The death bed feeling of having spent too much time on work with the excuse of talent and not enough time with family, friends, and loved ones is probably going to be prevalent amongst the HN/start-up crowd. Let's not make that mistake.
I got the precisely opposite impression. He expresses that he is very happy with his accomplishments and his work, and says that his biggest regret is not being able to finish The Dreaming Machine. If what you took away is "spend less time at work, and more with your loved ones," I think you are projecting whatever you want to hear onto his words.
I suppose there's just a lot to regret when one is dying, but I'm not projecting anything, simply responding to this: "Ever since we got married, I was so wrapped up in 'Work, work' that I was only able to spend some time at home after the cancer - such a shame."
"It's so disrespectful to to die before ones parents, but in the last 10 plus years, I've been able to do what I want as an anime director, achieve my goals, and get some good reviews. I do feel regret that my films didn't make a lot of money"
I think, after reading ALL of it and not just half of it, he regrets working too much but he is nonetheless happy that he accomplished so much by working. There is a clear distinction and he makes it clear he wishes he didn't work so much towards the end. I think his "work regrets" are more like feeling disappointed in letting others down at a critical time (he takes his working relationships very seriously, too).
My parents followed my selfish wishes, and came the next day from Sapporo to my house. I can never forget the first words out of my mother's mouth when she saw me lying there.
"I'm so sorry, for not bringing you into this world with a stronger body!"
I'm so sad to hear of his passing. All of his films, and his TV series, were stunningly animated (and paired with equally wonderful music). I was and still am greatly anticipating his final film.
