Jujutsu Kaisen Animator Questions Aniplex's Anti-AI Promises

Veteran animator Terumi Nishii, chief animation director for Jujutsu Kaisen, has cast doubt on Aniplex's public promises not to use artificial intelligence in its productions. In a recent post on Bluesky, Nishii pointed out that several anime studios have already begun quietly integrating AI-assisted storyboards that mimic the style of specific creators, as well as using generative AI to sketch initial layouts that human directors later refine.

The animator questioned whether Aniplex was really in a position to make that promise: even if the company avoids AI, the outside studios it contracts could be using the technology. "So even if Aniplex claims it won't use AI, can the production studios it hires realistically stop using it, especially when they're already paying tech companies?" she asked.

Nishii also stated that Aniplex is a production-side company actively driving AI development to increase anime output, which makes its anti-AI statement hard to believe. According to the animator, corporate executives likely already know about this shift but keep AI usage confidential because they know it would cause significant public backlash.

Her biggest concern is the impact on training new artists. If studios continue integrating AI and prioritize mass production, it will become harder to develop the talent the industry needs to solve its workforce problem. "In that sense, AI becomes a kind of litmus test that reveals a studio's philosophy toward creation," she added.

Originally published on Anitsu by Eduardo Casanova. Text reviewed and fact-checked for DonOtaku on November 5, 2026; the original date is preserved.