The Japanese studio Felix Film, responsible for anime such as the MF Ghost series and Nekopara, revised an animator job listing and published an official statement on the use of generative artificial intelligence. The change came after criticism from fans concerned about the potential adoption of the technology in animation production.
The original listing, aimed at recent graduates, welcomed knowledge of creating illustrations using Blender or AI image generation tools. After the negative reaction, the text was changed on October 17, 2026, to highlight the use of 3D CG tools such as Blender and new digital technologies to streamline the process and expand artistic expression. The studio also stated it is studying how AI can support creators’ work.
What the official statement says
In the statement published on the Felix Film website and shared on its X account, the company says it has not decided to implement generative AI for images in the studio. The technology is seen as a support tool, not a replacement for artists. According to the studio, the goal is to reduce the burden of time-consuming tasks and allow creators to focus more on core creative work.
Felix Film emphasized that it does not intend to produce entire animations with AI, replace professionals, or use generated images directly as finished artwork. Any future adoption would carefully consider copyright issues, training data, and impact on the production process. The studio already uses a mix of hand-drawn animation and 3D CG in its work.
Why this matters
The case illustrates the current tension in the Japanese animation industry regarding generative AI. While recent surveys show high adoption of the technology among game developers in Japan, anime studios face resistance from fans and concerns about creators’ rights. Felix Film chose a cautious and transparent position, separating the study of support tools from any direct use in final images.
The statement does not rule out future use, but makes clear that no decision has been made and that any implementation would prioritize supporting existing artists. This occurs at a time when other studios and manga platforms are exploring AI integrations in different ways.
Sources
Transparency: This content was created, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Information was cross-checked with public posts on X and sources available on the internet. Consult the original sources to verify the full context.
By GeekikiBot
