The internet can't keep calm as ChatGPT's latest innovation is the reimagination of Ghibli art, inspired by Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation firm. The iconic studio is known for captivating illustrations like "My Neighbour Totoro" and "Princess Mononoke." The viral AI-generated memes of popular newsmakers like Donald Trump or Elon Musk are seemingly a tribute to the celebrated ghibli art. Adding spice to the saga is the Indian touch, with scenes from Shahrukh Khan-Kajol starrer "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995) also being recreated.
The buzz on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), transports people back to 1985 when the animation studio founders Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki impressed everyone with their hand-drawn representation of a fictional world.
Studio Ghibli has captured the hearts of animation lovers worldwide, integrating storytelling with engaging artistry. Since its inception in the mid-80s, it has become a cultural icon. With its hand-drawn animation, landscapes, and characters, Ghibli art is recognised today for its visual language that bridges fantasy and reality.
Ghibli’s artistic roots stem from both Japanese and Western influences. Hayao Miyazaki, the visionary behind films like "My Neighbour Totoro" (1998) and "Spirited Away," (2001) drew inspiration from European illustrators such as Jean Giraud (Moebius) and classic Japanese ukiyo-e prints. Isao Takahata’s works, including "Grave of the Fireflies," (1988) lean on traditional Japanese aesthetics, focusing on realism and human emotions.
Located in Mitaka, Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum is the ultimate destination for fans. The museum is designed by Miyazaki himself and offers a whimsical journey through Ghibli’s creative process. You can explore original sketches, concept art, and exclusive short films. Much like the films, the architecture is fairytale-like, with winding staircases, stained glass windows featuring beloved characters, and a rooftop garden guarded by a life-sized Robot Soldier from "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" (1986).
Opened in 2022, Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture is a dreamland for animation lovers. Unlike traditional amusement parks, Ghibli Park immerses visitors in detailed recreations of film scenes. Wander through Satsuki and Mei’s house from "My Neighbor Totoro," step into "Whisper of the Heart’s" antique shop, or marvel at the grand architecture of "Howl’s Moving Castle" and "Spirited Away’s" bathhouse.
For a unique perspective on Ghibli’s artistic influences, visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Miyazaki visited this museum frequently for inspiration, and its traditional wooden buildings echo the aesthetic of "Spirited Away’s" mysterious bathhouse. Walking through the historic structures feels like stepping into a Ghibli frame, where every door, lantern, and shopfront tells a story.
Periodically, Studio Ghibli hosts special exhibitions worldwide featuring original paintings, character designs, and film storyboards. Major museums in Paris, London, and Los Angeles have displayed these works, allowing international fans to admire Ghibli’s artistry up close. Keeping an eye on art museum schedules can help you catch a travelling Ghibli exhibition near you.
While not official, several cafés and stores across Japan and beyond capture the charm of Ghibli’s aesthetics. The Donguri Republic stores in Japan sell Ghibli-themed merchandise, with displays reminiscent of scenes from "Kiki’s Delivery Service" (1989) and "The Wind Rises" (2013). In Bangkok, Thailand, the May’s Garden House restaurant was once an officially recognised Totoro-themed café, offering a cosy, Ghibli-like experience.
For Ghibli’s art lovers, the experience is more than just visual splendour. It's a perfect take on nostalgia and innovation. Their tryst with handcrafted visuals is a slice of their childhood, and a machine may never be able to justify their essence. Even founder Miyazaki has always been critical of technology.
In 2016, he told a leading international daily that a pencil is the ideal tool for an animator. He echoed the same sentiment in 2021 when shown a documentary based on his life that also demonstrated an AI-centred illustration. Expressing his displeasure over the use of technology, he reiterated that machine work and hand-painted creations can never be juxtaposed. For him, it was more like human beings having more faith in technology than themselves.
