sentences:  The cast also includes Nippon Television announcer Shinichi Hatori as The Announcer, a television news reporter who relays information about the hurricane; he is voiced by Kurt Knutsson in Disney's English adaptation.Emi Hiraoka and Nozomi Ōhashi voice Kumiko and Karen, attendants of Himawari Nursery School; their respective English voice actresses are Jennessa Rose and Colleen O'Shaughnessey, who are also credited.Hayao Miyazaki, the film's director and writer, was prompted to create "Ponyo" after producer Toshio Suzuki suggested he make a film aimed at children, noting the success of "Howl's Moving Castle" (2004).