The upcoming Twins HinaHima, based on the twin TikTokers (and YouTubers) Himari and Hinana, is being promoted as the first anime to use AI for over 95% of its production. It’s set to release in Spring 2025, produced by Frontier Works and KaKa Creation.
A key visual and teaser promotional video was released. According to the press release, this work makes use of AI during the production process, and the staff consists of animators, art directors, cinematographers, and CG staff who normally work on Netflix originals and TV series.
The key visual for the anime was also made using AI:
The story follows twin high school girls, Himari (white-haired, older sister) and Hinana (red-haired, younger sister), who are first-year students in a Tokyo high school. They dream of going viral online, creating TikTok dance videos and exploring other trending ideas.
While their initial goal is to “make it big” online, they encounter some mysterious anomalies that pull them into a bizarre new world.
According to the official press release, AI technology was used to assist with more than 95% of the scenes. Here’s a breakdown:
- Character Designs: Hand-drawn using CLIP STUDIO PAINT (so no, not everything is AI-generated).
- Backgrounds: Created by converting photographs into anime-style visuals with AI, then retouched by human artists.
- Effects: Processed using Adobe tools like Photoshop and After Effects.
- Animation: AI-generated in many parts, but final adjustments were done by human animators to ensure quality.
Who Is Behind Twins HinaHima?
Twins HinaHima is being produced by KaKa Creation, a young Tokyo-based company specializing in AI-assisted animation, and Frontier Works, an established production house known for anime, games, and multimedia projects. Together, they have assembled a team of seasoned creators and innovators to helm this project.
Among the notable contributors is Makoto Tezuka, son of Osamu Tezuka, the “God of Manga.” Makoto has a long history of experimenting with emerging technologies in filmmaking, including AI-driven projects inspired by his father’s iconic works.
Another key figure is Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, the legendary animation director and manga artist best known for his work on Mobile Suit Gundam.
In interviews regarding Twins HinaHima and the broader use of AI in anime, both Makoto Tezuka and Yoshikazu Yasuhiko shared insightful perspectives on how AI could impact animators and the creative process.
Makoto Tezuka’s Perspective
Makoto Tezuka sees AI as a tool that parallels earlier technological shifts in the entertainment industry, such as the introduction of computer graphics (CG) in the 1980s.
Back then, CG faced significant resistance from industry professionals who feared it would replace traditional methods, yet it ultimately expanded the possibilities for filmmakers and animators.
Tezuka emphasized that the same principle applies to AI: it is not about replacing animators or creators but complementing their work. He noted that audiences ultimately care about the quality and emotional resonance of the final product, not whether it was created by human hands or AI algorithms.
Tezuka believes that AI can enhance the efficiency of production and open new creative avenues, but its role should always be that of a supporting tool rather than a substitute for human artistry.
Yoshikazu Yasuhiko’s Perspective
Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, renowned for his work on Mobile Suit Gundam and a veteran in the anime industry, approached the topic from a more pragmatic standpoint.
He acknowledged that the anime industry has long struggled with labor shortages and overburdened animators, making AI a potentially transformative tool.
Yasuhiko suggested that AI could handle time-consuming, repetitive tasks, such as in-between animation and background creation, freeing animators to focus on storytelling and performance areas where human intuition and creativity are irreplaceable.
However, Yasuhiko also expressed concern about maintaining the integrity of the creative process. He stressed that AI must be used ethically and carefully to preserve the authenticity and depth of animated works.
While optimistic about AI’s potential to alleviate workload pressures, he cautioned against over-reliance on automation, which could undermine the human touch that defines anime.
Both creators align on the idea that AI should serve as a “supportive” tool for animators, not a replacement. They see it as a way to address systemic challenges, such as overwork and resource shortages, while ensuring that the core elements of anime, its emotional storytelling and artistic craftsmanship remain intact.
Twins HinaHima Is Using “Supportive AI”
The production of Twins HinaHima incorporates what the creators call “Supportive AI,” described on the official website as AI that serves as a tool to assist creators rather than replace them.
The website states, “AI is merely a supplementary tool for creative activities,” emphasizing its role in addressing challenges like labor shortages and time-intensive workloads while fostering innovation.
According to the creators, “Supportive AI” focuses on two goals: “Efficiency,” which reduces repetitive tasks to ease animators’ workload, and “Establishing new forms of expression,” enabling artistic possibilities beyond traditional methods.
Sources: PR Times, Official Website
