These apps allow users to upload their own photo and the photo of a celebrity or fictional character, which the AI then uses to create a video of them engaging in an intimate kiss.
The ads have caused widespread outrage among netizens, who are calling out the exploitation and invasion of privacy inherent in such apps.
The ads, which have appeared on platforms like Instagram, showcase deeply personal and inappropriate interactions that are unsettling to many viewers.
While some ads display fans kissing their favorite idols, others take the disturbing concept further, showing full-on, deep kissing videos.
The shocking nature of these ads, especially given their explicit content, has led to a strong backlash.
Many users have expressed disgust and horror at the idea, with some even reporting the ads but finding that they continue to appear.
One user mentioned how they saw an ad for the app while scrolling through Instagram, calling it “the most revolting thing” they had encountered lately.
The backlash is not limited to just the app users; the ads have sparked larger concerns about exploitation and the ethics of AI technology in this context.
Netizens have criticized the companies behind these apps for their lack of sensitivity to the impact such creations can have, especially considering how the use of an idol’s image in such intimate contexts can be damaging to both the idol’s reputation and their fans’ experience.
Some users have pointed out that the advertisers seem to be primarily based in Hong Kong, adding a layer of political suspicion to the conversation, with some even suggesting that there are ulterior motives behind the spread of these ads.
As the situation continues to unfold, many are calling for stricter regulations and filters to prevent such ads from being seen, particularly on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where younger, impressionable users might be exposed to them.
The controversy surrounding these “AI kissing” apps serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unchecked AI technology in the digital world.
Anime is booming worldwide, but behind that growth, Japan’s biggest studios are growing restless. In a bold shift that’s reshaping the global anime market, companies like Toho and Kadokawa are pushing back against the once-unchallenged dominance of Netflix and Crunchyroll. These platforms, long seen as essential gateways for anime’s rise abroad, are now being accused of throttling access, hiding key data, and undermining creators’ control over their own IP.
In a recent Financial Times report, Toho’s anime chief Keiji Ota openly criticized the exclusivity deals common among Western streamers, declaring they no longer serve Japan’s interests. Ota argued that locking titles behind a single paywall hurts visibility, restricts data sharing, and robs studios of the insight needed to grow global fanbases. And now, Japan’s anime industry is fighting to take back control.
Why Anime Studios Are Ditching Exclusive Deals
Yuri on Ice
Streaming exclusivity once seemed like a win-win: platforms got content that drove subscriptions, and studios got massive upfront payments. But now the cracks are showing. When anime is locked to one platform, it limits its reach, silences regional data, and undercuts potential revenue streams like Blu-rays, merchandise, and fan events.
Toho, for instance, has pivoted away from blanket global licenses. Instead, it’s now cutting region-by-region deals that allow for more oversight, transparency, and strategic freedom. The company is also demanding better data access from partners, enabling it to track what’s working and tailor releases accordingly.
A key move was Toho’s acquisition of U.S. distributor GKIDS , which enabled it to bypass Crunchyroll entirely and independently distribute Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and My Hero Academia: You’re Next in American theaters. With this model, Toho gains full control over release timing, marketing, and even merchandise—cutting streaming giants out of the loop.
New Paths to Global Fans: From YouTube to Merchandise Control
Toji from Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 14 (Credits: Mappa)
Japan’s resistance isn’t limited to streaming platforms. Kadokawa, another anime titan, is expanding overseas with local offices to directly manage licensing and IP. Meanwhile, merchandising initiatives like Toho’s iiZO store are going global, ensuring fans worldwide can access official goods tied to their favorite series without relying on intermediaries.
Studios are also eyeing platforms like YouTube for ad-supported models. Channels like Anime Times and It’s Anime are already testing this approach, delivering subbed content to global viewers for free. While it might seem counterintuitive, the strategy builds long-term brand loyalty and drives revenue through events and merchandise—not just subscriptions.
With Japan reclaiming control over its anime exports and bypassing monopolistic middlemen, the next era of global anime could be more open, competitive, and fan-friendly than ever before.
