I am doing an analysis of Miyazaki's films and am starting with Howl's Moving Castle. I have lots of information about the movie, but am having a hard time finding information regarding the inspirations for the film. I am aware that the film is an adaptation of Jones's novel in 1986 and went on to be one of the highest grossing film in Japan. But are there more interesting facts regarding the inspirations/history for the film that anyone can provide me?
Edit: I am looking to see if anyone knows of what the inspirations were for Miyazaki to direct the film. Or going back a step, the inspirations of the author to write the novel.