AI-generated model appears in Japanese Playboy magazines

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Satsuki Ai has sparked curiosity following her introduction in Shueisha’s Playboy Magazine, though this intrigue isn’t due to her physical appearance. Rather, it stems from the fact that she doesn’t actually exist as a real person.

The growing presence of artificial intelligence has sparked intense discussions about ethics, intellectual property rights, and the potential impact on various major sectors… it turns out that even the fashion industry, traditionally dominated by humans, is starting to feel the heat from these AI-powered competitors.

In April 2025, the Japanese publication Weekly Playboy (not the same as the American magazine) featured Satsuki Ai on its cover.

Initially, Miss Satsuki appears to be an authentic individual captured particularly for the publication. In reality, though, her portrayal differs greatly.

AI-generated model sparks debate after Playboy debut

Satsuki Ai represents an artificial intelligence model that was developed by the renowned Japanese publishing house, Shueisha, famous for creating popular mangas such as One Piece, Dandadan, and Boruto.

On Monday, April 14th, she made the Weekly Playboy cover, but it was actually back in the summer of 2023 that she first came into public view; her debut had already sparked considerable online buzz.

The magazine introduced Satsuki as a charming young lady with a “raccoon-like” appearance, capturing the essence of every man’s dream.

Although she may not be a real person, the affection that sprouts within is sincere,” the company stated.

A “megumi-face” idealized with a cute, little sister vibe has given birth to the “syojo-type beautiful girl” 🩷
Even if she doesn’t exist in reality, the blooming love is as real as anything.
“AI Gravure,” are you alive?

GRACIOSA! Limited edition with bonus cut ❤️

@satsuki_ai on ai_satsuki_ai
Digital photo collection titled ‘Born to be.’

An advertisement for a digital photobook featuring an AI-created character resembling a cute, little sister type of beautiful girl, titled ‘Born to be.’ The special edition comes with a bonus cutout. The account to purchase is @satsuki_ai on ai_satsuki_ai.

— 週プレ@グラビア (@shupure) May 28, 2023

Immediately, users rushed to the comments area, where one user highlighted the immediate advantages of choosing Satsuki over a real model: “No risks associated with scandals, no hassle of scheduling changes, no issues with non-availability due to agency cancellations, and no additional fees.

To be honest, not everyone was thrilled about Satsuki. In fact, there was one individual who strongly suggested that the magazine should capture images of people instead.

1. “One person mused, ‘Could it be possible for individuals to dismiss something casually, much like they might disregard a physical idol if they held no interest?'”

2. “Another suggested, ‘There’s nothing that would stir up more resentment than discovering ‘this girl was actually an AI,’ after the fact.'”

3. “The first person questioned, ‘Is it feasible for people to disregard something as they might a physical idol if they hold no interest?'”

4. “The second person pondered, ‘What would make people angrier than learning ‘this girl was an AI’ after the fact?'”

As I sit here immersed in the digital world, I can’t help but reflect on the buzz surrounding Satsuki’s debut in the realm of AI. It seems like every corner of the internet is abuzz with chat about her, particularly since the ChatGPT x Ghibli image trend has swept through social media like a storm. In fact, this viral fad has become so pervasive that it’s even sparked discussions among Japanese lawmakers in a political meeting about its legality. It just goes to show how much impact AI and creativity can have on our digital landscape!

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2025-04-18 22:18