Suzuki toshio reflects on ai-generated 'ghibli style' art and its limitations

On September 6, 2026, the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported that Ghibli Studio producer Suzuki Toshio discussed the unique creative process of director Hayao Miyazaki and the implications of AI-generated art. Suzuki noted that AI-generated 'Ghibli-style' images became popular in 2025, following the release of GPT-4o by OpenAI, which allowed for more accurate image generation and style conversion. He remarked that people quickly grew tired of such images, as they lacked authenticity and artistic value. Suzuki emphasized that Miyazaki’s work, starting with 'How to Live a Good Life,' was created in isolation from external influences, and that Miyazaki was unaware of AI technology. OpenAI CEO Altman even changed his X profile picture to a 'Ghibli-style' version, sparking debates over copyright. Suzuki acknowledged AI’s serious consideration of Ghibli’s cultural significance, stating it would become a symbol of human creativity in the AI era. The trend of AI-generated Ghibli-style art sparked controversy, with concerns over intellectual property. While AI tools like GPT-4o enabled users to transform images into various styles, Suzuki argued that such efforts lacked the depth and originality of human artistry. He highlighted the contrast between AI’s data-driven approach and Miyazaki’s intuitive, isolated creative process. The discussion reflects broader debates about the role of AI in preserving artistic authenticity and cultural heritage.