Select Language:
Digital Phablet – Following the controversy over the use of AI in the opening sequence of the fourth season of Ascendance of a Bookworm, Wit Studio has released a new opening with backgrounds illustrated by traditional artists instead of AI-generated ones.
Well-known for creating popular anime such as Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga, and Spy x Family, Wit Studio confirmed that AI was used to generate backgrounds in the initial opening of Ascendance of a Bookworm.
The studio issued a statement explaining, “The current situation arose solely due to shortcomings in our production management and inspection processes.”
At first, some reports pointed fingers at the outsourcing studio NAM HAI ART for the AI-created backgrounds. However, director Yoshiaki Iwasaki clarified that the studio had no involvement in this matter.
Wit Studio revises the opening of Ascendance of a Bookworm following AI controversy
Wit Studio has officially replaced the AI-produced backgrounds in the opening of Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 4.
— Sage (@Sage2612), April 11, 2026
Wit’s quick response saw the new opening debut in episode 2, with many fans praising that the visuals improved with the newly hand-drawn backgrounds.
However, some viewers expressed dissatisfaction. One social media user commented, “This is a downgrade—replacing AI with manual drawing just adds more work for the studio within the same timeframe, which ultimately lowers overall quality.”
While Wit Studio promptly addressed the backlash, concerns grew among fans about the studio’s potential use of AI for future projects, such as the upcoming One Piece remake. Nonetheless, many online audiences believe these worries are unlikely to materialize.
The future impact of AI on the anime industry
The Chief Animation Director for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 stated that “Several studios are already using generative AI covertly.” She shared on Bluesky that, “Many companies have adopted approaches like creating storyboards in the style of specific artists and using AI to produce preliminary drafts for key corrections. Even if companies like Aniplex deny it, can the production agencies that receive these orders truly avoid using AI? They’re investing money into technology, after all.”
Adding to the discussion, she remarked, “Aniplex develops AI tools to produce more anime! They’re manufacturers, not creators. Their statements lack credibility. They likely don’t fully understand how production committees operate.”
The increasing integration of AI into anime production may also be driven by poor industry conditions, including long working hours, tight deadlines, and low wages. Under these pressures, studios might turn to AI as a way to manage time constraints and reduce costs.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
