Japanese AI tech firm Frontier Works and media distribution company KaKa Creation will release 95 percent AI-made anime, “Twins Hinahima.”
The anime’s official website says artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent. However, it also says a “gap” exists between creators and AI.
That is why it’s promoting “supportive AI” or “AI merely as a supporting tool for creators’ creative activities.”
In response, several netizens expressed their disappointment, while some industry experts support AI development.
How this AI anime could influence real-life art
Twins Hinahima stars white-haired older sister Himari and red-haired younger sibling Hinana.
They love anime or Japanese animation and would like to try cosplay dancing someday. However, they don’t have the money to achieve this goal.
Nevertheless, they film dance routines and post it on social media. Eventually, a strange phenomenon draws them into another world.
The official synopsis describes a light-hearted fantasy story yet signals a significant shift in real life.
Nowadays, artificial intelligence is changing every part of society, especially art. Modern AI programs are enabling people to draw and make videos by only describing what they want.
AI firm KaKa Creation believes it can make creators more efficient, so it promotes its use as “supportive AI.”
Makoto Tezuka is one of those who approve of using artificial intelligence for creating manga and anime.
He’s the son of the late Osamu Tezuka, the “Godfather of Anime.”
In an interview with KaKa Creation, he said his father hired people to do menial tasks like drawing borders and painting solid colors.
Similarly, he views AI anime tools as performing similar roles in the industry.
On the other hand, many creators fear this technology could take their jobs as it can create content for anyone.
They voiced their concerns over this AI-made anime on X, such as this one from user Wilczek7:
“Maybe it’s time for companies to finally respect the animators and actually pay them instead of escaping to AI? Ever think of that?”
Anime enthusiasts also cited Hayao Miyazaki, the honorary chairman of Studio Ghibli. He’s responsible for iconic anime films like My “Neighbor Totoro.”
On November 16, 2016, a YouTube video showed Miyazaki’s reaction when a company presented an AI-generated clip.