Megumi Ishitani, a renowned director known for her exceptional work on the One Piece anime, recently voiced strong criticism over the growing trend of artificial intelligence being used to replicate the iconic art style of Studio Ghibli. Through a post on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Ishitani did not hold back, stating, “You have defiled Ghibli. I will never forgive you.” Her blunt statement quickly spread across social media and sparked widespread discussion within both anime and art communities.
Studio Ghibli, the legendary Japanese animation studio co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki, is celebrated worldwide for its hand-drawn artistry, rich storytelling, and emotional depth. Its unique visual style has become instantly recognizable and deeply respected by artists, animators, and fans alike. With the rise of generative AI tools capable of mimicking various artistic styles, including that of Studio Ghibli, some creators have raised concerns about the ethical implications of this technology.
Ishitani emphasized that the use of AI to recreate Ghibli’s style not only disrespects the studio’s legacy but also undermines the hard work of animators who devote countless hours to crafting meaningful, hand-drawn visuals. According to her, traditional animators often spend several months working on a single episode—meticulously drawing frame by frame to bring a scene to life. For such dedicated artists, the rapid generation of similar-looking art by a machine feels like an affront to the craft.
She also voiced concern that AI-generated works could contribute to the erosion of public appreciation for human-made animation. As these tools become more advanced and widespread, audiences may struggle to distinguish between genuine, artist-driven creations and synthetic imitations, further marginalizing the efforts of skilled animators. Ishitani went as far as to suggest that the use of AI in this manner should be subject to legal scrutiny, especially when it involves copying the distinct visual identity of a beloved studio like Ghibli.
Despite her clear stance, some social media users continued to tag her in AI-generated images of herself depicted in the Ghibli art style. In response to one such image, Ishitani remarked, “I find this horrifying,” reinforcing her discomfort and disapproval of AI art's role in the animation industry.
Her remarks have sparked debate online, with some netizens defending AI as a tool for artistic exploration and accessibility, while others sided with Ishitani, arguing that the preservation of authentic, human-made art should be prioritized—especially when it comes to culturally significant works like those of Studio Ghibli.
This incident highlights a broader conversation within the creative world regarding the role of AI in the arts. While some see it as a revolutionary tool for democratizing creativity, others warn of its potential to dilute originality, exploit existing styles, and blur the lines of authorship and ownership. As AI technology continues to evolve, the animation industry—and the creative world at large—will likely continue grappling with these complex and emotionally charged questions.
For Ishitani and many other traditional animators, the message is clear: creativity should not be reduced to algorithms. The heart, soul, and personal touch that animators pour into their work cannot be replicated by machines—and perhaps, it should not be.
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