Last week, OpenAI released their GPT-4.5 model. And for some reason, everybody started converting their pictures in the style of Studio Ghibli. I did the same—because I really love Miyazaki’s work.

Then I realized I had what I call “an excess of enthusiasm.”

Miyazaki and his studio are against AI. And I understand why—at least based on what I know from their films. I’ve watched the DVDs dozens of times… in French, English, and Japanese… with audio commentary and all. I really love the art and craftsmanship that goes into them.

So, is Miyazaki anti AI or he is for something else?

I think Miyazaki is, above all, pro-humanity. Sure, AI might “help humanity” (or destroy it, if you’re more into the Terminator angle), but he truly believes in his craft. In observation. In slowing down. In humanity.

And as someone who works in business and genuinely loves technology, I still think we need to slow down from time to time and ask ourselves if we’re collectively experiencing an excess of enthusiasm.

Let’s start with “MA”

“Ma” means emptiness. And if you’ve ever watched one of Miyazaki’s movies, you can feel it. There are moments intentionally left for the audience to reflect, contemplate, imagine, and interpret what is happening.

In contrast to big blockbuster movies—where there’s constant action and everything is explained because it’s part of a “universe” and and and…—Miyazaki’s films feel more like a classical music masterpiece, with highs and lows, fast sequences and slow ones, and, importantly, moments of rest. Some “Ma.”

“If you just have non-stop action with no breathing space at all, it’s just busyness, But if you take a moment, then the tension building in the film can grow into a wider dimension. If you just have constant tension at 80 degrees all the time you just get numb.”

You need to be a good observer

If you studied design like I did, you know we talk a lot about empathy and how it helps us understand people and support them. After all, we practice human-centered design!

In the eyes of Miyazaki, observation is essential to his work:

“To be a good animator, you have to be a good observer. You have to see how people walk, how they move, how the wind blows, how children behave.”

And he really does observe micro details. There’s a full explanation on the DVD about how Chihiro (the main character of Spirited Away) puts on her shoes.

1. Remove the socks.
2. Make sure the foot is completely in, since the shoe is a bit tight.
3. Put your second foot in and tap the toe on the floor to adjust the fit.

Lots of micro details that matter to a human.

Flawed but worthy

Most of Studio Ghibli’s films are about growth—whether as a person, a family, a culture, or even a world. It’s always about the journey, in relation to human emotion and the environment. Every character is nuanced. No one is purely good or bad—they all have a history, motivations, and flaws… but most of them are redeemable.

She’s flawed, but also a product of misfortune and war.

Back to AI

Where is your “MA”?

Sure, we need to be productive and move faster — but too fast, too quick, and too easy all the time will make you numb. Without “Ma,” how do you reflect, contemplate, imagine, and interpret what’s happening?

Are you a good observer

To be a good designer — or just a good person — you have to be a good observer. Sure, AI is now capable of detecting human emotion and reflecting something back that feels like empathy. But is that really what we need?

I want my family, my friends, my life partner to be the observers of my life. I want them to notice when things get rough and be there for me. And I want to do the same for them. That kind of presence is far more valuable.

We are flawed worthy

AI, social media, propaganda, echo chambers… I don’t think I need to elaborate on that. What I can say is this: in person, people aren’t nearly as evil as we’re led to believe.

The next generation

Right now, it’s easy for us to take our years of experience and enhance our work with AI. But I’m not sure we’ve really figured out what the long-term impact of AI will be.

I mean, we’re only just beginning to understand how social media has contributed to anxiety in the next generation. So we really need to think carefully about how a powerful tool like AI can support learning—rather than just “doing the thinking” for people.

We also need to think about the bigger picture. I often hear: “AI won’t take your job. Someone using AI will.” True, true… That’s why I use AI. But — if I get to keep my job, and four other people lose theirs because I’ve become SSSOOOOOOOOO efficient… what happens to them? Do they go back to school?

It’s not a question of being for or against AI.

But as a society, we need to set some boundaries — otherwise, business will do it for us. And when that happens, money always wins.

I don’t have the answers. But we do need to have real conversations about ethics and philosophy about AI.

My Friday afternoon conclusion

Lately, I’ve made it a habit to block out some time in my schedule to write and draw these purple vignettes. Sure, I could use AI for the text or the illustration. But why?

It’s not about being efficient. It’s not about reach. Hell — when I break 1k, I’m happy. And articles? If 50 of you made it here — congrats! Leave a comment, like, and share. 😉

I do it because when I do it, I learn my craft. I reflect, contemplate, and interpret what’s happening.

It forces me to observe — and to ask others for their perspectives.

And I’ve come to accept that my texts are flawed… but worthy.

And because I enjoy it. You wouldn’t ask an AI to complete a mandala for you, right?

What I did…

I think in the short term, what you can do is ask yourself:

What do I love about my job that I wouldn’t give to anyone else?

What is long, repetitive, or tedious that I would gladly give to someone else?

Protect your “Ma.”