“ Neon Genesis
Evangelion ,” one of the most iconic animes of the 90s, left an
indelible mark not only on animation, but also on music. The series’
opening theme became one of the most recognizable songs in anime history, both
nationally and internationally. Now, the singer behind this iconic
song has decided to take a firm stance against the use of artificial
intelligence.
Via Yahoo Japan, it has been reported
that Yoko Takahashi, known for her performance of “A Cruel Angel's Thesis,”
will not be participating in the “First Concert” event (Sakura Hall, Shibuya)
organized by the Ikebukuro Animation Philharmonic orchestra. The
reason for her absence is due to the use of AI-generated promotional material
for the event. This decision not only underlines the growing presence of
AI-generated art in the anime industry, but also the solidarity of many in this
industry, including vocal and musical talents.
Yoko Takahashi has been announced to
perform at the Ikebukuro Animation Philharmonic’s “First Concert,” scheduled
for July 10, 2024. Takahashi is world-renowned for
“Zankoku na Tenshi no Teeze” (Cruel Angel's Thesis), the legendary and moving
opening theme song of the original “Neon Genesis Evangelion” series. Both the
anime and its opening theme song remain colossal hits, which had generated
great anticipation for her participation in the concert.
However, Takahashi decided to withdraw after
discovering that the event’s promotional material included an AI-generated
image, a choice the artist felt was inappropriate given the celebration of
anime as an artistic medium. Takahashi stated that she “cannot face
[AI-generated art] as an artist” and that she wishes to “value the feelings of
all those who deeply love anime above all else.”
The Ikebukuro Animation Philharmonic and
Yoko Takahashi jointly announced the singer’s absence. Many
have since expressed their support for the decision, calling it a “brave
decision” on Takahashi’s part. The presence of AI-generated art in
anime has raised growing concerns, especially regarding the artistic integrity
of the medium. Some production companies are already implementing AI
animation, and this trend is likely to continue to grow, even replacing some
elements of the traditional animation process.
In response to the negative reaction
from fans following Takahashi’s announcement, the official website for the
concert released an official statement. Part of the
statement read: “ Despite calling ourselves an orchestra that loves
anime, we are ashamed that we have not been sufficiently aware of recent issues
regarding generative AI. We also realized that we did not take into account the
work and feelings of everyone who loves anime and its creative aspects, and all
members of the executive committee deeply regret this. We sincerely
apologize for the inconvenience caused to many people due to our incompetence. We
have temporarily replaced the images used in the booklet and website with works
commissioned from an illustrator. We will continue to prepare the
concert using these new visuals .”
Even anime fans who weren’t around when
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” originally aired are aware of its legacy. The
series revolutionized the mecha genre with its psychological storytelling,
launching a wave of dark deconstructions in between. Evangelion’s music is
especially beloved, whether it’s the opening theme, the ending theme (“Fly Me
to the Moon”) or the equally angelic “Soul’s Refrain,” the theme to the film
“The End of Evangelion,” also performed by Yoko Takahashi. Though the
original series concluded in the ’90s, it has maintained a significant presence
in the years since. The most recent iteration was the “Rebuild of
Evangelion” film series, which acts as a semi-reboot, culminating with
“Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time” in 2021.
Source: Yahoo!News Japan
