One Piece Director & Animator Slams Down on Ghibli AI Controversy

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I’m absolutely ecstatic about the upcoming 4K remaster of “Princess Mononoke” in theaters, but it’s not the only buzzworthy event for Studio Ghibli lately. AI-generated art on social media has been capturing attention, mimicking the distinctive style of Hayao Miyazaki. Not surprisingly, the creators of anime are far from pleased to see their master’s work replicated in this manner, and some have been vocal about it. Most recently, a renowned animator who has contributed to iconic series like “One Piece,” “Naruto,” “Castlevania,” “Pokemon,” and “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” doesn’t hold back on his criticism of these AI projects.

As an ardent admirer of traditional animation, I recently voiced my concerns on social media about the emerging trend of AI-generated Studio Ghibli images. Honestly, I’m puzzled as to what these individuals believe they are achieving beyond causing offense and dismay to the original artists – fellow fans whom I assume they respect. Frankly, it seems to me that this isn’t about creating profitable movies; rather, it feels more like a form of provocation or trolling. Being an animation veteran since the early 2000s, I feel empowered to advocate for the preservation and appreciation of Studio Ghibli’s unique artistry.

Thurlow’s Thoughts

Thurlow went on to say, “If you can’t commit the necessary effort to excel as a chef, you shouldn’t aspire for a Michelin star. Similarly, if you can’t commit time to acting, you don’t deserve an Oscar. And in animation or art, if you lack dedication, please refrain from entering my field.

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In a 2019 documentary on Japanese television station NHK, renowned Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki expressed his strong dislike for art produced by artificial intelligence. He bluntly stated that the creators of such art have no understanding of pain whatsoever and he is utterly repulsed by it. He declared emphatically that he would never consider using this technology in his work, viewing its application as an insult to life itself.

Anime Vs. Artificial Intelligence

Previously, the Nippon Anime and Film Culture Association united their efforts to support content creators amidst the increasing use of AI. As stated in their message, “We [the NAFCA] foresee challenges in ensuring fair compensation for creators when projects are being produced by generative AI.” To illustrate this, consider an instance where an AI combines Doraemon’s head, a Gundam’s body, and Son Goku’s voice. If the creators believe that such work can be used at will as long as they pay the necessary royalties, it is not something we would endorse. Even if a character made up of elements from 100 different characters becomes highly profitable, there is no satisfactory system for distributing profits and obtaining approval from the original creators of those 100 characters.

Via Henry Thurlow Social Media Account

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2025-03-28 22:16