The latest iteration of OpenAI’s image generation technology has sparked a surge of interest, with users flooding social media with images transformed into the style of Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio.
On Tuesday, OpenAI introduced what it calls its “most advanced image generator yet,” integrated into GPT-4o. This new model boasts “natively multimodal” capabilities, allowing it to produce highly detailed, photorealistic images. One unexpected yet widely embraced outcome is its ability to replicate the distinct anime aesthetic of Studio Ghibli, the studio behind beloved films such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and The Boy and the Heron.
The Trend Takes Over Social Media
Social media platforms have been flooded with Ghibli-style portraits, as users experiment with the new AI tool. Many are transforming their selfies, pets, and even historical figures into the dreamy, hand-painted aesthetic reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s work.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, joined in on the viral phenomenon, posting on X (formerly Twitter) about his own Ghibli-style transformation. His humorous take on the trend included the following post:
“> be me
grind for a decade trying to help make superintelligence to cure cancer or whatever
mostly no one cares for first 7.5 years, then for 2.5 years everyone hates you for everything
wake up one day to hundreds of messages: ‘look i made you into a twink ghibli style haha.’”
Altman even updated his profile picture to reflect his AI-generated Ghibli look, further fueling the trend’s momentum.
Studio Ghibli’s Stance on AI-Generated Art
While the internet is having fun with Ghibli-inspired AI portraits, Studio Ghibli itself remains silent on the matter. Representatives for the studio’s North American branch have declined to comment. However, co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has been vocal in his opposition to AI-generated animation. In a 2016 meeting where he was shown an AI-generated animation demo, Miyazaki strongly criticized the technology, stating, “I am utterly disgusted. If you really want to make creepy stuff you can go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all.” He further remarked, “I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.”
Miyazaki’s sentiments reflect a broader concern in the creative community about the implications of AI on artistry and intellectual property. Hollywood actors, musicians, and filmmakers have recently raised objections to AI companies, including OpenAI, lobbying for exemptions that would allow them to use copyrighted works for AI training without restriction. More than 400 industry professionals have voiced concerns that such efforts could undermine the protections that safeguard creative industries.
The Future of AI-Generated Art
Despite controversy in artistic circles, AI-generated Ghibli portraits continue to gain popularity. Some users are embracing the technology as a fun and accessible way to reimagine themselves in the world of animation, while others question the ethical considerations of AI mimicking established artistic styles.
For now, the Ghibli-style filter remains a viral sensation, with countless users eagerly sharing their AI-generated masterpieces. Whether the trend will lead to further discussion about AI’s role in the art world remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Studio Ghibli’s magic lives on, even in the digital realm.
BuzzGuru
inBeat
Capssion
Modash
Qoruz