AI coming for anime but Ghibli's Miyazaki irreplaceable, son says
Goro Miyazaki, son of Studio Ghibli's co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, believes that despite advancements in artificial intelligence, his father's unique vision and creativity cannot be replicated. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is expected to play a larger role in the creation of anime and other forms of entertainment. However, the human touch and emotional depth that Miyazaki brings to his work are seen as irreplaceable by many fans and industry insiders. Studio Ghibli's legacy and impact on the anime industry remain strong, with Miyazaki's influence continuing to shape the genre for years to come.
Artificial intelligence risks taking Japanese anime artists' jobs but nothing can replicate Hayao Miyazaki, the creative lifeblood of the studio behind classics such as "Spirited Away", his son told AFP.
Impact of AI on Anime Industry
Thanks to ChatGPT's new image generator, the internet is awash with pictures imitating Studio Ghibli's whimsical style, raising fresh debate over potential copyright infringements. Movies such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Howl's Moving Castle" are famous for their lush nature and fantastical machinery, painstakingly drawn by hand.
While the studio has not commented directly on the image trend, Goro Miyazaki, 58, predicted that artificial intelligence could one day replace animators. "It wouldn't be surprising if, in two years' time, there was a film made completely through AI," he said in an interview last week. But whether audiences would want to watch a fully AI-generated animation is another matter, he added.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the rapid changes, new technology also brings "great potential for unexpected talent to emerge," added Goro, Studio Ghibli's managing director. Japan is grappling with a shortage of skilled animators, partly because most spend years in low-paid jobs to learn the ropes. Digitally savvy Gen Z may be also less enthusiastic about the manual labor involved, Goro said.
"Nowadays, the world is full of opportunities to watch anything, anytime, anywhere," making it harder to imagine making a living from the physical act of drawing, he added.
Legacy of Studio Ghibli
Goro's father founded Studio Ghibli with Isao Takahata in 1985. After Takahata's death in 2018, Hayao -- now 84 and a heavy smoker -- continued to create films with 76-year-old producer Toshio Suzuki. Despite his age, Hayao won his second Oscar last year with "The Boy and the Heron" -- likely his last feature film.
Anime cartoons are usually for children, but Takahata and Hayao included darker elements that appeal to adults. Goro emphasized the depth in their work, noting that even seemingly light-hearted movies like "Totoro" have underlying themes of loss and fear.
Personal Reflections
Goro joined Studio Ghibli in 1998 and directed animations, but he always felt the weight of living up to his father's talent. Despite the challenges, he pursued a creative path influenced by his family's legacy in animation.
As the Ghibli-style AI images proliferated, a video resurfaced showing Hayao's initial reaction to AI-generated content, emphasizing the importance of human touch and creativity in art.