Your social media feed is probably filled with dreamy, hand-painted visuals labelled “Ghibli-style”—from celebrities to everyday users, everyone seems to be trying it. But what exactly is Ghibli, and why has it taken over the internet?

What’s the story behind Ghibli art?

Studio Ghibli was founded in Japan on June 15, 1985, by legendary animators Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with producer Toshio Suzuki. The studio’s name, “Ghibli,” is derived from the Italian word for a hot desert wind, symbolising its mission to bring a fresh breeze to the animation industry.

Today, a new version of the OpenAI chatbot ChatGPT lets users transform their personal images into Ghibli-style anime.

The studio’s influence extends far beyond Japan, inspiring generations of artists and animators worldwide. Its films are known for their rich storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and deep themes exploring nature, identity, and human resilience.

Beyond commercial success, Ghibli is revered for its meticulous hand-drawn animation, use of watercolor backgrounds, and philosophical depth that resonates with audiences of all ages. The studio is known for its strong female protagonists, immersive worlds, and narratives that blend Japanese folklore with universal human experiences.

In 2001, Studio Ghibli opened the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, offering fans an interactive experience with behind-the-scenes insights into their creative process.

Even after Miyazaki’s brief retirement in 2013 (before his return for The Boy and the Heron in 2023), Ghibli remains a cornerstone of global animation, influencing artists, filmmakers, and pop culture worldwide.

AI meets Ghibli: what do Indian artists think?

While it has turned out to be a ‘fun thing’ for many on the internet, there is another group of netizens who question this move by ChatGPT. Why? For two reasons, one Ghibli anime makes scary images look dreamy and nice to the eyes, and secondly, a few artists feel that it devalues the work of real artists.

We spoke to Krishna (name changed), Game Designer at a leading organisation in India, who explained, “Having been associated with games and digital art for over 2 decades now, I’ve had the good fortune to explore a variety of art styles as an artist and one draws inspiration from a number of sources. In an age of AI, it has become imperative to........

© The Better India