It seems that a more advanced technological reality in the world of anime is getting closer after the announcement of “Twins Hinahima”, an original series developed by KaKa Creation in collaboration with Frontier Works. This project is scheduled to premiere in 2025 (between April and June) and its announcement has gone viral on social networks, with people expressing both curiosity and controversy due to the massive use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its production process.
About the history of Twins Hinahima
“Twins Hinahima” follows the lives of Himari and Hinana, two twin sisters who are in their first year of high school in Tokyo. The protagonists aspire to go viral on social networks like TikTok through the publication of dance videos and other creative content. However, while searching for their place in the digital world, the twins discover an unknown world that will change their lives. Through this contemporary theme, the members of the production aim to connect with a younger audience, whose members are in close relationship with this reality.
An innovative implementation: AI as a complementary tool
The project has attracted particular attention for its innovative use of AI. More than 95% of the scenes in the series have been generated with artificial intelligence, as confirmed by KaKa Creation, as part of an effort to promote the concept of “supportive AI” or Supportive AI. The idea here is that technology does not seek to replace human creators, but rather to serve as a complementary tool that reduces the workload in a sector known for its demanding schedules and the overload of work of its animators.
It is for this reason that the production process does maintain traditional tools but combines them with cutting-edge technology. The initial character designs were done on shows like Clip Studio Paintwhile the backgrounds and special effects were generated by AI and later refined by the artistic team.
To complement the work, Adobe tools were also used, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects. For example, in the anime’s promotional visual. The artistic team drew the twins in Clip Studio Paintturned a photograph into an anime-style background using AI and retouched it manually. The special effects and logo were also designed with this combination of technology and manual work.
Different ethical and labor concerns
Although it seems to be a project whose main objective is to help those people who are dedicated to animation and maintain high quality in the final product, the announcement of “Twins Hinahima” has not been without criticism. On platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), many anime fans have expressed skepticism and concern about the use of AI in a medium traditionally associated with human endeavor.
Some have questioned the creative merit of the project, while others have raised ethical concerns, suggesting that automation could worsen working conditions for animators, who already face a precarious employment situation.
KaKa Creation and Frontier Works have defended their approach, arguing that AI integration could be a solution to chronic problems in the anime industry, such as talent shortages and long production times. Furthermore, they maintain that the use of AI does not replace the human touch, but rather complements it, allowing creators to focus on more creative and less mechanical aspects of the production process.
AI in art: evolution or threat to creativity?
This project has also opened a broader debate about the impact of technology on the visual arts. While some see AI as a tool to expand creative possibilities and ease workloads, others fear that its overuse will displace the human dedication that defines traditional art.
“Twins Hinahima” promises to be a significant experiment at the intersection of technology and art. Its promotional visual, which shows Himari in a dynamic scene created with AI, has sparked interest thanks to its high technical quality and visual style.
This project also features professionals who typically work on Netflix original productions and television series, including animators, artists, cinematographers and CGI specialists, although the specific names of the team have not yet been revealed. .
A growing trend with innovative productions
The case of “Twins Hinahima” is not the only one in which AI is used, but it joins a growing list of anime productions created with this technology. Recent examples include generAIdoscopean omnibus film made entirely with generative AI, and the film adaptation of the book Shi ga Utsukushii Nante Dare ga Itta (Who said death was beautiful?), made using a combination of motion capture and generative AI technology.
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