verne-inspired style infused with steampunk elements, contributing to its widespread appeal. Notably, several episodes were adapted into movies, captivating audiences in 1980s Japanese cinemas.

Prior to the establishment of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki directed the initial six episodes of Sherlock Hound. However, legal issues related to the Doyle estate temporarily interrupted the series, leading to the directorial handover to Kyōsuke Mikuriya for the remaining episodes. Despite this transition, Miyazaki's distinctive style remains evident in the animation, bearing resemblance to his later Ghibli productions.

Remarkably, a film version comprising the first two Sherlock Hound episodes was released in 1984, coinciding with the cinematic debut of Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Subsequently, additional episodes directed by Miyazaki were adapted into theatrical releases, further intertwining the legacy of Sherlock Hound with Miyazaki's burgeoning Studio Ghibli repertoire.

As Sherlock Hound commemorates its 40th anniversary, four episodes helmed by Miyazaki will return to Japanese theaters after a hiatus spanning decades. The episodes, namely