Viral Ghibli Style AI Version, Japanese Government Speaks Out About Copyright Violations

Kapanlagi.com - The phenomenon of Ghibli-style images generated by AI has recently been widely discussed, especially on social media. It all started with OpenAI updating the AI image generator feature of GPT-4o on the ChatGPT engine, allowing users to generate images resembling the works of Hayao Miyazaki simply by entering certain keywords. Although it appears impressive, this trend has sparked debate as it uses the distinctive visual style of Studio Ghibli without official permission from the relevant parties.

Hayao Miyazaki has long voiced criticism against AI-based works. He refers to AI as something that “insults life itself” because it lacks the emotional and human values that are at the core of art. Artists and creative industry players in Japan have also expressed their concerns that AI could undermine the originality and creative process of humans.

In response to this phenomenon, several Japanese lawmakers have begun to speak out. They question whether the AI-generated images violate copyright and emphasize the importance of clear regulations regarding the use of AI in artistic works. The Japanese government is even starting to consider reviewing copyright laws to anticipate rapid technological developments and their impact on the creative world.

1. Viral AI Images in Ghibli Style on Social Media

AI images with the distinctive visual style of Studio Ghibli—known for its natural beauty, nostalgic atmosphere, and expressive characters—have gone viral. Users of generative AI, such as DALL·E (a feature in ChatGPT) and MidJourney, are eagerly creating images titled Ghibli-style, even trending on TikTok and X (Twitter).

These visuals have amazed netizens as they closely resemble the works of Hayao Miyazaki such as MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO or SPIRITED AWAY. However, behind the admiration, there are significant questions about the legality and ethics of using such a distinctive style by AI, especially without official permission from Studio Ghibli.

2. Strong Criticism from Hayao Miyazaki and Concerns of the Creative Industry

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A critical view of AI-generated art also comes directly from Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli. His long-standing question has gone viral again amid this trend, where he refers to AI technology in art as a �insult to life itself.� According to him, art should arise from human experience, feelings, and life values�but not merely the result of algorithms.

Many fans of Studio Ghibli agree with this view, considering AI-generated works to lack the �soul� that original Ghibli works possess. On the other hand, some argue that AI is just a tool, and it depends on how humans use it ethically.

3. The Japanese Government Steps In, Highlights Potential Copyright Violations

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In a parliamentary cabinet committee session, a member of parliament, Masato Imai, questioned whether AI-generated images in the Ghibli style constitute copyright infringement, responding to a hot topic of discussion recently. This question was addressed by Hirohiko Nakahara, Strategic Officer from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), who stated that "copyright law does not protect styles or ideas that do not reach a level of creative expression." He also emphasized that,"if AI-generated content shows similarity or dependency on existing copyrighted works, then it constitutes copyright infringement."

This discussion is even starting to lead towards the establishment of stricter regulations on the use of AI in the fields of art and media. The Japanese government is considering revising copyright laws to accommodate new issues arising from AI technology.

(kpl/ute)