Updated
Updated · Aftermath · Jul 14
Yoshitaka Amano Backs AI as Tool, Says It Still Cannot Create Zero-to-One
Updated
Updated · Aftermath · Jul 14

Yoshitaka Amano Backs AI as Tool, Says It Still Cannot Create Zero-to-One

2 articles · Updated · Aftermath · Jul 14

Summary

  • Yoshitaka Amano said AI is acceptable in art if used well, but argued it still cannot create “zero-to-one” work from scratch — the line he sees separating machines from human artists.
  • At Anime Expo, Amano and Yoshitaka Amano Inc. said upcoming anime series ZAN is being built as “completely hand-drawn,” though CEO Hiroaki Ikegami said digital tools or AI could be added if they eventually outperform hand drawing.
  • Amano compared AI’s role to Disney’s use of rotoscoping in Snow White, calling both examples of artists adapting to the latest production technology rather than rejecting it outright.
  • He acknowledged concerns over AI misuse and unauthorized style imitation, but the company said he is focused on making new work and would even accept AI generating Amano-style art from his past output.

Insights

Amano calls AI the new rotoscope, but is it just a tool or a potential replacement for the artist?
Could an AI trained on Amano's art eventually create original work that surpasses the master himself?
As AI art achieves perfection, will audiences pay a premium for the 'flaws' of human-made creations?