Toei Animation’s AI Anime Plan SHOCKS Fans! Dragon Ball & One Piece at Risk?!

Toei Animation has solidified its position as a significant force in the anime industry, and it’s clear why that is now. They are responsible for the anime adaptations of popular shonen series like Dragon Ball and One Piece, and have also contributed to the creation of other beloved franchises such as Digimon, Sailor Moon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Kinnikuman. The studio has garnered a lot of goodwill from anime fans, but stormy waters may lie ahead due to Toei’s future strategies. As we look towards the future, Toei Animation has disclosed its intentions to employ artificial intelligence in its creative process, a move that has sparked some concern among fans.

Toei Animation unveiled its ambitious plans for fiscal year 2026, emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) would be instrumental in achieving their goals. They’ve revealed an illustration outlining where exactly they intend to incorporate AI, and here’s what they had to say about their future: “We aim to jointly create new business ventures and enhance the productivity and quality of our productions by leveraging the harmonious blend of AI and animation production technologies.” You can explore the comprehensive details of their financial strategy by clicking here.

Artificial Anime Intelligence Controversy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has stirred up quite a bit of debate in the anime industry recently. Many animators, voice actors, and creators have voiced concerns about AI’s application. In fact, Japan’s Nippon Anime and Film Culture Association issued a warning last year about the potential risks associated with AI and the importance of monitoring its usage closely.

In the future, it could prove challenging for organizations like ours (NAFCA) to ensure fair compensation for creators when their work involves generative AI. For example, if an AI combines elements from different sources, such as giving a character the head of Doraemon, the body of a Gundam, and the voice of Son Goku, we’re not supportive of projects that claim free use with the payment of required royalties. Even if a creation derived from multiple sources generates significant profits, there is currently no effective system for distributing profits and obtaining approval from the original creators of those components.

Dragon Ball & One Piece’s Animated Futures

This year, Dragon Ball concluded its latest animated series, Dragon Ball Daima, leaving fans of Z-Fighters pondering about Goku and his team’s next appearance. However, as I write this, the answer to that question remains a mystery. On the bright side, fans of the Straw Hat Pirates have been enjoying the return of their weekly anime episodes. As the final saga unfolds, tensions are rising on Egghead Island and Luffy is in grave danger due to the emergence of one of the Grand Line’s most formidable villains.

Read More

2025-05-17 16:41