Japanese Studio Announces Anime Heavily Made With AI

Artificial Intelligence has been sparking controversies for a few years. When Netflix dropped an anime short made with generative AI in February 2023, citing “labor shortages” as the reason, artists and users quickly replied with harsh criticism.

Since the short was a partnership with WIT Studio, fans were also afraid generative AI would be used in the One Piece anime remake, which was announced later that year (so far, that’s not confirmed). Artists, actors, and many other professionals in the entertainment industry (and in other industries too) are worried and have been calling for AI regulations to protect jobs. Activists also point to how much AI demands environmental resources. NHK recently reported how AI is being used in the industry.

Related

Japan Is Developing New AI System To Combat Manga Piracy

Japan is taking a huge step towards stopping anime and manga piracy.

On December 13, KaKa Creation, a company focused on implementing AI in the anime industry, and Frontier Works (one of Hetalia: Axis Powers anime production companies) announced they are working on Twins HinaHima, an animation made with AI slated for spring 2025. HinaHima are real twins who produce content on TikTok and YouTube. So far, reactions seem mostly negative. Check the teaser trailer out:

“Supportive AI” Used in Over 95% of the Cuts

According to a statement released by the companies, they claim to be using AI in order to create “high-quality-AI-assisted works” (which seems more like trying to show it’s possible to use AI to make high quality animation). They also claim AI would alleviate animators’ workflow and workload, calling it “supportive AI”.

As Netflix did in 2023, they cite labor shortages and productivity issues, believing AI can improve efficiency. Characters were hand-drawn, but photos were transformed into background images with the assistance of AI (with retouches by the art staff). 95% of the cuts involved usage of AI, with final adjustment made by real animators (which reduced workload, according to the statement).

Osamu Tezuka’s Son Welcomes AI

The news also included an interview with Makoto Tezuka (son of the legendary Osamu Tezuka) and Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (Brave Raideen director), but it’s not clear if or how they are involved with this series.

Makoto has been involved in experimental projects to expand his father’s works using AI. In an interview, Tezuka, as many other people who are supportive of AI, states that it’s normal for innovation to face resistance and spark fear, but he seems to see the technology as just a tool. Yasuhiko also believes AI could raise quality, especially regarding in-between frames and background characters.

Source: Japan Anime News by Oricon