Artificial Intelligence has become a serious threat to artists worldwide, including those within the anime industry. From the self-driving car to ghost-followers on social media, to face-recognition capabilities in the latest mobile phones, AI use has been taken to new heights. However, while not all of AI’s possibilities are detrimental to communities, artists have growing concerns surrounding their replacement with the cheaper, faster work of AI in their field, and anime is no exception.

As a voice actress and illustrator, I have also felt the effects of AI in the entertainment industry. While not yet in full effect, the utilization of AI has already infiltrated many film and TV studios, including anime. While far from completely replacing their artists, Toei Animation, one of the most iconic names in anime, has already begun implementing the use of AI in their projects to help speed up the production process.

While viewers may appreciate the effects of AI on the anime industry, such as faster production processes, which lead to faster release dates, fans must be aware of the consequences an AI takeover could have on their favorite artists. In addition, artists must also be mindful of the oncoming issue of AI.

However, not all AI use is catastrophic, and anime legends like Hayao Miyazaki are already proving that no one can truly replace the heart and soul of human-made art. While a precarious future surely lies ahead, I am confident that artists and audiences can band together to keep the impact of AI on the anime industry to a minimum.

Toei Animation Has Already Implemented the Use of AI

One of Japan’s Oldest Studios Is Among the First to Utilize AI Technology

First established in January of 1948, Toei Animation, which was then called Nihon Doga Co., Ltd., is one of the oldest anime studios and has created some of anime’s biggest legends, including Dragon Ball, Digimon, and Sailor Moon. However, perhaps one of their most famous projects as of late is the world-renowned action-adventure series, One Piece, based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga of the same name.

I found it funny that Toei Animation, one of Japan’s oldest animation studios, is also among the first to integrate AI into their production process. While they have not replaced their key artists, AI has left its mark on some of their more recent projects. Toei Animation has noted that AI is currently being used to generate backgrounds and accelerate the coloring of characters’ clothes.

Back in 2021, Toei Animation released an experimental short-film in which AI was used to convert photos of Japan’s Sasebo city into images with basic rendering that resembled the quintessential anime style. These images were then retouched by artists and presented in the short-film, Urvan.

How I Lost My Job as a Voice Actor to AI

Artists Are Being Affected by AI in the Workplace

I currently serve as a freelance illustrator and voice actor for various projects. However, even though I do not work full-time in either of these roles, I have already been impacted by the use of AI in a recent project. For example, I was thrilled to book a long-term project with multiple seasons in which I would play two roles: lead and ing. After I recorded the first two seasons, I received an email containing every voice actor’s worst nightmare. I was notified that the project’s directors were planning to replace all the voice actors with AI-generated voices to cut costs and speed up the production process.

But, of course, I am not the only artist who has experienced this kind of situation. In fact, the reason for AI replacements goes much deeper than speedier turnarounds in the production pipeline. One of the most infamous animation studios, MAPPA, is notorious for underpaying and overworking its animators.

The recent controversies surrounding MAPPA indicate that animators work upwards of 6 to 7 days a week, with up to 12 hours of work each day. Several former MAPPA artists have spoken out regarding the unfair working conditions, and audiences have noticed the decline in quality in recent episodes of the studio’s biggest anime, such as Jujutsu Kaisen. However, instead of treating their artists fairly, studios are turning to AI as a cost-effective solution.

Hayao Miyazaki Proves That Artists Can Stand Up to Replacement Schemes

The Director of Studio Ghibli Proves That There Is a Collectivist Solution to the AI Issue

Luckily, not all hope is lost. Hayao Miyazaki has proved why he is still more relevant than ever with his comments on AI. While studios are underpaying their staff and resorting to using Artificial Intelligence to replace human creativity, the director of Studio Ghibli has remained a beacon of hope for artists who are fearful of the future of anime. When pitched the idea of utilizing AI at Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki stated:

“I am utterly disgusted. If you really want to make creepy stuff, you can go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all. I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.” – Hayao Miyazaki

As an artist, Miyazaki’s bold statement brings me hope. To combat the AI movement, it is going to take artists banning together to stand up against the replacement of human creativity with artificial artistry. Audiences have already given their open and honest opinions surrounding AI-heavy projects, such as Corridor Digital’s 7-minute short film, Rock, Paper, Scissors.

While the creators have referred to the short as an “anime,” it was shot as a live-action production. The creative team then used AI to make the images look “cartoon,” resembling anime’s iconic style. However, what resulted was an emotionless, "uncanny valley" animation that appeared to be a parody of anime rather than a tribute. The LA-based production company has received harsh backlash and criticism on the project. While I would not encourage any sort of harassment of an artist’s work, I cannot help but appreciate audiences standing up for the jobs of animators, voice actors, and illustrators who keep the anime industry afloat.

After I discovered that my multi-season voice-over project was replacing artists with AI, they offered to compensate me with a small stipend to use my voice to train the AI. After careful consideration, I declined. By using artists' voices, companies can use these recordings indefinitely, without having to pay the voice actors more than once. Not only did I decline the offer for my own sake, but in protest for my fellow artists.

Many artists on social media have expressed their fear over the recent use of AI. Many animators, coders, and writers worry their jobs are at stake. However, in addition to Hayao Miyazaki’s audacious comments surrounding AI, other animation fans have proven that it’s going to take fellow artists standing up for human-made art to keep those boundaries in place.

The future of anime may be precarious, especially for artists, writers, and actors who provide us with our favorite series. Still, I am confident that we as a community can together to ensure that the impact of AI on the anime industry is minimal and beneficial for all.