Veteran animator Terumi Nishii, who worked as the chief animation director for Jujutsu Kaisen , has expressed strong doubts about public promises made by major anime producers to avoid using AI in their workflows.
In a recent social media post, Nishii called out the claims, specifically those of Aniplex, noting that multiple anime studios have already begun quietly integrating AI-assisted storyboards that mimic the styles of specific creators, as well as using generative AI to map out initial layouts before human directors refine them.
Earlier this year, staff members working on Demon Slayer stated that Ufotable and Aniplex won’t use AI in their works, promising fans that they will continue with hand-drawn artists, writers, voice actors and the talent that helped bring the animation to the big screen.
However, Nishii doubts whether Aniplex was really in a position to do so, noting that even if Aniplex itself avoids AI, the external studios it commissions may already be using the technology. “So even if Aniplex claims it won’t use AI, can the production studios it hires realistically stop using it—especially when they’re already paying tech companies?” she asked.
Jujutsu Kaisen Animation Director Casts Doubt on Aniplex Anti-AI Promises
Furthermore, Nishii claims that Aniplex itself is inherently a producer-side company actively pushing AI development to increase overall anime output, which makes the anti-AI claim difficult for working animators to believe. “More than anything, it suggests they may not fully understand how production committees actually work,” she added.
According to Nishii, if studios continue integrating AI into their workflow and prioritizing mass production, it will ultimately hinder the development of new talent that is much needed to solve the workforce issue that the anime industry is facing. “In that sense, AI becomes a kind of litmus test that reveals a studio’s philosophy toward creation. That said, companies operating under large corporate structures and focused only on numbers will likely use it. If they can use it, they will.”
The animator added that while corporate executives are likely already aware of this shift, they intentionally keep AI usage confidential because they know it will cause a significant public stir.
Her observations align with recent developments in the anime industry. Several prominent animation studios have already begun testing the waters, seeking ways to integrate artificial intelligence to streamline their production process. For instance, Toei Animation and several others have invested in an AI research and development company in order to boost their operational efficiency.
In addition to anime production, AI has also found its way into the manga industry, where it is increasingly used to assist in translation. Several prominent publishers are now openly hiring AI companies to handle the rapid localization of their manga titles.
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