Japanese animation executives are currently expressing a high degree in AI technology. Toei Animation, in addition to several other major companies, recently made a multi-billion-yen investment into one of Japan's leading AI research and development groups.

According to the Animation Business Journal, AI research group Preferred Networks (Pfn) has received over 24 billion yen (~US$166.7 million) since 2024, five billion (~US$34.7 million) of which was contributed by Toei Animation, Kodansha (Attack on Titan), Tokyo Broadcasting System (The Seven Deadly Sins) and several other Japanese companies. Over the last few years, AI has gained a significant presence in Japan's animation industry, with large-scale studios such as Olm integrating AI-generated animation into their productions. Now, Toei Animation aims to follow in their footsteps by using AI to "increase operational efficiency."

Toei Animation, Kodansha & More Invest 5 Billion Yen Into AI Research & Development Image via Cbr

For companies such as Toei Animation, creative efficiency is a major concern.