At this point, my social media feed is basically an AI-generated Ghibli exhibit. Everywhere I look, it is just ChatGPT pumping out Studio Ghibli knockoffs. One post is an influencer’s pout turned into a chirpy anime scene. At the same time, the next is some big brand acting like it is creativity when it is really just a cheap algorithmic gimmick. Anyone with the paid version of ChatGPT is out here generating Ghibli-style portraits every few minutes. At changeincontent, we feel that the usage of this AI Ghibli Art is the exploitation of art guised as creativity.
Another day, another OpenAI launch. Nothing shocking there. But seriously, where do we draw the ethical line? Studio Ghibli’s work is the result of decades of dedication, talent, and actual human creativity. But sure, let us just use some algorithm, built on stolen artwork, to churn out lifeless knockoffs in seconds so people can feel artsy without lifting a finger. And all of this just for a few thousand likes.
Miyazaki did not spend decades on Ghibli for you to do this
Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary animator and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, would absolutely hate this trend. If you’re one of those people who used OpenAI to turn yourself into a Ghibli character today, just know that somewhere, Miyazaki is deeply, deeply disappointed.
In 2016, when a group of animators presented an AI-generated animation project to Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki, his response clearly showed disapproval. “I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself,” he said. Disgusted by the technology, he added, “If you really want to make creepy stuff, go ahead and do it, but I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all.“
His disgust is not just about AI-generated art. It is about watching something built with decades of passion reduced to lifeless imitations cranked out in seconds. Moreover, it is about seeing brands and influencers feed the machine without questioning what they are helping destroy.
But, look, here we are, watching AI mimic his work. This AI Ghibli art is reducing decades of artistry into a mass-produced trend.
AI Ghibli Art: Stop reducing art to an algorithm.
Studio Ghibli was not built overnight. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and the late Isao Takahata, it was created to produce actual high-quality animation. It was built on the idea of creating breathtaking, hand-drawn animation. Actual art made by actual people. Every single frame you see on screen? Painstakingly illustrated by hand. Even when CGI became mainstream, Miyazaki wanted no part of it, refusing to let computers replace the human touch in his films.
People who once mocked anime as “kids’ cartoons” are now out here, AI-generating Ghibli-style versions of their vacation selfies, as if it were no big deal. Newsflash: It is a big deal.
It is not just clueless social media users hopping on the trend. Big brands and companies are now milking this for engagement.
Corporations and brands: Do better than exploit the AI Ghibli Art
Hyphen, T-Series, Amul, Lenskart, and Zomato are among the many brands cashing in on the AI-generated Ghibli trend. These are brands with millions of followers and the power to influence public perception. Every post, campaign, and trend they participate in carries weight. Their influence goes beyond just selling products. With that kind of reach comes a responsibility to promote ethical and fair content.
Instead of feeding into this AI hype, why not hire an actual artist, pay them for their valuable work, and get original artwork? Sure, these companies technically paid for ChatGPT’s AI tools, but none of that money is making its way to the artists whose work this trend is built on.
It is always artists and designers who are expected to call this out. They are the ones who have to fight for their work, defend their craft, and watch as corporations casually exploit creativity without a second thought. Isn’t it high time that big corporations also be held accountable?
The final thoughts: Admiration or exploitation?
It is not the first time a style has been commodified, and it won’t be the last. But at what point does admiration cross into exploitation? Today, it’s Ghibli. Tomorrow, it’ll be something else. AI will keep stealing, the internet will keep obsessing, and brands will keep cashing in without a shred of responsibility.
I don’t have much else to add, so here’s a Miyazaki quote. Make of it what you will.
“I feel like we are nearing the end of times. We humans are losing faith in ourselves.”
Changeincontent perspective
At Changeincontent, we are not anti-AI. We are anti-theft.
The explosion of AI Ghibli Art is not just a trend. It is a mirror reflecting our cultural apathy towards creators. Artists today are being replaced by tools trained on their own stolen work, with not even a nod of credit or compensation. The Studio Ghibli aesthetic, built on decades of emotion, sweat, and purpose, is now reduced to a downloadable filter.
And when big brands jump in—brands that can afford to commission original artists—it becomes even more painful. These companies are not clueless. They are complicit.
We appreciate Anagha BP for using her voice to call this out when most stay silent. If we do not draw a line now, what will remain of art tomorrow?
We are tired of one-day applause for artists, women, and marginalised creators when what they really need is protection, payment, and power every day of the year.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content. We broadly define inclusivity as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and marginalised individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
