Wit Studio accused of using AI in anime opening for Ascendance of a Bookworm
ALBAWABA - Japanese anime giant Wit Studio recently sparked backlash among Western audiences after being accused of incorporating AI-generated backgrounds in the opening of the fourth season of Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke.
Wit is best known for its works on the first three seasons of Attack on Titan, Spy x Family, Ranking of Kings, and the first season of Vinland Saga. The anime studio has always been highly regarded by fans for its stunning animation and fluidity, so many fans were shocked to learn that it incorporated AI into its production pipeline.
Many social media users took to platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and shared screenshots from Ascendance of a Bookworm's opening that featured the song "Pages" by Little Glee Monster.
Wit Studio accused of using AI in anime opening for Ascendance of a Bookworm
A social media user wrote, "Not surprised at all to see that WIT erroneously decided to implement AI-generated backgrounds for Bookworm's OP. They've been entertaining a pro-AI stance for a while now, it just sucks to see them doing it so brazenly and doing it to such an accomplished artist like Nakazawa."
Another added, "WIT STUDIO WHY THE F**K ARE YOU PEOPLE USING AI-GENERATED BACKGROUNDS FOR THE OP OF ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM S4?!!!!"
Others pointed out that the main issue isn't with Wit Studio but with the outsourcing company Nam Hai Art, which is reportedly known for using AI.
Additionally, rumors circulating on social media claim that many anime studios are secretly incorporating AI into their workflows.
For example, the Chief Animation Director for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 said that "Various studios are already using generative AI while keeping it quiet."
She took to Bluesky and wrote, "Many companies have already implemented methods such as developing storyboards in the style of [Name of creator] and using AI to generate rough drafts for direction corrections. Even if Aniplex says it won't use it, can the production companies that receive orders really stop using it? They're paying money to a tech company, after all."
She added, "Aniplex is a company that develops AI to make more anime! They're a manufacturer, not a creator. So, their claims lack credibility. They probably don't understand production committees very well."
Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke Season 4 (Wit Studio)
