In 2016, Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki publicly rejected AI-generated animation after watching a demonstration of a machine learning program that made a 3D human figure move in disturbing, zombie-like ways. He called what he saw an insult to life and said he would never incorporate such technology into his own work. The moment was filmed for an NHK documentary and resurfaced widely during the 2025 AI art debate.

The incident took place at Ghibli's studio, where Dwango chairman Nobuo Kawakami presented a machine learning demo in which a 3D model taught itself to move without any programming around pain or bodily limits — producing grotesque results. Miyazaki connected the footage to a disabled friend of his and expressed deep moral objection. It is important to note that the demo shown was a motion-simulation experiment, not a modern generative AI image tool of the kind used in 2025 to replicate Ghibli's art style — a context that is frequently missing when the clip circulates online. No Studio Ghibli corporate policy document has ever referenced or formalized Miyazaki's personal views on AI.