In the age of artificial intelligence, even the timeless art of hand-drawn animation like that of Studio Ghibli is being challenged. Studio Ghibli, known for enchanting films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, now finds itself at the center of a debate about AI’s growing role in anime. The conversation has intensified with the spread of AI-generated images mimicking Ghibli’s unique aesthetic, sparking both copyright concerns and existential questions about the future of creativity.

Goro Miyazaki, son of legendary director Hayao Miyazaki and a filmmaker in his own right, is no stranger to these pressures. According to japantimes.co.jp as Studio Ghibli's managing director, Goro has expressed cautious optimism about AI’s possibilities while firmly rejecting the idea that technology could ever replace the human depth behind his father’s work. He believes AI might generate films in the near future, but whether they can capture the soul of animation remains doubtful.

A Generational Divide in Anime’s Soul

AI Does Not Have the Capacity to Understand Human Experience and Emotion

Goro Miyazaki sees a clear distinction between generations in how they approach storytelling. He believes that his father's era, which was shaped by memories of war and loss, infused Ghibli films with a unique emotional weight. The bittersweet undercurrents and themes of mortality, often masked by whimsy and fantasy, are what make Ghibli’s stories resonate so deeply with adults as well as children. “Even Totoro is scary in its own way,” Goro once said, alluding to its portrayal of a child’s fear of losing a parent.

Younger creators, raised in a more peaceful, digital world, may struggle to replicate that layered sensibility. Goro does not believe this is a flaw, but rather a natural evolution. However, he is skeptical that AI, which lacks life experience, trauma, or joy, could ever infuse animation with the emotional intricacy crafted by his father or Isao Takahata. The concern is not just about style, it is about the absence of a soul.

Is AI a Threat or Creative Inspiration?

Goro Miyazaki Thinks That AI in Anime Could Be Both

While wary of the risks AI poses to traditional animation jobs, Goro acknowledges its creative potential. With Japan facing a shortage of skilled animators and younger generations less inclined toward labor-intensive techniques, AI could democratize anime production. Tools like image generators might allow unknown artists to produce enjoyable work without formal training, creating space for unexpected voices to emerge.

Still, Goro is quick to stress that AI should serve creativity, not replace it. He worries that if AI-driven content becomes the norm, the value of hand-drawn anime could diminish. Audiences may eventually tire of machine-made art lacking personal touch. As copyright concerns swirl and public debate grows, Goro hopes future anime will continue to be guided by human emotion, not just efficiency. At Studio Ghibli, the fear is not just about losing a style, it is about losing a spirit.

Source: japantimes.co.jp