Everywhere you turn, a new Ghibli-inspired image emerges: to OpenAI’s GPT-4o image-generation feature. Social media has been flooded with AI-generated visuals that mimic the signature style of Studio Ghibli, captivating users with their soft, watercolour-like aesthetics and whimsical charm.

However, amid the growing fascination with this trend, the words of Studio Ghibli’s co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki, have resurfaced, reigniting discussions about the use of artificial intelligence in art.

Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary Japanese animator and filmmaker behind Oscar-winning films Spirited Away (2001) and The Boy and the Heron (2023), has been a vocal critic of AI-generated animation. A resurfaced video from a Studio Ghibli presentation shows Miyazaki expressing his strong disapproval of AI-driven animation.

During the presentation, Miyazaki appeared visibly disturbed while watching an AI-generated video and did not hold back his criticism. “Whoever created this has no idea what pain is,” he stated. “I am utterly disgusted. If you want to create creepy things, go ahead - but I would never incorporate this technology into my work.”




What is all about Studio Ghibli?

Contrary to the current AI-driven trend, Studio Ghibli is not a recent phenomenon. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the studio is renowned for its hand-drawn animation, captivating storytelling, and visually stunning films. Some of its most beloved works include My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Grave of the Fireflies (1988), and Spirited Away (2001).

Ghibli’s signature style : dreamy landscapes, expressive characters, and richly detailed worlds, has now been replicated through AI, allowing users to “Ghibli-fy” their own images, from pet portraits to wedding proposals. As with any viral trend, the internet has embraced this creative tool, making social media feel like a scene from a Ghibli film.

Miyazaki’s criticism of AI-generated animation has added fuel to the ongoing debate over the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries. While some support his perspective, arguing that AI-generated content lacks the human touch and emotional depth of traditional animation, others believe AI is simply another tool for artistic expression.





However, some netizens have pointed out that the viral video of Miyazaki has been taken out of context. The clip, originally from 2016, reportedly shows Miyazaki reacting to a 3D model of crawling zombies; an animation he found deeply offensive, as he believed it to be a disrespectful portrayal of disabled individuals. His remarks were not specifically directed at AI-generated art as we know it today.

As AI technology continues to evolve, the conversation surrounding its impact on art and creativity is far from over. Whether one views AI-generated art as an exciting new medium or a threat to traditional craftsmanship, one thing is clear, Studio Ghibli’s influence remains as strong as ever, inspiring both human artists and AI alike.

Source / Image Credit : Karthik Mahadevan, Vivek Choudhary