Makoto Tezuka Discusses the Role of AI in the Current Manga & Anime Industry, Reveals It Significantly Helps Creators

Kapanlagi.com - Makoto Tezuka, the son of legendary manga creator Osamu Tezuka, recently revealed how his late father utilized AI technology in manga production. He shared this during the announcement of the anime adaptation of TWINS HINAHIMA, which claims that 95% of its production is supported by AI technology.

Despite facing a barrage of criticism, including from manga and anime fans, Makoto Tezuka explained several reasons he believes are valid regarding the lengthy production process of manga and anime. He argues that AI technology greatly helps lighten the workload of creators.

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1. Manga Creators Will No Longer Need Assistants

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According to Makoto, his late father preferred to draw everything himself. Feeling overwhelmed by the publishing deadlines in magazines, the creator eventually needed an assistant to help with his work. According to an interview with Makoto Tezuka on the anime HINAHIMA, the creator mentioned that manga writers and illustrators will no longer need the help of an assistant in the future. AI technology is much more helpful and efficient for handling tasks outside of story concepts to speed up the process.

Makoto explained that AI will fit well into workflows that can handle mechanical tasks without requiring direct involvement. Just like assistants used to manage repetitive and time-consuming tasks, Osamu Tezuka viewed AI as a tool to further simplify production. Thus, creators only need to focus on core elements such as the storyline, character design, and manga composition.

2. Debate About AI and Copyright

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With the advancement of increasingly sophisticated technology, human creativity may be threatened with extinction if it continues to rely on AI. In this interview, Makoto also discusses the ongoing debate surrounding AI. According to him, utilizing AI in manga & anime is not a mistake or cheating. Long before AI dominated the world as it does now, many other manga creators drew inspiration from their fathers in creating new manga. "Artists learn by reading the works of other creators and imitating those styles. Because it is done by humans, it is considered acceptable, but once a machine does the same thing, people say it is wrong. What is wrong with that? Creativity always starts with learning," he stated.

3. About Anime 'TWINS HINAHIMA'

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The anime TWINS HINAHIMA is scheduled for release in the upcoming spring 2025 (around March-June). This anime project uses AI in most of its production processes. This has received negative reactions from fans who believe it could reduce the level of creativity and lead to a 95% cut in production jobs, resulting in a decreased workload due to AI assistance.

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(kpl/ony)