by The creative industry is undergoing a massive transformation. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, movies and anime produced entirely by AI are no longer science fiction; they are becoming reality.
Featured in the March 2026 issue of Forbes JAPAN under “20 HOT CREATORS: The Evolving Creator Economy,” industry leader Takayuki Moriya, CEO of Aww (creator of Asia’s first virtual human imma), shares insights into the evolving relationship between creators and AI utilization.
AI Is Revolutionizing the Creative Industry
Artificial intelligence has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for content creation. Tasks that once required years of training, such as:
- Illustration
- Video production
- Music composition
…can now be performed with AI tools in minutes.
What Changed?
- Even beginners can now create professional-quality content
- AI tools assist with editing, animation, and storytelling
- Production costs and time have significantly decreased
This shift is empowering a new generation of creators while transforming traditional creative workflows.
AI in Movies and Anime: Real Examples
The use of AI is no longer experimental—it is already being adopted by major entertainment companies.
1. Disney and OpenAI Partnership
- Investment of $1 billion by The Walt Disney Company in OpenAI
- A three-year licensing agreement was signed
- Over 200 characters from Marvel, Pixar, and classic Disney works are expected to be usable via AI tools like Sora
- Potential for user-generated AI content to be distributed on Disney+
This marks a major shift toward AI-assisted mainstream entertainment production.
2. Netflix’s Use of AI Content
- AI-generated video elements introduced in Eternauta (April 2025)
- Release of “Matilda: The Devil’s Gene”, a film reportedly created entirely using AI:
- Video
- Audio
- Acting
This signals the beginning of fully AI-produced cinematic experiences.
3. AI Animation Projects in Japan
- Aww launched “Mononomi”, a short animation fully created using AI
- Japan is becoming a hub for AI-driven experimental storytelling
New-Age Creators: Humans + AI Collaboration
Modern creators are no longer working alone—they are collaborating with AI.
Example: Hybrid Creators
Creators like Tomoyuki Kujirai are producing content that blends:
- Real-world footage
- CG (computer graphics)
- AI-generated elements
This hybrid approach allows for:
- Faster production
- Unique visual styles
- Greater creative freedom
Rise of Virtual Humans as Creators
One of the most fascinating developments is the emergence of virtual humans as creators.
What Are Virtual Humans?
They are AI-powered digital characters capable of:
- Real-time communication
- Emotional interaction
- Content creation
Example: MIRAI (by Aww)
- Can interact live with audiences
- Learns and evolves through conversations
- Builds its own identity and intellectual property (IP)
In the future, virtual humans could:
- Become influencers
- Host live streams
- Act in films
- Create original content
The Future of the Creator Economy
The creative industry is shifting toward a new ecosystem where:
- Humans and AI collaborate
- Virtual creators coexist with real creators
- Content production becomes faster and more scalable
Key Trends for 2026 and Beyond
- Increased adoption of AI in professional studios
- Growth of fully AI-generated films and anime
- Expansion of global creator platforms
- Rise of AI-driven influencers and artists
Challenges and Concerns
Despite its potential, AI also raises important issues:
1. Copyright & Ownership
- Who owns AI-generated content?
- How should original creators be credited?
2. Revenue Sharing
- How should profits be divided between:
- Human creators
- AI tool developers
3. Creative Diversity
- Risk of repetitive or generic AI-generated content
- Need to maintain human originality
The Big Question: How Should Creators Use AI?
According to Takayuki Moriya, the key challenge is:
Not whether to use AI—but how to use it effectively.
AI offers:
- Speed
- Cost efficiency
- Scalability
But human creativity still provides:
- Emotion
- Original ideas
- Cultural depth
About Takayuki Moriya
- CEO of Aww Inc.
- Creator of Asia’s first virtual human imma
- Experienced producer in:
- Advertising
- Branding
- Music videos
- Founded Aww in 2019 after years of creative industry experience
Final Thoughts
The rise of AI-generated movies, anime, and virtual creators marks a turning point in the entertainment industry.
We are entering an era where:
- Anyone can become a creator
- AI acts as a powerful creative partner
- Virtual beings may become stars alongside humans
The future is not about replacing creators—it’s about evolving creativity itself.
