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Summary

  • Toei Animation wants to use AI in anime production, sparking controversy among fans and animators.
  • The company is not currently using AI but plans to incorporate it in processes like storyboard creation.
  • AI in anime raises concerns about job security for animators and intellectual property rights.

In a recent response to the debate sparked by their shift towards AI in anime production, Toei Animation – known for hits like “One Piece” and “Dragon Ball” – revealed financial data from their previous fiscal year (April 2024 to March 2025) in a report they released last week.

Typically, the document provided details not just limited to the company’s financial status but also its strategic plans. Notably, Toei Animation is shifting focus towards creating live-action content to broaden their international appeal. The company believes that expansion among the Japanese audience might no longer be sustainable for future growth.

Toei Wants to Use More A.I. In Anime Production

One contentious aspect of the report is the claim that Toei Animation has declared its intention to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a goal to utilize this technology in the creation of anime. The report suggests that various aspects of the production process, such as storyboard development, coloring, intermediary animation, generating backgrounds from photographs, and frame adjustments, may be impacted by this new venture.

This development prompted an instant negative response from fans, along with those who create series for Toei Animation. One of the One Piece animators, Vincent Chansard, expressed confusion on social media, suggesting that this update took others working in the field by surprise as well.

After encountering a negative response, Toei revised their statement within the document, now clarifying that they are not employing AI technology in any of the specified procedures at this time. However, they are actively investing in AI and are expected to implement it in the near future. So, Toei isn’t using AI right now, but is preparing for its use by making investments and planning to start soon.

From 2021 onwards, Toei has been allocating resources towards artificial intelligence (AI) technology. It is expected that they will work collaboratively with other AI firms to create their proprietary AI system. However, the construction of this AI model is likely to utilize the company’s internal data.

Why Is AI So Controversial?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) often stirs up a great deal of debate due to multiple factors. The main criticisms often revolve around labor standards and ownership of ideas. To effectively train AI models, vast quantities of data are required, and it’s common for the sources of this data not to be disclosed by AI companies, which raises concerns among other businesses and creators that AI companies might be using copyrighted material without permission.

Regarding work environments, there’s a widespread concern among many professionals, such as animators, that artificial intelligence might eventually take over their roles, leading to a reduction in job opportunities down the line. In the context of the anime industry, some companies argue they are transitioning towards AI usage due to a present staffing scarcity.

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2025-05-20 19:55