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AI & Machine Learning

Miyazaki Slams AI Art

WireByte Staff · July 3, 2026

Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki condemns AI-made art, calling it an insult to life, amidst rising machine-made creativity

Key points

  • Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli co-founder and honorary chairman, criticized AI-made art as an insult to life
  • Miyazaki has overseen traditional animation techniques for 40 years, including hand-painted visuals for films like My Neighbor Totoro
  • He condemned AI use in a 2016 documentary, before the release of dominant AI models like transformer architecture and ChatGPT
  • Miyazaki's views reflect his dedication to traditional craftsmanship and high standards in animation
  • The debate surrounding AI-made art has sparked reactions from artists, critics, and tech industry figures, highlighting its growing impact

Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned co-founder and honorary chairman of Studio Ghibli, has expressed strong reservations about the rise of AI-made art. In a 2016 documentary, Miyazaki condemned the use of AI in animation, calling it an insult to life. This stance reflects his long-standing commitment to traditional craftsmanship and high standards in animation. Miyazaki has spent 40 years overseeing the creation of beloved films like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, which feature beautiful, hand-painted visuals. The use of AI in art has sparked a broader debate, with some arguing that it enhances creativity and others seeing it as a threat to traditional techniques. As AI models like ChatGPT continue to advance, the discussion around their role in art and creativity is likely to intensify.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.