The anime industry is taking a step towards
technological integration with the announcement of “ Hinahima Twins ,” an original
series developed by KaKa Creation in collaboration with Frontier Works. This project,
which will premiere in Spring 2025 (April-June), has sparked both curiosity and
controversy due to the massive use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its
production process.
Twins Hinahima follows the lives of Himari and Hinana,
two high school twin sisters who aspire to go viral on social media platforms
like TikTok. Through their dance videos and creative content,
they discover an unknown world that will change their lives. This contemporary
approach seeks to connect with young audiences immersed in the digital
ecosystem.
95% of the series’ cuts have been generated with AI,
in an attempt to promote the concept of “Supportive AI.” According to
KaKa Creation, this technology is designed to be a complementary tool to reduce
the workload in a sector known for its demanding schedules and the overload of
its animators.
The process included conventional tools such as Adobe
Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects, along with programs such as Clip
Studio Paint for the initial drawings. Backgrounds and
effects were generated and refined using AI and manual work by the art team.
Fan reaction has not been entirely favorable,
however. On platforms like Twitter, users have criticized the use of
AI, arguing that the project lacks creative merit. Others have raised
ethical concerns, suggesting that automation could worsen animators' already
precarious working conditions.
A debate on the future of anime
KaKa Creation and Frontier Works defend their
approach, arguing that integrating AI could be a solution to chronic problems
in the industry, such as talent shortages and long production times. They
also stress that using AI does not replace the human touch, but rather
complements it, allowing creators to focus on more creative and less mechanical
aspects.
The project has also brought to the table a broader
debate about the impact of technology on the arts. While some see AI as
a useful tool to expand creative possibilities, others fear it will displace
the human effort and dedication that defines traditional art.
Despite the controversy, “Twins Hinahima” promises to
be a meaningful experiment at the intersection of technology and art. The
anime’s promotional visual, which features Himari in a dynamic scene created
with AI, has generated interest for its technical quality and visual style.
The official release is scheduled for Spring 2025, and
KaKa Creation hopes that this project will inspire a more nuanced conversation
about how AI can co-exist with human talent in artistic creation. This
announcement marks a pivotal moment for the anime industry, raising questions
about the evolution of the medium and its relationship with technology. Will
Hinahima Twins be the beginning of a new era or a failed experiment? Only time
and audience reception will tell.
Source: Press Release
©KaKa Creation／ツインズひなひまプロジェクト
