In an age where Artificial Intelligence is being incorporated more into many sectors of work and life, legendary storyteller and animator Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli has made people aware of his thoughts on generative AI, and his dislike for it is intense.

Miyazaki's feelings on AI have resurfaced after a recent update to OpenAI, one of the leading names in generative AI. The service brought a new image-generation tool to the public, and upon its release, s across the globe began inundating OpenAI with Studio Ghibli prompts. From X to Reddit, social media is being flooded with AI-generated artwork done in Miyazaki's style. The move has sparked backlash, prompting an old video with Hayao Miyazaki to resurface where the acclaimed director is quite blunt with his opinion on AI.

Miyazaki's Distaste For AI Is Incredibly Personal

As An Artist, It Deeply Offends Him

The video (posted on Youtube by Manhattan Project for a Nuclear-Free World) sees Miyazaki and Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki being presented a demonstration of animation at work by designers. The technology featured in the 8-year-old video isn't quite AI, as X @menhguin points out, and is more of an animation tool to potentially generate body horror.

Once the presentation ended, Miyazaki shared a personal story about a friend he often visits who could barely use his arm. Miyazaki said that whoever made this technology knew nothing about the pain his friend went through, likely referring to his friend's hands being in that state due to drawing.

Miyazaki states, in no uncertain , that he viewed the technology used in the presentation as an insult to life itself, leaving the producers speechless. Suzuki asked about their goal, to which one said that they wanted to make a machine that could draw as well as people. The video closes with Miyazaki commenting on how humans have lost faith in themselves. Studio Ghibli is a studio known for its beautiful, expressive animation. Furthermore, each movie Studio Ghibli make takes years to complete, showing just how dedicated Miyazaki and the staff are to their craft.

Hayao Miyazaki's Response To AI Is More Relevant Than Ever

It is no wonder Miyazaki feels so strongly about AI, given that his works primarily focus on the majesty of nature and the wonder of human expression. Unfortunately, the classic Ghibli style is frequently used in generative AI, something that doesn't mesh well with the primary themes of the most famous anime studio's work.

AI has become a hot topic in the last few years, especially in the anime scene. With AI being used to translate manga, it is apparent the issue is growing. While this might be demoralizing, an increasing number of artists in the entertainment industry have taken a stand against it. Given the heavy controversy, there is no doubt that Hayao Miyazaki's comments on generative AI will remain relevant for years to come.