The trend of Ghibli-inspired design in India, particularly in 2025, is a fascinating blend of cultural appreciation, technological advancements, and social media dynamics. Here’s a detailed look at why Studio Ghibli’s iconic aesthetic—characterized by whimsical characters, lush landscapes, and soft, nostalgic vibes—has captured the imagination of Indian audiences:
1. AI-Powered Creativity with ChatGPT’s Image Generation
The explosion of Ghibli-style designs in India can largely be attributed to OpenAI’s ChatGPT update in March 2025, which introduced an advanced image-generation feature. This tool allows users to transform photos into Studio Ghibli-inspired art with simple prompts like “Ghiblify this” or “Turn this into Studio Ghibli style.” The accessibility of this feature, available to both free and paid users, has democratized creativity, enabling everyone from casual social media users to celebrities to create their own Ghibli-style portraits. In India, where ChatGPT adoption is skyrocketing (with over 130 million users generating 700 million images globally in a single week), this feature has fueled a viral trend. Indians are transforming selfies, family photos, and iconic moments into dreamy anime-style artworks, flooding platforms like Instagram, X, and WhatsApp.
2. Cultural Resonance with Ghibli’s Aesthetic
Studio Ghibli’s hand-drawn animation style, pioneered by Hayao Miyazaki, resonates deeply with Indian audiences due to its universal themes and visual warmth. Films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle emphasize nature, nostalgia, and human connection—values that align with India’s cultural appreciation for storytelling and emotional depth. The soft pastel colors, intricate backgrounds, and expressive characters evoke a sense of wonder and innocence, appealing to India’s diverse population, from young urbanites to families. In a fast-paced digital age, Ghibli’s slower, handcrafted aesthetic offers a refreshing escape, tapping into a collective desire for calm and nostalgia.
3. Celebrity and Influencer Participation
The trend gained massive traction in India when prominent figures joined in. Celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, who shared a Ghibli-style recreation of India’s 2011 World Cup victory, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose MyGov India account posted Ghibli-inspired images with captions like “Main character? No. He’s the whole storyline,” amplified the trend’s visibility. Other public figures, such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Tharoor, and business leaders like Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma, also shared their “Ghiblified” avatars, making it a mainstream phenomenon. This high-profile engagement encouraged fans to participate, creating a ripple effect across social media.
4. Social Media and FOMO Dynamics
India’s vibrant social media culture, particularly on platforms like X and Instagram, has played a pivotal role in spreading the Ghibli trend. The fear of missing out (FOMO) drives users to join viral challenges, and the Ghibli trend is no exception. Posts with captions like “Following the Ghibli trend” or “AI-sa kuch trend ho raha hai” (Hindi for “I heard there’s an AI trend going on”) have become ubiquitous, as users share their transformed photos to stay relevant and connect with their communities. Google Trends data highlights India as one of the top countries searching for “Ghibli art,” with states like Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal leading the charge, reflecting regional enthusiasm. The trend’s shareability—whether it’s a cute family portrait or a reimagined Bollywood scene—has made it a social media staple.
5. Nostalgia and Global Pop Culture Influence
Studio Ghibli has long enjoyed a cult following in India, with films available on streaming platforms like Netflix and anime gaining popularity among younger audiences. The studio’s 40th anniversary in 2025, marked by events like Ghibli Fest, has further spotlighted its legacy, reigniting interest in its timeless appeal. For Indian millennials and Gen Z, who grew up with anime and global pop culture, Ghibli’s aesthetic feels both nostalgic and aspirational. The ability to merge personal moments (like weddings or vacations) with a globally recognized art style creates a sense of belonging to a larger cultural conversation, bridging local and international identities.
6. Brands Jumping on the Bandwagon
Indian brands have capitalized on the Ghibli trend to engage audiences creatively. Companies like Zomato and Swiggy have shared Ghibli-style ads with witty captions like “ChatGPT cooked,” while India Post released illustrations of mail carriers in Ghibli’s dreamy aesthetic. These efforts tap into the trend’s popularity, making it not just a personal expression but a marketing opportunity. By aligning with a trend that feels fresh and youthful, brands connect with India’s digital-savvy consumers, further embedding Ghibli’s style into the cultural zeitgeist.
7. Debates Sparking Curiosity
While the trend is largely celebratory, it has sparked discussions that keep it in the spotlight. Some criticize AI-generated Ghibli art for potentially devaluing traditional craftsmanship or raising ethical concerns about copyright and data privacy. Hayao Miyazaki’s past comments calling AI animation “an insult to life itself” have resurfaced, adding a layer of controversy that fuels online debates. In India, these conversations—coupled with reflections on why local art forms like Madhubani or Warli aren’t similarly celebrated—have made the trend a topic of intellectual and cultural discourse, sustaining its relevance.
8. India’s Growing AI Adoption
India’s position as ChatGPT’s fastest-growing market, as noted by OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, underscores the country’s embrace of AI technologies. The Ghibli trend aligns with this tech enthusiasm, as users experiment with AI to express creativity. The ease of generating high-quality images without artistic skills has empowered millions, particularly in a country with a young, tech-curious population. This technological wave has made Ghibli-style art a symbol of India’s digital innovation, blending global influences with local flair.
