The anime industry takes a step toward technological integration with the announcement of “Twins Hinahima”, an original series developed by KaKa Creation in collaboration with Frontier Works. Set to premiere in Spring 2025 (April–June), this project has sparked both curiosity and controversy due to its extensive use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the production process.
Twins Hinahima follows the lives of Himari and Hinana, twin high school sisters aspiring to go viral on social media platforms like TikTok. Through their dance videos and creative content, they uncover an unknown world that changes their lives. This contemporary approach aims to connect with younger audiences immersed in the digital ecosystem.
An impressive 95% of the series’ cuts were generated using AI, as part of an effort to promote the concept of “Supportive AI.” According to KaKa Creation, this technology is designed as a complementary tool to reduce the workload in an industry notorious for its demanding schedules and overworked animators.
The production process combined conventional tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects with programs such as Clip Studio Paint for initial sketches. Backgrounds and effects were generated and refined using AI alongside manual adjustments by the artistic team.
However, fan reactions have been mixed. On platforms like Twitter, some users have criticized the use of AI, claiming the project lacks creative merit. Others have raised ethical concerns, arguing that automation could further deteriorate the already precarious working conditions of animators.
A Debate About the Future of Anime
KaKa Creation and Frontier Works defend their approach, asserting that integrating AI could address chronic issues in the industry, such as talent shortages and lengthy production times. They emphasize that AI does not replace the human touch but complements it, allowing creators to focus on more creative, less mechanical aspects of their work.
The project has also sparked a broader discussion about the impact of technology on the arts. While some view AI as a valuable tool for expanding creative possibilities, others fear it undermines the human effort and dedication that define traditional art.
Despite the controversy, Twins Hinahima promises to be a significant experiment at the intersection of technology and art. The promotional visual, which features Himari in a dynamic AI-created scene, has garnered attention for its technical quality and visual style.
The official launch is scheduled for Spring 2025, and KaKa Creation hopes this project will inspire a more nuanced conversation about how AI can coexist with human talent in artistic creation. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the anime industry, raising questions about the medium’s evolution and its relationship with technology. Will Twins Hinahima usher in a new era or prove to be a failed experiment? Only time and audience reception will tell.
Source: Press release