# The Anime Industry Is Warned to Take Action Against Big Tech to Protect Creators
The online outlet Magmix recently released an interview aiming to bridge the views of the anime association NAFCA and the ethical A.I. developer committee Anime Chain. Both NAFCA and Anime Chain representatives were open to A.I., but Anime Chain member Shuhei Mise explained how failure to act quickly could lead to irreparable consequences. Mise highlighted the potential dangers of Big Tech seizing the initiative for A.I. development, stating that if things continue in this direction, there may be no other options for creators to compete.
Mise emphasized the importance of Japanese creators and developers coming together to create an ethical A.I. system that allows creators to opt in and be compensated for their data. Without such measures, creators may lose control over how their art is used, leading to potential exploitation by larger tech companies. Anime Chain hopes to share this ethical A.I. model with multiple studios and refine it through individualized learning processes specific to each studio.
Fellow Anime Chain member Mono Arai echoed Mise’s concerns, warning that failure to take action against Big Tech could result in a crisis for Japan’s anime industry. The strategy of offering low-cost solutions to gain market share and then tightening controls is a common tactic employed by tech giants, and Mise and Arai urge the industry to act swiftly to prevent such a scenario from unfolding.
Japanese artists have also expressed opposition to generative A.I., with leaked messages allegedly revealing the scraping of art from numerous Japanese creatives, including renowned figures like Eiichiro Oda and Akira Toriyama. NAFCA associate and Jujutsu Kaisen 0 chief animation director Terumi Nishii has criticized Japan’s inaction on these issues, pointing to a mentality within the industry that prioritizes harmony over addressing critical problems.
# Anime Fans Generally Oppose A.I. Use, Even By Creators Like One Piece’s Eiichiro Oda
Despite some creators like Eiichiro Oda experimenting with A.I. technology, anime fans have generally expressed opposition to its use. Instances such as Oda using an A.I. program to generate a song, or the official accounts of Beyblade X and Spice and Wolf incorporating A.I. art, have faced backlash from fans who believe that such practices undermine the integrity of the industry. The sentiment among fans is that A.I. use, even by revered creators, threatens the authenticity and creativity of anime production.
The debate surrounding A.I. in the anime industry continues to evolve, with stakeholders on both sides advocating for ethical practices and protection of creators’ rights. As the industry grapples with the potential benefits and risks of A.I. integration, the need for collaboration and proactive measures to safeguard the interests of creators remains paramount.