Anime production is evolving fast. Kadokawa Corporation a Japanese media giant is diving into artificial intelligence to reshape how anime gets made. CEO Takeshi Natsuno shared the company’s vision in a recent interview with The Worldfolio. AI isn’t here to replace artists. It’s a support tool designed to make their work easier. This move signals Kadokawa’s push to blend technology with creativity. Here’s how they’re doing it and why it matters.
Natsuno knows tech. His background in IT and role as a university professor give him a sharp perspective. He sees AI as a helper not a creator. “AI depends on large volumes of data” he told The Worldfolio. It can mimic patterns but struggles with originality. A series like Oshi no Ko with its bold storytelling is beyond AI’s reach. Instead Kadokawa uses AI for repetitive tasks. Coloring animation cels after drafts are done is one example. This saves time. Artists can focus on the big ideas.
The company’s AI journey is part of a broader plan. Kadokawa’s FY2023–2027 Mid-term Management Plan outlines “AI-based production support” to strengthen its studios. They’re testing tools to streamline workflows. For instance, AI can handle the in-between animation frames. These are the smooth transitions between key poses. Startups like AI-Graphics offer tools that analyze keyframes and generate fluid motion. This cuts down on grunt work. Animators get more room to innovate.
Kadokawa isn’t stopping at production. They’ve invested in AI for other areas too. Mantra their manga translation tool uses image recognition and language processing. It converts Japanese manga into multiple languages fast. This helps close the gap between Japanese and global releases. Piracy hurts profits. Speedy translations fight that. Natsuno also noted AI’s role in book distribution. It’s helped drop their bookstore return rate to 26%. The industry average is 40%. Efficiency is the name of the game.
Natsuno’s vision is clear. He wants Kadokawa to be a tech-driven company. “Technology and creativity are the two wheels that drive Kadokawa forward” he said. This mindset shapes their growth. They’re funding over 60 anime productions this year up from 40 in 2021. AI helps manage the workload. It’s not about cutting jobs. It’s about freeing artists to focus on storytelling. X posts reflect excitement. One user called it a “smart move to keep anime thriving.”
But there’s caution too. AI can standardize output. That risks flattening anime’s unique spark. Natsuno is aware. He insists AI won’t touch core creative processes. Other studios like Kyoto Animation use AI for shading not entire scenes. This balance keeps the human touch alive. Some X fans worry about job losses. Yet Natsuno’s focus is on empowering artists not replacing them. Ethical AI use is key.
Kadokawa’s strategy goes beyond AI. They’re acquiring studios to boost production. Mergers with small firms let creatives focus on stories. Kadokawa handles sales and HR. This gives artists stability. Their new studio Raging Bull led by Eureka Seven’s Tomoki Kyoda aims for high-end anime. AI supports this growth by cutting costs and time. It’s a win-win.
The anime industry faces challenges. Labor shortages and tight schedules are real. AI could be a lifeline. Kadokawa’s investment shows confidence in tech’s potential. They’re not alone. Toei Animation dropped $34 million on AI to automate tasks. As anime’s global demand grows Kadokawa’s AI tools could set a standard. Catch the buzz on X. This is just the start.