Japan’s new AI will let users create their own anime in seconds
A Tokyo based company which specializes in cutting-edge AI solutions has announced a new service that allows users to generate anime videos in seconds.
AIdeaLab Inc., the company behind the new “AnimeGen” (アニメジェン) service, has begun accepting applications for a public beta test of the innovative platform.
“AnimeGen” is an experimental generative AI service designed to automatically create short, anime-style videos (a few seconds in length) simply by inputting text or images.
The use of AI in relation to anime has been a contentious topic after an update to a leading AI model led to mass creation of images in the style of Studio Ghibli – a move which was widely slammed by industry professionals, including one of the directors of the One Piece anime.
AIdeaLab’s long-term vision is for “AnimeGen” to assist in various stages of anime production, ultimately fostering an environment where more creators can easily explore and utilize visual expression.
AnimeGen (アニメジェン) is a specialized AI service focused on anime generation, offering the following key features:
- Automatic Generation of Short Anime Videos: Creates short (several seconds) anime-style videos from text or image inputs.
- Flexibility in Visual Expression: Capable of responding to instructions regarding atmosphere and composition, allowing for diverse visual outputs.
- Anime-Optimized Visual Output: Produces visuals specifically tailored to the anime aesthetic.
As the service is currently in its beta phase, it does not yet support individual character specification or the generation of longer videos. However, AIdeaLab plans to expand the service’s capabilities in future updates.
AIdeaLab has also emphasized its commitment to legal and ethical practices.
The data used for training “AnimeGen” has been legally obtained in compliance with Japanese copyright law (Article 30-4) and the copyright for the outputted videos may belong to the user, who is responsible for ensuring that their use does not infringe upon the rights of third parties.
“AnimeGen” is designed as a tool to support and enhance the creative process of artists, aiming to complement and accelerate their creativity.
As “AnimeGen” is still under development, AIdeaLab is actively seeking feedback and usage experiences from users to guide its ongoing improvement.
Beta testers will have the opportunity to experience the forefront of generative AI through exclusive features and contribute to shaping the future direction of the service.
AIdeaLab aims to contribute to a society where generative AI and creative culture can coexist harmoniously.
“AnimeGen” is positioned as a supplementary tool for creative activities, with the ultimate goal of becoming an infrastructure that supports the imagination and expressive power of creators.
For those interested in registering their interest in being involved in the beta test, you can head to the AnimeGen website, linked at the end of the article, and click the “事前登録” (Pre-register) button in the upper right corner to access the form.
It’s clear that despite the claims the technology should be used to complement the artistic process instead of replace artists, the discourse surrounding AI use in anime production will clearly focus on the ethical concerns that proliferation of AI generated anime video or images will dilute work for professionals working in an industry well known for being difficult to forge a career in.
Source: AnimeGen
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