Overview

• Toei Animation has confirmed plans to integrate AI into various stages of its animation production process to boost efficiency and quality.
• The studio has invested in Preferred Networks, a Japanese AI firm, alongside Kodansha and other partners, to access advanced generative AI capabilities.
• Fans have expressed concerns on social media, fearing the adoption of AI could compromise the hand-drawn artistry that defines anime's global appeal.
• One Piece animator Vincent Chansard stated that production teams have not been informed of any concrete changes, calling the announcement a PR move aimed at shareholders.
• Toei previously experimented with AI in 2021, collaborating with Preferred Networks on a short film that converted photo backgrounds into anime-style visuals.