🤩 Hayao Miyazaki Spoke Out Against AI in Animation Almost 10 Years Ago, But Now No One Seems to Be Listening to Him.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has commented for the first time on the hype surrounding anime-style images inspired by Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, created using the new image generator in ChatGPT. In doing so, he indirectly challenged the artist's stance on the role of AI in the future of art.
Miyazaki himself (a three-time Oscar winner) strongly opposes the use of computer technologies in his work. Amid the internet buzz over Ghibli-style images, people have recalled how the artist denounced AI animation back in 2016.
"I would never wish to incorporate [AI art] into my work at all. I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself" Miyazaki said.
Commenting on Miyazaki's position, Sam Altman explained that he views the integration of AI as an evolution of content creation. Thirty years ago, even shooting a simple video required an expensive camera, tapes, and complex editing equipment. Sharing videos was also difficult due to the underdeveloped state of the internet. Today, everyone has a portable video studio—a smartphone—in their pocket.
Altman acknowledges the dilemma faced by artists who must adapt to AI's growing influence, but he sees more advantages than disadvantages in this process.
"I don't know if I can share an exact number, but like way more images than I thought the internet had like appetite to. We will cross a billion total images in the not distant future," Altman stated.
🤩 Meanwhile, online discussions are addressing the legality of exploiting the Ghibli style in this way. However, in 2023, Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs clarified that copyrighted works can be used without permission for AI training purposes—as long as the goal is not to "enjoy the thoughts or emotions expressed in the work."
Formally, AI companies are not supposed to use pirated content, and end users should not reproduce original works or create products that "directly compete" with them using AI. In practice, authorities admit that enforcing these restrictions is challenging.
What do you think—can art be created with the help of AI?
❤️ — yes, Altman is right: this is progress
🔥 — no, Miyazaki is right: AI has no place in art
🤔 — the truth lies somewhere in between
