The AI Anime Controversy: “Twins Hinahima” Sparks Debate

The anime community has been buzzing sence the release of “Twins Hinahima,” a project notable for its heavy reliance on artificial intelligence in the animation process. The series,directed by naomichi Iizuka,has faced considerable backlash,reflected in a lukewarm reception with a 5.24/10 rating on MyAnimeList. This has ignited a fierce debate about the role of AI in the future of anime production.

director Iizuka’s Vision: AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

Naomichi Iizuka addressed the controversy head-on at the Niigata Animation Festival 2025.during a symposium titled “The Future of AI-Driven Expression,” iizuka presented his perspective on AI’s potential within the anime industry. He argued that AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance and streamline the animation process,rather than a replacement for human animators. Iizuka emphasized that AI can optimize workflows and reduce production costs, allowing artists to focus on the more creatively demanding aspects of their work.

AI would not take the jobs away from the animators, but would serve as a tool to optimize processes and to reduce costs.

Creative Empowerment: Preserving Artistic Style with AI

Iizuka highlighted AI’s capacity to bring unique artistic visions to life. He suggested that AI could be instrumental in animating original manga drawings, meticulously preserving the subtle details and distinctive style of the original artist. He cited “The First slam Dunk” as an example where AI contributed to the triumphant adaptation of a manga, capturing the essence of the original artwork. This request of AI, according to Iizuka, was a key factor in the film’s success.

AI would also enable the implementation of previously creative ideas, for example the animation of mana original drawings, in which the subtle details and the unique style of the mangaka are preserved. According to IIZUKA, this AI application was one of the success factors for “The First Slam Dunk”.

Concerns Remain: The Human Element in Art

Despite his overall optimistic outlook, Iizuka acknowledged a significant concern shared by many anime enthusiasts: the potential loss of the creative author’s unique voice and vision behind the technology. This concern underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between technological advancement and the preservation of human artistry in creative fields. As AI continues to evolve, the anime industry, and the broader artistic community, will grapple with these complex questions.

Despite his general optimism regarding AI in the anime future, IIZUKA would feel a certain concern that the creative author is missing behind the technology-a view that he probably shares with many anime fans.

The Broader Context: AI in Animation Today

the use of AI in animation is not entirely new, but “Twins Hinahima” represents a significant step towards greater AI integration. Currently, AI is frequently enough used for tasks such as in-betweening (creating frames between key poses), colorization, and background generation. Though,the prospect of AI taking on more central roles in character animation and directing raises basic questions about the future of the industry. According to a recent report by the Animation Guild, over 70% of animation professionals express concerns about the potential impact of AI on job security and creative control.