Hayao Miyazaki's Frustration Over AI Transforming Photos into Studio Ghibli-Style Art

Comments from Hayao Miyazaki, one of the founders of Studio Ghibli, about artificial intelligence (AI) in animation have once again sparked discussion. His strong statement from 2016 has gone viral as more people reflect on AI's impact on the creative industry. At the time, Miyazaki expressed his disdain for the use of AI in animation, even calling it an "insult to life itself."

"I am utterly disgusted. If you really want to create creepy things like this, go ahead. I have absolutely no intention of incorporating this technology into my work. I feel that this is an insult to life itself," Miyazaki said, as reported by The Guardian.

He made this statement after watching a demonstration of AI generating eerie animations using machine learning. Miyazaki, known for his humanist philosophy and traditional approach to animation, firmly rejects the use of AI as a creative tool. For him, animation art must come from human touch, emotion, and lived experiences—not from computer algorithms.

Industry Reactions to Miyazaki’s Views

Miyazaki’s stance has drawn mixed responses. On one hand, many traditional artists support his view, believing that AI diminishes artistic value and authenticity. On the other hand, some industry practitioners see AI as a helpful tool that can speed up production without completely replacing human roles.

Major studios like Pixar and DreamWorks have begun integrating AI for certain processes, such as rendering and motion interpolation. However, Miyazaki remains steadfast in his principles. To this day, Studio Ghibli continues to uphold hand-drawn animation techniques, which require immense precision—a hallmark that makes their work so revered.

AI vs. Traditional Art: An Ongoing Debate

The debate over AI’s role in art continues as technology advances. For Miyazaki, animation is not mere entertainment but a profound expression of humanity. He believes that replacing human craftsmanship with machines strips a work of its soul.

While AI may be capable of creating beautiful images, can it