The internet is currently abuzz with a heartwarming and artistic trend — AI-generated images in the whimsical, dreamlike style of Studio Ghibli. From celebrities to common users, everyone is getting swept up in the charm of being reimagined in a world reminiscent of Spirited Away or Howl’s Moving Castle. One such imaginative creation recently caught the attention of none other than industrialist Anand Mahindra
Anand Mahindra as a Ghibli-Style Character
The wave of AI-generated Studio Ghibli-style artwork has taken over social media timelines. People are transforming themselves, their pets, loved ones, and even iconic personalities into anime-style visuals using advanced AI tools. A user on X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @Engineers_View1 joined in the fun by posting a Ghibli-style rendition of Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra.
In the artwork, Mahindra is seen riding a Jawa 42 FJ, blending elegance with Ghibli’s enchanting and nostalgic aesthetic. The illustration captures a soft, pastel-toned landscape and a peaceful, cinematic moment — perfectly in tune with the signature Ghibli vibe.
Anand Mahindra’s Response: Appreciative and Humble
The AI-generated portrait didn’t go unnoticed by Mahindra himself. Known for his engaging social media presence and down-to-earth responses, he reshared the artwork and responded with genuine delight. Using a cheerful emoji and a brief but warm caption, Mahindra’s response demonstrated his appreciation for the creativity and joy behind the gesture.
His reaction not only validated the artwork but also added momentum to the ongoing trend. Fans praised his openness to new forms of art and technology, reinforcing his image as a forward-thinking and relatable leader.
What Is Studio Ghibli Style?
For those unfamiliar, Studio Ghibli is a legendary Japanese animation studio co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. The studio is celebrated for its visually rich, hand-drawn animated films that explore deeply emotional and philosophical themes.
Movies like Spirited Away (which won an Academy Award in 2003), My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle have cemented Ghibli’s place in global pop culture. The studio’s style is instantly recognizable: soft colors, magical realism, rustic charm, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Interestingly, despite the recent AI trend, Hayao Miyazaki himself has historically opposed the use of artificial intelligence in animation. In a 2016 interview, he called AI-generated art “an insult to life itself.” That context has sparked debate about the ethics of using Ghibli’s style in AI projects.
Now it’s perfect pic.twitter.com/PQmEH3Tard
— Engineers View (@Engineers_View1) April 2, 2025
AI and the Ghibli Trend: Creative or Controversial?
The trend of Ghibli-style AI-generated images has received mixed responses online. While the majority of users are excited to see themselves and their favorite icons transformed into characters from a magical world, others have raised questions about the artistic implications.
Critics argue that generating content mimicking Ghibli’s iconic style without proper attribution or consent from the studio crosses ethical boundaries. They see it as a form of artistic plagiarism, especially considering the years of skill and emotional labor the original creators invested in their work.
However, supporters see it as a form of homage — a modern, digital tribute using evolving tools. Many also argue that AI has democratized artistic expression, allowing even those with no drawing skills to engage in visual storytelling and creative exploration.
AI Tools Behind the Trend: ChatGPT and More
One of the main tools fueling this viral movement is ChatGPT, specifically its GPT-4o model, which includes image generation capabilities. Originally available only to premium users, OpenAI recently announced that this feature will also be accessible to free users — opening the floodgates for even more Ghibli-style creations.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the massive popularity of this feature, especially due to its widespread use on platforms like Instagram, X, and Reddit.
Alongside ChatGPT, platforms like Midjourney, DALL·E, and Artbreeder are also contributing to this surge in anime-style and Ghibli-inspired artwork.
A Trend That’s Equal Parts Art and Emotion
The AI Ghibli trend is more than just a passing internet fad — it reflects the blending of nostalgia, technology, and human imagination. Whether it’s seeing yourself as the protagonist of a Miyazaki film or creating fantastical reinterpretations of real-life moments, this trend captures something deeply personal and emotionally resonant.
And when respected personalities like Anand Mahindra participate — even passively — it highlights how digital culture continues to evolve, blurring the lines between fans, artists, and public figures.
What Do You Think?
Is the AI Ghibli art trend a beautiful modern tribute to animation history? Or is it crossing ethical lines by mimicking a unique artistic legacy without permission?