Japanese anime and manga artists are taking a stand against AI.
According to an article from Anime Dork, 30 illustrators have demanded protective legislation to prevent AI from using their work without permission. The group formed in response to the general growth of AI in their industry over recent years, but also, more specifically, to the development of the AI service "MIMIC," which was released in beta form by developers RADIUS5 in 2022. The technology allows users to upload art and receive AI-generated works of a similar style, which has opened the door for anyone to replicate an artist's work without asking or informing them. Japanese officials have stated that they plan to regulate AI's usage in the near future, but clearly, the process isn't moving quickly enough for artists who have found their livelihoods under threat from services like MIMIC.
A notable case of AI theft in recent months is that of Cyberpunk: Peach John, the first manga drawn entirely by an AI. While its anonymous creator Rootport claims that AI technologies don't threaten the jobs of human artists, Peach John's art style clearly replicates that of Tokyo Ghoul creator Sui Ishida. Further evidence against Rootport's assertions can be found in the Chinese art industry, where illustrators at major gaming studios found themselves outright replaced by AI and relegated to minor touch-up work that no longer provides them the means to make a living. Given these recent headlines, it's no surprise that Japanese arts are taking action to protect themselves and their work before they're rendered dispensable.
Anime Fans Are Also Against AI
Meanwhile, it's not only artists complaining about AI but audiences as well, as the backlash against its development has been far louder than any cries of support. For example, take the case of Netflix's anime short The Dog & The Boy, which used image generation technologies for a large portion of its animation, infuriating fans who labeled it "a slap in the face of a lifetime's worth of blood, sweat & tears anime artists spend honing their craft." In general, fans have rallied against technologies and art styles that look artificial, like the bizarre 3D models of Working for God in a Godless World or Demon Slayer's recent use of CGI, showing a preference for art that offers a more human touch. These cases may serve as encouragement for Japanese artists in their fight against AI, as the audiences consuming the work are largely on their side.
For those curious about AI and how it differs from human art, The Dog & The Boy is available to stream on Netflix, while Shinchosa publishes Cyberpunk: Peach John.
Source: Anime Dork