OpenAI has recently launched a new image generation tool, leading to a surge of AI-created images that emulate the aesthetic of Studio Ghibli.

During a **livestream demonstration**, OpenAI illustrated the tool’s features by converting a selfie into an anime-style illustration. The outcome closely mirrored Studio Ghibli’s iconic art style, quickly becoming a viral sensation. Nevertheless, some users on social media expressed concerns regarding **possible copyright infringements**. At the same time, Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has been outspoken about his disapproval of AI-generated artwork.

In a clip from the 2016 documentary *Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki*, the director behind *Spirited Away* and *My Neighbor Totoro* conveyed his **strong resistance to AI in the arts**. He remarked, *”Those who create this content have no understanding of what pain truly is. I am completely repulsed. If you genuinely want to produce unsettling work, feel free. I would never dream of integrating this technology into my creations at all. I firmly believe this insults life itself.”*

Despite Miyazaki’s disapproval, not everyone shares his sentiment. OpenAI CEO **Sam Altman** even updated his profile picture to a Ghibli-style AI-generated depiction of himself. Furthermore, numerous users on **X (formerly Twitter)** have been utilizing the tool to produce their own artwork and memes inspired by Studio Ghibli.

While some commend the AI’s proficiency in reproducing unique artistic styles, its rise also incites discussions about **the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated art**. This debate underscores the persistent conflict between technological advancement and the rights of creators—particularly those, like Miyazaki, who have explicitly opposed AI’s involvement in artistic expression.