The rise of AI in anime production is becoming more divisive than ever. Studio Ghibli’s recent entanglement with AI-generated art has sparked heated debate, and now Iizuki Naomichi, director of Twins Hinahima, has stepped into the conversation. As the creator of the first AI-assisted anime, Naomichi stands by the benefits of AI in streamlining production — but he’s drawing a clear line when it comes to creative control.
The debate gained momentum after OpenAI introduced an update that allowed users to generate Studio Ghibli-style art. The resulting flood of AI-generated content ignited concerns about copyright and creative ownership. Amid this backdrop, Naomichi addressed the role of AI at the 3rd Niigata Animation Festival on March 17th , where he defended AI’s ability to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity in anime production.
Naomichi Advocates AI for Efficiency, Not Creativity
Twins Hinahima
Naomichi, who served as a line producer for Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045: The Last Human, explained that AI is a tool to support animators, not replace them.
Twins Hinahima, which is set to release on March 30th, utilized AI for approximately 95% of the production process — particularly for hair movement and in-between frames. This approach drastically reduced production costs and time, but Naomichi insists that AI’s role should remain in the technical realm, not the creative one.
“I never even thought of entrusting directing to AI. I thought it would be pointless to let AI do the interesting parts of video production,” Naomichi explained. “Anime production is made up of imitation. Animators have to imitate character designs, and in-betweeners have to imitate key drawings. That’s how anime is made. [Animators] have fewer and fewer opportunities to think about directing. I hope that by using AI to reduce production costs, animators will have more opportunities to direct.”
AI’s Role in Recreating Iconic Anime Styles Sparks Debate
Twins Hinahima
One of the more controversial aspects of AI in anime is its potential to replicate specific artistic styles. Naomichi acknowledged this concern, noting that AI could eventually mimic the nuanced styles of legendary works like The First Slam Dunk (2022). However, he emphasized that AI should remain a supportive tool rather than a creative force.
This sentiment reflects the broader unease surrounding AI in creative industries. If AI can generate Ghibli-style art or replicate the look of classic anime, where does that leave the original artists? The legal and ethical implications of AI-generated art remain largely untested, but cases like Studio Ghibli’s recent controversy suggest that boundaries will need to be drawn soon.
Twins Hinahima Could Set the Tone for AI in Anime
Twins Hinahima
Twins Hinahima will serve as a test case for AI-assisted anime production. The story follows two young girls striving to become famous internet celebrities, only to encounter a series of surreal and unsettling events during their streams. While AI handled much of the production work, the character designs were created by human artists — preserving a balance between human creativity and AI efficiency.
Fans and industry insiders will be watching closely when Twins Hinahima premieres. If the anime succeeds, it could signal a shift toward more AI-supported production in the anime industry. However, if it fails, it may reinforce the argument that AI cannot replicate the human touch that defines anime’s emotional and artistic core.
As the industry grapples with AI’s growing influence, the success or failure of Twins Hinahima could determine how far anime creators are willing to embrace AI in the years to come.
Studio Ghibli has once again ignited excitement among fans with a rare recruitment announcement. The beloved animation studio recently posted a job listing on its official website, seeking background artists and character painters for an upcoming animated short. While Ghibli is known for keeping projects under wraps, this open call has sparked intense speculation about the studio’s next creative endeavor.
The job posting, shared by @YohIchi_N on X, is simple but significant. With the studio’s reputation for high artistic standards and the recent retirement of legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, fans are left wondering what this new project could mean. Could it be a standalone short meant to honor Ghibli’s legacy, or is it part of a larger, unannounced production? Either way, excitement is building.
What Could Studio Ghibli Be Planning?
(Credits: Studio Ghibli)
The job listing calls for highly skilled background artists and character painters, signaling that Ghibli is focusing heavily on the visual aspects of this new project. Background art and character design have long been hallmarks of Ghibli’s success, from the lush landscapes of My Neighbor Totoro to the expressive character work in Spirited Away.
This recruitment effort suggests that the studio is placing special emphasis on maintaining its signature artistic style.
●新作短編アニメーション作品のための背景美術、仕上げスタッフ募集 https://t.co/IDytfilgM3 株式会社スタジオジブリでは、新作短編アニメーション作品の背景美術、仕上げスタッフを募集します。ホームページの要項をご覧になりご応募ください よろしくお願いいたします☺️ pic.twitter.com/auDKIZoh8i — YoichiNishikawa/西川洋一 (@YohIchi_N) March 28, 2025
While Ghibli has created numerous shorts in the past, they are often tied to specific exhibitions or projects within the Ghibli Museum. However, the fact that the studio is recruiting externally hints that this may be a more ambitious production. Some fans speculate that it could be a promotional piece or a festival-bound project. Others wonder if the short is testing new animation techniques or storytelling styles — potentially laying the groundwork for a future feature film.
Adding to the intrigue is Ghibli’s decision to focus on hiring background artists and character painters rather than animators or directors. This suggests that the studio may already have a framework for the project and is now focusing on enhancing the finer details. The specific call for background art could mean that the short will feature Ghibli’s signature, hand-painted style — a comforting thought for fans worried about the increasing use of digital animation.
A Sneak Peek Into Studio Ghibli’s Future
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Credits: Studio Ghibli)
With Miyazaki reportedly stepping away from active directing after The Boy and the Heron (2023), this recruitment announcement has led to speculation about Ghibli’s long-term direction. Could this be the start of a new era for the studio? Hiring fresh talent might be Ghibli’s way of passing the torch to a new generation of artists while preserving the studio’s creative identity.
Ghibli has faced the challenge of maintaining its artistic integrity while adapting to a rapidly evolving animation industry. This animated short could serve as a testing ground for new styles and creative voices, allowing Ghibli to balance tradition with innovation. Fans are eager to see if this project will reflect the classic Ghibli aesthetic or push the studio into new artistic territory.
While the details remain unclear, one thing is certain — Studio Ghibli’s influence and creative spirit remain as strong as ever. This new project, whether small or groundbreaking, represents another chapter in the studio’s storied legacy. Fans will be watching closely to see how Ghibli’s next masterpiece unfolds.
