In a major development for Japan’s animation industry, Frontier Works and KaKa Creation have announced the upcoming broadcast of “Twins Hinahima,” the country’s first anime production to extensively utilize AI technology. The groundbreaking series will premiere on March 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence into creative media production.
A New Era for Japanese Animation
The Premise and Significance
“Twins Hinahima” follows first-year high school twins with distinctive appearances—older sister Himari (with white hair) and younger sister Hinana (with red hair). The siblings attend a high school in Tokyo and dream of going viral on TikTok, eagerly filming dance videos and trending content. However, their social media aspirations take an unexpected turn when they notice strange anomalies that lead them into a mysterious world.
What sets this production apart is its heavy use of AI technology throughout the animation process. According to KaKa Creation’s research from January 2025, this represents the first Japanese anime to incorporate AI technology so extensively in its creation, potentially setting a new standard for animation production in the country.
Bridging Technology and Art
The project emerged as part of an initiative to explore how AI and creative talent can coexist productively in the entertainment industry. Following its television debut, the series will be available on numerous streaming platforms including dAnime Store, ABEMA, TVer, MBS Video Ism, DMMTV, and Prime Video starting at noon on March 30.
The Technology Behind the Anime
The “Supportive AI” Concept
At the heart of “Twins Hinahima” is the concept of “Supportive AI,” an approach that utilizes artificial intelligence as an assistive tool for creators rather than a replacement for human talent. This philosophy envisions AI as a means to enhance efficiency in anime production while enabling new forms of artistic expression that might otherwise be impractical or impossible.
“The ‘Supportive AI’ concept emphasizes that AI should complement the skills of human artists, not replace them,” explains Ultra-Noob, the technical director for the project. “Our goal was to expand what’s creatively possible while preserving the human touch that makes anime special.”
Technical Innovations and Visual Elements
The production team has leveraged AI to overcome traditional animation constraints, particularly in scenes that typically require extensive labor. For example, complex hair movement animations, often simplified in conventional anime due to production costs and time limitations, have been realized through AI assistance, resulting in more natural and fluid character movements.
This technical approach allows for visual expressions that would have been prohibitively time-consuming or expensive using traditional methods, opening new aesthetic possibilities for the medium. The team has focused on creating animation that feels both innovative and authentic to the artistic traditions of Japanese anime.
Balancing Technology and Human Creativity
Despite the prominent role of AI, the production maintains a crucial balance between technological assistance and human artistry. While AI tools aid in generating initial animation elements and backgrounds, professional animators and artists make the final refinements and ensure the quality meets industry standards.
This hybrid approach preserves the distinctive style and emotional resonance characteristic of Japanese animation while leveraging technology to enhance production efficiency and creative possibilities. The result aims to demonstrate how AI can serve as an expansive tool for human creativity rather than diminishing the role of artists.
Addressing Copyright and Legal Considerations
In developing this pioneering approach, the production team has paid careful attention to legal and ethical considerations. The creation process adheres to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “AI Business Guidelines” and has been developed with legal counsel to ensure compliance with current Japanese copyright laws.
This conscientious approach demonstrates the team’s commitment to establishing responsible practices for AI implementation in creative industries, potentially serving as a model for future productions as the technology continues to evolve.
“Twins Hinahima” premieres on MBS on March 29, 2025, with streaming availability beginning March 30 on major platforms including dAnime Store, ABEMA, TVer, and Prime Video.
