Dragon Ball Anime Studio Embraces AI for a New Era
Historically renowned for its expertly crafted, hand-drawn animation, Toei Animation is now leveraging AI to enhance productivity without compromising on artistic quality. According to the Animation Business Journal, PFN has received over 24 billion yen (approximately US$166.7 million) in funding since 2024.
Notably, Toei Animation contributed nearly five billion yen (around US$34.7 million) as part of a collaborative push alongside other industry giants like Kodansha—known for “Attack on Titan”—and Tokyo Broadcasting System, celebrated for “The Seven Deadly Sins.”
Transforming Production Workflows
The integration of AI capabilities is expected to revolutionize how animated content is produced. By deploying advanced AI-powered tools, Toei Animation is preparing to automate routine tasks, such as detailed background art and in-between frames, thus allowing its creative teams to concentrate on storytelling and innovative design.
With studios like OLM already employing AI in productions like “Pokemon” and “Beyblade,” this move by Toei underscores an industry-wide trend toward embracing technological advancements for creative efficiency., reported CBR.
“Our investment in AI is not about replacing the passion and creativity of our artists—it’s about equipping them with powerful tools to elevate the art of animation,” an executive from Toei Animation explained.
Strategic Implications and Industry Impact
This high-stakes investment is more than a financial maneuver; it reflects Toei Animation’s longstanding commitment to pioneering innovation. By streamlining production workflows, the studio aims to reduce overhead costs and accelerate project timelines, a critical advantage as global competition intensifies.
Critics have raised concerns that greater reliance on AI might diminish traditional animation jobs; however, industry leaders believe that the technology will serve as a complementary asset, enhancing rather than replacing human creativity.
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