Enthusiasts of anime find themselves frequently discussing AI-generated art in conversation. The application of Generative AI has become a recurring subject among professionals within the field during recent years. With technology enabling fans to transform into characters reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, certain animation studios are considering integrating this technology for efficiency and cost savings purposes. This year marked the debut of the first anime series produced by an AI (note: it didn’t receive positive reviews). Anime directors, like Kiyotaka Oshiyama from Look Back, have also been expressing their opinions on the subject.
The film titled “Look Back” serves as a heartfelt homage to the manga world, with its narrative derived from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga (Chainsaw Man). It focuses on two budding artists who bond over their shared passion. They collaborate on a manga for a competition, and their careers soar as a result. However, like life itself, they eventually part ways and embark on distinct journeys. Given that Oshiyama has directed an anime centered around art and the emotional bonds essential for its creation, one might expect him to have a clear stance on AI-generated art. Surprisingly, he is more accepting of it than many fans initially anticipated.
Look Back‘s Director Is Open to Fans Using AI Art
In simple terms, Oshiyama shared with Anime News Network during Anime Central 2025 that he feels technology has made it difficult for people to return to their previous ways. He compared the convenience of computer-generated art to a washing machine, which is now an integral part of everyday life and hard to imagine living without.
Oshiyama sees AI-generated art as having both advantages and disadvantages. “I absolutely concur that this AI technology, or AI art, could replace jobs in the creative sector,” he said. “I think it’s crucial to discuss this issue… Employing AI to learn about natural landscapes or helping it understand the realism of its surroundings to create more imaginative art, I believe, is perfectly acceptable. However, when it comes to unlawful, inappropriate, or malicious uses of AI, I want to emphasize that such actions are not condoned.
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Kiyotaka Oshiyama Supports Fans Using AI Art
For Oshiyama, the director, it’s a questionable territory when industry experts employ AI, but he’s quite encouraging when it comes to fans using AI for leisure activities such as creating art. He stated, “I don’t wish to deny the opportunity to those who argue that using AI in art creation ‘democratizes’ it, making it accessible to people who may not have the ability to express their creativity through traditional art forms.
The film ‘Look Back‘ showcases and honors the evolution of artistic expression. I didn’t create this movie to undermine the potential for individuals to discover their creativity or dismiss the views of those who claim that AI art helps them tap into their creative side.” The debate surrounding AI art is expected to persist in various art forms, including but not limited to anime, for years to come. Supporters are eagerly awaiting official regulations from studios, unions, and governing bodies regarding the misuse of AI. However, achieving such regulations may prove to be a prolonged and challenging process.
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2025-06-12 20:10