The "Ghibli Effect" has taken social media by storm, with people sharing stunning AI-generated portraits and artwork inspired by the legendary animation studio, Studio Ghibli. The trend has sparked both excitement and controversy, as it brings together AI technology and the signature artistic style of the renowned Japanese studio. But what exactly is the Ghibli Effect, and why is it suddenly making headlines?

What is the Ghibli Effect?

The term "Ghibli Effect" refers to the distinctive animation style and emotional storytelling techniques used by Studio Ghibli, founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki in 1985. The studio is known for its breathtaking hand-drawn animation, imaginative worlds, strong female protagonists, and deep themes of nature, nostalgia, and human emotions.

Some of the most recognizable elements of the Ghibli Effect include:

Lush and intricate backgrounds that create a dreamlike atmosphere.

Soft, expressive character designs with detailed facial expressions.

Themes of magic and adventure, often blending fantasy with reality.

Quiet, reflective moments that emphasize emotion over action.

A focus on nostalgia and childhood wonder.

Films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke have embodied this effect, making Studio Ghibli one of the most influential animation houses in the world.

Why is the Ghibli Effect Trending Now?

The recent resurgence of the Ghibli Effect can be traced back to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) image generation. OpenAI’s GPT-4o update introduced a feature allowing users to generate images in various styles, including those inspired by Studio Ghibli.

AI-Generated Ghibli-Style Portraits

Users began uploading their photos and using AI tools to transform them into Ghibli-style characters, complete with whimsical backgrounds and dreamy expressions.

The results were widely shared on Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit, fueling the viral trend.

Ghibli-Inspired AI Art Spreads Across Platforms

Several AI image generators, including OpenAI's DALL•E and MidJourney, started producing detailed artworks that resembled the hand-drawn aesthetic of Ghibli films.

Hashtags like #GhibliAI, #GhibliEffect, and #GhibliStyle trended globally.

Resurfacing of Hayao Miyazaki’s Criticism of AI

As AI-generated Ghibli art spread, an old interview of Hayao Miyazaki resurfaced, where he strongly criticized AI in animation.

In the viral clip, Miyazaki calls AI-generated animation an “insult to life itself”, stating that true art must come from human experience and emotions.

OpenAI Restricts Ghibli-Style Image Generation

Amid growing concerns over copyright and ethical issues, OpenAI announced restrictions on generating images in the styles of living artists, including Studio Ghibli.

This move aimed to prevent unauthorized replication of unique artistic styles without permission.

The Debate: AI vs. Human Creativity

The sudden popularity of the Ghibli Effect has ignited a heated debate:

Supporters of AI Art argue that it democratizes creativity, allowing people to generate beautiful artworks effortlessly.

Critics, including many artists and animators, claim that AI is undermining human creativity by replicating unique styles without effort, training, or originality.
Ghibli’s own legacy is deeply rooted in traditional hand-drawn animation, with Miyazaki repeatedly rejecting digital shortcuts. His films emphasize the beauty of meticulous craftsmanship, making the use of AI to mimic his work controversial among fans and industry professionals.

The Ghibli Effect has become a fascinating example of how AI and traditional artistry intersect. While it has allowed millions to engage with the magic of Ghibli-style art, it has also raised ethical and creative concerns about the role of AI in the future of animation.

Whether this trend fades or evolves, one thing is certain: Studio Ghibli's influence remains stronger than ever, inspiring new generations of artists, animators, and dreamers worldwide.

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Mangaluru (Karnataka), Jul 26 (PTI): Mangaluru International Airport has earned the prestigious Level 4 accreditation in Airport Customer Experience from Airports Council International (ACI), positioning itself among a select group of global airports recognised for excellence in customer-centric service, officials said on Saturday.

The accreditation, awarded on July 16, 2025, is valid for one year and follows the airport’s attainment of Level 3 accreditation in February 2024, they said.

According to a statement from the airport spokesperson here, the ACI programme is the first global initiative dedicated to advancing customer experience management in the aviation sector.

According to ACI, Level 4 accreditation demonstrates a strong foundation of customer-focused practices and a readiness for the strategic, enterprise-wide transformation required to reach Level 5 — the highest level of the programme.

Over the past year, the airport has implemented several key initiatives including the launch of the Adani OneApp and Digi Yatra, deployment of AI-based surveillance systems, smart cleaning robots, improved flight information displays, and free Wi-Fi kiosks. These upgrades have not only enhanced operational efficiency but also improved the overall passenger experience, it stated.

The spokesperson for the airport said, “This Level 4 accreditation is a testament to our team’s dedication to providing a seamless and memorable journey for travellers. We remain committed to being a modern and efficient gateway for the region.”

The airport’s strategy, customer insights, digital innovation, and governance were among the factors evaluated for the accreditation.

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