Oshi no Ko Star to Headline Japan's First AI-Produced Anime Premiering Spring 2025

Japan is making a bold move with artificial intelligence in anime! Recently, Yurie Igoma, known for her role as Ruby Hoshino in the hit anime Oshi no Ko, announced that she will be the lead voice actor in Twins Hinahima, the country's first AI-produced TV anime, set to premiere in Spring 2025.

According to Oricon, Twins Hinahima is a collaboration between Frontier Works (famous for Higurashi: When They Cry) and the new studio KaKa Creation. AI technology will play a huge part in the anime's production, with over 95% of animation cuts being AI-generated. However, human animators will still be involved, finalizing the AI-created artwork. The anime will air nationwide in Japan through the Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) starting on March 29, 2025.

Twins Hinahima Story

The story follows twin sisters, Hinana and Himari, who are first-year high school students. Inspired by viral video stars on platforms like TikTok, the two decide to post their own videos online. Suddenly, they discover a mysterious world that seems to exist alongside their reality. Yurie Igoma shared that the bond between the sisters is a key part of the show’s charm. She described Hinana as having vibrant expressions and emotions that naturally make you smile, while Himari's casual reactions create a warm and lighthearted atmosphere.

Despite the excitement, AI's involvement in anime remains a controversial topic. Many worry that AI could replace human jobs in the industry. In Twins Hinahima, AI will handle tasks like generating backgrounds and character animations, especially for complex scenes like hair blowing in the wind, which would normally take a lot of time to animate. Meanwhile, human artists will refine and polish the AI's work.

To address concerns about AI using existing copyrighted material without permission, the anime's producers have assured fans that they are following Japan's AI business guidelines. They aim to use AI ethically, with input from professionals who understand both AI technology and creative work.

The production team includes experienced industry names. Yosuke Kudo, known for his work on Pokémon the Movie 3, is the main animator. The team also features scriptwriter Yu Shinada and character designer Takumi Yokota, famous for Strike Witches. AI/3D Technical Director "Ultra-Noob," who has taught at Digital Hollywood Tokyo, is also on board.

With AI driving much of its animation, Twins Hinahima is set to push the boundaries of anime creation when it debuts in March 2025.