AI Trend of 'Ghibli-Style Images' Transformation, Hayao Miyazaki's Warning

Recently, a trend has rapidly spread, particularly on social media, where people are using OpenAI's ChatGPT to transform ordinary photos into 'Ghibli-style images.'

AI-generated images are reborn in a style reminiscent of characters and backgrounds from Hayao Miyazaki's iconic works, such as 'My Neighbor Totoro,' 'Spirited Away,' 'Howl’s Moving Castle,' and 'Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.'

Users are enthusiastically sharing their profile pictures and other images, transforming them into the warm and fantastical art style unique to Ghibli.

Amid this, past statements by the original creator Hayao Miyazaki, who had strongly criticized AI technology, are being revisited.

Hayao Miyazaki's Strong Criticism of AI Technology

Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli and a master of Japanese animation, is reported to have maintained a very negative stance towards AI technology.

In particular, during an interview with FAR OUT magazine in 2023, Miyazaki criticized AI-generated animation as being "an insult to life itself."

"An insult to life itself"

In the interview, Miyazaki stated, "I cannot find it interesting to see something like this. The person who made this has no understanding of what pain is. It is truly disgusting," and firmly emphasized, "I do not want to combine this technology with my work."

"I cannot find it interesting to see something like this. The person who made this has no understanding of what pain is. It is truly disgusting."

Such remarks from Miyazaki are drawing renewed attention and raising concerns as the trend of transforming images into 'Ghibli-style' using AI technology continues to grow.

His criticism points to deeper philosophical issues beyond mere technological rejection and copyright concerns, raising questions about the essence of creation and the suffering of artists.

The reason Studio Ghibli's works are loved worldwide is not only because of the final products but also due to the dedication, philosophy, and values that Miyazaki and his team have poured into them.

Moving forward, it seems necessary to reflect on issues related to copyright as well as the phenomenon of AI technology easily mimicking works that embody the soul and anguish of human creators.

Image source: Photo=Insight, Hayao Miyazaki / Getty Images Korea, Film 'Spirited Away'