In recent days, a wave of enthusiasm has swept across social media: the new version of ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is impressing with its ability to generate exceptionally high-quality images. Among the most notable trends of the past 24 hours, users are having fun transforming photos into drawings inspired by the unmistakable style of Studio Ghibli.
But this technological feat is not universally welcomed, particularly by an iconic figure in Japanese animation: Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Ghibli, known for his deep aversion to artificial intelligence.
GPT-4o: A Spectacular Advancement in Image Generation
The tool in question, GPT-4o, is presented by OpenAI as its most advanced artificial intelligence to date. Capable of creating visuals from scratch or transforming a simple photo into a work of art, it offers a variety of styles: Disney, Pixar, or the famous Ghibli style.
The possibilities seem endless, ranging from transforming a personal snapshot into an animated drawing to designing advertising visuals from a simple package. The precision and fluidity of the results have won over many users, who praise the nearly flawless technology.
Hayao Miyazaki, a Historical Opponent of AI
However, this innovation may not please everyone.
Hayao Miyazaki, undisputed master of Japanese animation, has always been hostile to the idea that machines could imitate human creativity. As early as 2013, in the documentary The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness, which reveals behind-the-scenes footage of Studio Ghibli, he expressed his disgust at an AI demonstration.
At the time, employees had shown him a grotesque creature generated by a deep learning algorithm. His reaction was scathing: he called this attempt a “desecration of life” and categorically refused to associate himself with such technologies.
Twelve years later, as GPT-4o brilliantly reproduces the style of his films, we can assume that his opinion has not evolved favorably, even though he has not yet publicly commented on this development.
A Question of Legality and Ethics
Beyond artistic reservations, the use of this AI raises legal and moral questions.
To function, GPT-4o was trained on a massive database including works protected by copyright, such as Studio Ghibli films.
But OpenAI neither sought the consent of rights holders nor offered financial compensation, a practice that fuels a growing debate on the ethics of generative artificial intelligence. Is this practice considered risky by the AI Act, for example? Hard to say at this point…
While fans marvel at these creations, the artists and studios involved might see it as unauthorized exploitation of their work.
A Dream Come True, But at What Cost?
Ironically, a decade ago, some members of Studio Ghibli enthusiastically imagined a machine capable of drawing like a human. Today, this fantasy has been realized thanks to ChatGPT. But this technological advancement, as impressive as it may be, highlights a paradox: it fulfills a dream while challenging the values of those who inspired its development.
Between technical prowess and controversy, OpenAI’s AI and all image generators continue to fascinate as much as they divide, leaving an essential question hanging: how far can we go in the name of innovation? What do you think? Leave your opinion in the comments or on the AI Forum!
