‘AI Might Be Easier to Deal With’: Director of Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 Winner Opens Up About Competing With Future Tech

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Artificial intelligence is developing quickly, and this poses a challenge for creative professionals who worry about AI programs taking over jobs. Kiyotaka Oshiyama, director of a 2024 anime film, believes that as AI reshapes the anime industry, studio leaders may start to favor using algorithms over hiring artists.

According to reports, Oshiyama recently presented at a preview of the “Look Back” Theatrical Anime Exhibition, an art show celebrating the award-winning animated film. Attendees had the opportunity to view concept art, storyboards, and other materials used in the making of “Look Back.”

Look Back Anime Movie Director on the Age of AI and Dealing With ‘Problem Creators’

At the event, Oshiyama spoke about the challenges they faced. He highlighted important issues like labor costs and difficulties with individuals whose creative ideas didn’t align with what the industry needed.

Today’s anime industry in Japan is heavily connected to other forms of media. Most anime series are adapted from manga (Japanese comics), manhwa (Korean comics), or light novels. This is primarily due to the high cost of making anime, which encourages studios to choose stories that already have a dedicated fanbase. As Oshyama explained, “The biggest expense in animation is paying animators.” He also jokingly suggested that dealing with AI might be simpler than managing some creative staff.

Oshiyama’s response, though lighthearted, highlights a common issue: an artist’s creative vision can sometimes clash with what a director or studio wants. This potential for disagreement always exists, whether a studio is working with the original creator of a property or developing something entirely new.

Because AI doesn’t have its own opinions or motivations, it might seem like the easier choice. As Oshiyama points out, “When AI surpasses the intelligence of most engineers, team leaders will need to decide whether to use AI or human workers.”

Several anime studios are starting to explore using artificial intelligence in their work. For example, Frontier Works and KaKa Creation released a 24-minute TV special called Twins Hinahima in March 2025. As more AI tools become available, many leading creators believe significant changes to the industry and potential job losses are likely.

In a recent interview, Anno acknowledged the existing presence of AI-generated scripts and suggested we must learn to live with them while also figuring out how to manage their impact. He went on to say that it may be impossible to tell the difference between content created by AI and content written by a person.

Even though some creators, like Anno, are doubtful, Oshiyama believes AI won’t fully replace truly talented artists and writers. He explained, “I’m optimistic that AI will struggle to replicate the unique artistic vision and technical abilities of the best professionals.” He pointed out that the anime industry still values skilled traditional craftsmanship, citing the existence of ‘Living National Treasures.’ Despite previously facing challenges, Oshiyama now feels secure in his ability to continue developing his career as a director.

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2026-01-18 06:38