In recent days, the internet has been swept by a wave of Studio Ghibli-inspired images, generated using OpenAI's latest native image tool. From fan-made portraits to reimagined film scenes, the AI trend is gaining momentum. However, a resurfaced clip of co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has reignited debate, as he criticises this kind of work, describing it as an "insult to life itself."

A user on X (formerly Twitter) posted a clip from the NHK documentary series "NHK Special: Hayao Miyazaki — The One Who Never Ends". In the footage, Miyazaki is seen speaking to a group of students who had presented a machine designed to create animation. 

Photo: Collected

Expressing his disapproval, he stated, "I am utterly disgusted. If you want to create creepy things, you're free to do so, but I would never want to incorporate this technology into my work. I firmly believe it is an insult to life itself."

One of the students presenting the project explains, "This is merely an experiment. We have no intention of showcasing it to the world. Our goal is to develop a machine that can create drawings like humans." 

Photo: Collected

In response, Miyazaki remarks, "It feels as though we are approaching the end of an era. Humanity is beginning to lose faith in itself."

Miyazaki returned from retirement to create the animated fantasy film "The Boy and the Heron", which earned widespread critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Last year, he was honoured with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called Asia's Nobel Prize. 

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He is renowned for directing several critically acclaimed films, including "My Neighbor Totoro", "Spirited Away", "Princess Mononoke", "Howl's Moving Castle", and "Ponyo", among others.  

Photo: Collected