As noted, over half of Japanese game developers are already using AI, with similar interest stirring in the anime industry for automating background art and in-between frames. While unions and creators worry about job displacement, major companies like Sony frame AI as a "support for creativity, not a replacement". The smart integration of AI could help alleviate chronic labor shortages and free up human creators to focus on storytelling and conceptualization, potentially boosting originality in the long run.
Japanese entertainment has a long and storied history, dating back to the country's feudal era. Traditional forms of entertainment, such as Noh theater, Kabuki, and Bunraku, were popular among the aristocracy and commoners alike. These art forms not only provided entertainment but also conveyed moral messages, told stories, and showcased Japanese aesthetics.