Studio Ghibli Founder Hayao Miyazaki Calls AI-Generated Art an ‘Insult to Life Itself’

Tokyo, March 27, 2025 — As AI-generated art continues to flood social media platforms, including fan-made portraits inspired by the iconic Studio Ghibli style, legendary Japanese filmmaker and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has reiterated his strong disapproval of artificial intelligence in creative fields.

Miyazaki, celebrated for his hand-drawn masterpieces such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle, has long been a vocal critic of AI-generated visuals. In a resurfaced interview that has once again gone viral amid the rise of Ghibli-style AI portraits, the acclaimed director described such technology as an “insult to life itself.”

“I am utterly disgusted by the idea of machines creating something that imitates human expression without soul or pain,” Miyazaki had said during a documentary appearance a few years ago. His remarks have gained renewed attention as fans and AI enthusiasts continue to recreate his signature animation style using artificial intelligence tools.

While thousands of internet users share and admire AI-made Ghibli-style portraits, many traditional artists and anime creators echo Miyazaki’s concerns, warning that such digital replication disregards the hard work, emotions, and years of craftsmanship behind hand-drawn animation.

Industry experts say the growing debate reflects a larger conversation about ethics, creativity, and the role of technology in art. Meanwhile, Studio Ghibli itself has stayed away from adopting AI-generated content, staying loyal to traditional, hand-crafted animation techniques.

As AI art trends continue to evolve, Miyazaki’s words remain a reminder of the human touch behind timeless creations.