Did the Ghibli-style AI app creator really get a 'cease and desist' from Studio Ghibli? Here’s the truth behind the viral letter
Studio Ghibli's iconic and beloved animations have inspired a surge of AI-generated "Ghibli-style" images, shared widely on social media by fans. The enthusiasm surrounding these creations was dampened when Studio Ghibli issued a cease and desist letter against the apps producing such content. The legal warning marks a setback for those who were enjoying and sharing the AI-generated artwork inspired by the studio's renowned films. Despite the setback, the popularity and influence of Studio Ghibli's distinctive style continue to resonate among artists and fans. The incident highlights the complexities and legal implications of using AI technology to replicate copyrighted material.
In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we create, consume, and interact with art. One of the latest developments that’s sparked both excitement and controversy is the rise of AI tools that mimic the iconic hand-drawn animation style of Studio Ghibli.
The AI Ghibli trend
Fans of the studio’s rich and emotionally powerful films, like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, have embraced these AI-generated “Ghibli-style” images, flooding social media with their artistic illustrations. However, the excitement around these AI tools was quickly interrupted by a legal warning– a cease and desist letter claiming that Studio Ghibli was taking action against these apps. But the story wasn’t as simple as it seemed.
In recent weeks, AI-powered art generators have become popular online. With tools like ChaptGPT, DALL·E, and MidJourney, people can upload photos and turn them into beautiful images that look like Studio Ghibli’s hand-drawn style. The process is fast, easy, and, for many, a fun way to see the world differently.
Studio Ghibli is known for its detailed, hand-crafted animation, which takes months or even years to create. Films like Princess Mononoke and My Neighbor Totoro are admired for their unique artistry and the hard work behind them. So, when AI tools started instantly recreating that style, some felt it disrespected the effort and creativity that went into the originals.
The cease and desist hoax
As the controversy grew, a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a post that seemed to confirm people’s concerns. The post described a cease and desist letter, supposedly from Studio Ghibli, sent to the creator of an app called Gib. This app let users turn their photos into Ghibli-style artwork.
The letter, dated March 27, 2025, claimed the app was violating Studio Ghibli’s intellectual property by copying its artistic style without permission. The Gib app creator quickly shared their frustration with their followers, posting an emotional response that read: “Just got this cease and desist from Studio Ghibli. AI creators deserve protection, not punishment. Expression is sacred. Imagination is not illegal. If I have to be a martyr to prove that, so be it.”
But as the story unfolded, it became clear that the letter was fake. X (formerly Twitter) quickly added context, noting that the law firm “Sakura & Hoshino LLP” mentioned in the letter didn’t actually exist, and the contact details were fake. This completely changed the situation, confirming that Studio Ghibli had never sent a cease and desist order.
As per a report presented by the Financial Express, Studio Ghibli later addressed the viral incident, telling NHK that they had “not issued any warning letter.” They confirmed the letter was a hoax and that the situation had been blown out of proportion. That same day, the X user who started the buzz responded to their own post about the fake cease and desist letter, admitting that the app ‘Gib’ is actually fake.