Summary

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

Since the short was apartnership with WIT Studio, fans were also afraid generative AI would be used in theOne Pieceanime 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 regulationsto protect jobs. Activists also point to how much AI demands environmental resources. NHK recently reportedhow AI is being used in the industry.

On December 13, KaKa Creation, a company focused on implementing AI in the anime industry, and Frontier Works (one ofHetalia: Axis Powersanime production companies) announced they are working onTwins HinaHima, an animationmade 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 thelegendary Osamu Tezuka) and Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (Brave Raideendirector), but it’s not clear if or how they are involved with this series.

Makoto has been involved inexperimental 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.

Twins HinaHimais slated for Spring 2025, and it’s based on real Japanese TikTokers.