One Piece AI takeover?! Toei’s shocking plans REVEALED!

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Vincent Chansard, an animator for One Piece, admitted that everyone, including himself, is just as puzzled about the AI strategies being implemented by Toei Animation. So, if you find yourself feeling perplexed, know that it’s quite normal.

Currently, the integration of artificial intelligence in art is a subject that sparks intense discussions. Various productions like Megalopolis, Thunderbolts, TV series such as True Detective, and even creators like Vikkstar and JCS on YouTube have faced criticism for employing this technology.

As a passionate gamer and anime enthusiast, I’ve noticed that even the giants of the anime industry aren’t untouched by the storm of controversy. For instance, Crunchyroll initially had plans to incorporate AI in their creative process, but later decided to step back from it due to some concerns. Similarly, the AI-generated images by ChatGPT in Studio Ghibli style sparked a wave of criticism.

Currently, there’s buzz surrounding Toei Animation, a renowned animation studio known for hits like One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Sailor Moon, apparently delving into AI technology integration. However, recent updates have left some perplexed, so let me clarify the situation.

Will Toei use AI in anime?

Absolutely, it’s clear that AI is included in Toei’s future strategies. This was made evident in their financial report for the fiscal year concluding on March 31, 2025, where they disclosed their investment in Preferred Networks, Inc., a company specializing in artificial intelligence.

According to the report, they plan to team up for a shared project, aiming to create innovative business prospects and enhance the productivity and excellence of their production process. This will be achieved by leveraging the harmonious blend of AI technology and animation production techniques, maximizing the benefits that each offers.

The strategy involves utilizing Artificial Intelligence across multiple stages of anime creation, such as storyboarding, coloring, color adjustments, frame-by-frame animation (in-betweening), and background design. Yet, the document doesn’t clarify which Toei series will receive this technology or when it will be implemented.

The application of AI is often perceived as a means to optimize production and enhance productivity, yet it’s also viewed as a reaction to pressing challenges in the anime industry, particularly the acute scarcity of animator workforce.

In Japan, numerous studios encounter difficulties in hiring and retaining proficient staff due to the fact that the job’s requirements frequently surpass its advantages. Many animators operate independently without much job stability, grappling with tight deadlines, lengthy working hours, and minimal wages.

Although anime is renowned worldwide for its success, many starting animators in Japan frequently receive wages lower than the national minimum wage. Burnout is unfortunately common and persists among these workers.

Or:

Anime’s global fame notwithstanding, entry-level animators in Japan often find themselves earning less than the minimum wage, with burnout being a recurring problem.

Or:

While anime enjoys international acclaim, new animators in Japan are typically paid wages beneath the minimum, and burnout is a persistent issue they face.

Indeed, back in 2024, the United Nations Human Rights Council published a report highlighting the abusive work conditions prevalent within the animation industry. This report specifically pointed to the impact such practices have on workers’ psychological and physical well-being.

The data showed that although the industry is expanding, the initial annual salary for animators remains quite low, hovering around 1.5 million yen or approximately $10,000.

The report strongly recommended that Japanese production studios should strive for better work environments, provide equitable compensation, and minimize their reliance on freelancers who are either undercompensated or excessively overworked.

Although AI could ease workloads by handling monotonous duties, detractors contend that it may actually displace human artists instead of boosting their abilities, potentially exacerbating the predicament.

Through a message on X/Twitter, a fan expressed their concern in this manner: “With over 1000 employees at Toei, why resort to AI? This could potentially spoil the One Piece anime. It seems they are already compromising quality with their editing of Super and Daima by deleting blood and gore, but now they want to take it a step further.

It seems that Toei Animation employs more than a thousand people, so why introduce AI? Many fans worry that this could potentially alter the quality or essence of One Piece anime, which has been a beloved series for many years. Some feel that the company may already be compromising creative integrity by editing out violent elements in shows like Dragon Ball Super and Daimos. Introducing AI could further raise these concerns.

— SupremeVidsPro (@SupremeVidsPro) May 16, 2025

One person remarked, “While quick gains in efficiency may seem appealing, adopting AI by Toei could potentially cause long-term harm to the art of anime. Positions such as background artists, in-betweeners, and colorists aren’t merely interchangeable roles. They serve as crucial stepping stones in an artist’s development. Eliminate these positions, and we risk losing the next wave of talented artists.

On the contrary, not everyone shares this unease. One person remarked, “I don’t find it problematic. In fact, many people utilize AI for brainstorming, generating ideas, and handling routine tasks.” They further explained, “By doing so, they can expedite the animation process, cut costs, and have additional time to be creative, thereby enhancing the final product’s quality significantly.

What does this mean for One Piece?

The main discussion surrounding Toei AI has been centered around its application in the One Piece anime, but according to reliable sources, it’s being considered more as a publicity tactic rather than an immediate development. If it does become part of Eiichiro Oda’s work, it likely won’t happen right away.

It appears that I’ve been discussing the AI topic extensively with everyone I know, but it seems we all remain as perplexed as each other. Currently, it feels more like a grandiose, disconnected statement, resembling “look at our innovative nature,” which seems to be targeted towards shareholders without any tangible real-life changes in production.

— Chansard Vincent (@Sparkleredpanda) May 17, 2025

According to Vincent Chansard, the One Piece animator, “I’ve spoken with many people about artificial intelligence, but it appears that everyone is just as puzzled as I am.

Currently, it seems more like a grandiose, detached public relations statement lacking tangible real-world impact, such as ‘we’re a trailblazing company’, which appears to be primarily directed towards shareholders without any evident shift in actual product development.

One fan commented, “I truly hope artificial intelligence won’t be used in the One Piece anime,” to which Chansard responded, “As far as I know, there’s currently no need for such worry.

Although our company is big, I don’t have complete knowledge about every team’s activities; I’m making sure to stay updated,” he continued.

Furthermore, as shared by One Piece leaker Pew via Twitter on May 18th, Toei Animation’s team has affirmed that the production process of One Piece will continue in its current form, undeterred by recent advancements in artificial intelligence.

Despite the latest advancements in AI, Toei Animation assures fans that the One Piece production process will stay consistent as it is currently. This announcement seems more like a public relations strategy than a transition in the way they produce anime. So, fear not, dear fans, as you can expect no sudden alterations in the animation style or quality.

— Pew (@pewpiece) May 18, 2025

It seems that Toei’s statement is more for public relations than a genuine change in how they produce anime. Therefore, fans can relax and not expect any abrupt adjustments in the visual aspect or quality of their favorite shows.

Currently, there’s no reason to feel alarmed. Just as with any form of art, AI is influencing the realm of animation, yet it may take some time before it significantly impacts prolonged projects such as One Piece.

Fundamentally, this discussion transcends AI versus art. Instead, it centers around whether production houses will leverage technology to alleviate stress for artists and enhance work environments, or if they will misuse it as a cost-saving measure that undermines artistic talent and innovation.

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2025-05-19 18:19