Toei Animation Plans AI Integration to Enhance Future Anime Productions

Toei Animation, a leading Japanese anime studio famous for series like Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon, is preparing to integrate artificial intelligence into its production processes. This strategic move was revealed in Toei’s 2024-2025 fiscal year financial briefing, highlighting an investment in Preferred Networks, a company specializing in advanced AI technologies.

The collaboration aims to co-develop new business opportunities and enhance production efficiency and quality by combining AI with traditional animation techniques. Specifically, Toei is exploring AI applications in several key areas:

• Automated storyboard creation to streamline pre-production planning
• AI-assisted coloring and color specification to ensure consistency and reduce manual effort
• Background generation from reference photos to accelerate scene creation
• Automatic correction of in-between frames to improve animation fluidity

Currently, these AI technologies are prospective and have not yet been applied to ongoing projects such as One Piece or upcoming titles like Digimon BeatBreak and Gosu. The studio’s cautious approach reflects the broader industry debate about AI’s role in creative work.

The use of AI in entertainment has sparked controversy, with some creators fearing job displacement and ethical concerns about consent and originality. Critics argue that AI can lead to digital appropriation and potential quality issues, while proponents highlight its ability to reduce repetitive tasks and increase productivity.

Toei’s investment and experimentation with AI could set a precedent for other studios, influencing how anime and animation industries adopt emerging technologies. The integration of AI promises to reshape workflows, enhance creative possibilities, and potentially redefine the balance between human artistry and automation.

As AI continues to evolve, monitoring Toei’s approach offers valuable insights into the future of animation production and the broader implications of AI in creative industries worldwide.