On March 28, 2025, Japan witnessed the debut of its first AI-generated anime, Twins Hinahima, which captivated audiences across the nation. This pioneering series stands out for its heavy reliance on artificial intelligence for animation production. Despite its innovative approach, it has not yet been acquired for streaming by any international platforms, limiting its availability to Japanese television.
Featuring only a pair of voice actors alongside a compact production team, Twins Hinahima aimed to alleviate the workload burden on traditional Japanese animators. Created by KaKa Technology Studio, the series utilizes advanced software, including Clip Studio Paint, to produce engaging 24-minute episodes that follow two girls striving for internet fame.
Overview of Twins Hinahima: Production Journey
On December 12, 2024, major production firms Frontier Works and KaKa Creation initiated Twins Hinahima by launching an official website. The narrative draws inspiration from a popular Japanese TikTok creator who shares a similar name, focusing on two girls attempting to go viral through their dance videos.
However, as the story unfolds, a mysterious element regarding their videos emerges, adding depth to their journey. The production was managed by a small team, highlighting a shift towards AI integration within the anime industry. AI, referred to as ‘Supportive AI,’ played a significant role in the production process, where real-life images served as a foundation for animation using various software tools.
The directing helm was taken by Beni Nakano, marking his first major role. The character design was led by Takumi Yokota, known for his work on Warlords of Sigrdrifa, while music for the series was composed by Kujra Yumemi, renowned for his work on Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible. The script was crafted by Yuu Shinada, also a newcomer to the team, with production managed by Naomichi Iizuka.
Notably, Yousuke Kouda served as the key animator alongside Masayoshi Ozawa, who took on his first role as a director of photography. The mesmerizing opening song, Augment Day!, is performed by the voice cast, while the closing theme, 6:00 PM, is by the talented CHiCO, who is celebrated for her contributions to anime soundtracks.
Where to Watch Twins Hinahima
The first episode of Twins Hinahima premiered on three Japanese television networks: TOKYO MX (March 28), MBS (March 29), and BS Nippon Television (March 30). As of now, there are no indications that the series will be available on international streaming platforms, restricting its reach exclusively to Japanese audiences.
Fan Reception and Critique
As it stands, Twins Hinahima has garnered mixed reviews, with a rating of 4.95/10 on MyAnimeList and 4.5/10 on IMDb. Notably, AniList has opted against including ‘AI anime’ in their listings, indicating growing skepticism within the anime community regarding the role of AI in storytelling. Many fans have voiced concerns that the series lacks a coherent narrative, perceiving the animation as a collection of disjointed sequences devoid of a compelling storyline.
Critics have also remarked on the subpar quality of the CGI, arguing that the production seemed rushed and devoid of the artistic passion typically seen in anime. This perception raises questions about the implications of AI’s increasing involvement in creative industries.
Conclusion
In contrast to China’s ambitious animated projects like To Be Hero X, which meld innovative 2D and 3D animation techniques, Twins Hinahima represents an exploration of AI’s potential in anime, culminating in an experience that some viewers consider overly mechanized. This trend serves as a poignant reminder of Masao Maruyama’s insights regarding the future of anime, suggesting that without a renewed creative drive, Japan risks falling behind other nations in this evolving landscape.