In recent days, Studio Ghibli-style edits have gone viral on the internet. People from all over the world are using OpenAI’s latest image generator to create artwork that looks like Ghibli’s famous animation style. These AI-generated images reimagine everyday life with the soft, dreamy colors and hand-drawn feel that Ghibli is known for.
However, Studio Ghibli’s chief, Hayao Miyazaki, has been a strong critic of such AI-generated art. In a past documentary, he called this kind of technology an "insult to life itself."
What is Studio Ghibli?
Studio Ghibli is a famous Japanese animation studio based in Tokyo. It was founded in 1985 by legendary animators Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki. The studio is known for its beautifully crafted animated movies that have touched audiences worldwide.
Some of Studio Ghibli’s most famous films include:
- My Neighbor Totoro
- Spirited Away
- Howl's Moving Castle
- Ponyo
- Princess Mononoke
- Kiki’s Delivery Service
These films have won many awards and are loved for their deep stories, magical worlds, and unique animation style.
The Ghibli Animation Style
Studio Ghibli’s animation is known for its hand-drawn beauty. The studio uses soft pastel colors and detailed character designs. Every frame is carefully crafted, often taking years to complete.
For example, in the film The Wind Rises, every scene was hand-painted with watercolors. One particular scene, which showed a busy market, took more than a year to complete. This dedication to hand-drawn animation makes Ghibli films feel warm, human, and unique.
The studio’s name, Ghibli, comes from an Arabic word for a hot desert wind. It symbolizes the fresh energy that the studio wanted to bring to the animation world.
Why is Ghibli Trending?
Recently, OpenAI introduced a new image generator in ChatGPT. This tool allows users to create images in different art styles, including a style similar to Studio Ghibli’s.
As a result, many people started generating AI images that look like Ghibli-style paintings. These AI-generated artworks quickly became popular on social media. People shared their creations, imagining what their daily lives would look like in a Ghibli movie.
Miyazaki’s Strong Opposition to AI Art
While fans love these AI images, Hayao Miyazaki has a very different opinion.
A clip from the NHK documentary Hayao Miyazaki – The One Who Never Ends has resurfaced online. In this clip, Miyazaki reacts to a student project that aimed to use AI for animation. He strongly criticizes the idea, saying:
"I am utterly disgusted. If you really want to make creepy stuff, go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all. I strongly feel this is an insult to life itself."
Miyazaki has always believed that true art comes from human effort and emotion. He fears that AI-generated images take away the heart and soul of real animation.
The Debate Continues
The internet is divided over this issue. Some believe AI-generated Ghibli-style art is a fun way to celebrate the studio’s legacy. Others agree with Miyazaki and think AI is not a replacement for real human creativity.
As AI technology advances, the debate over its use in art and animation is likely to continue. Meanwhile, fans will always cherish the magic of Studio Ghibli’s hand-drawn masterpieces.
