Following recent experiments in AI-assisted animation (remember Twins HinaHima?), a Japanese company, Animon Dream Factory Co., Ltd., officially launched Animon.ai on April 25, 2025, promoting it as an AI platform capable of generating anime-style videos from images and prompts within minutes.
The company claims the platform aims to address “serious issues” plaguing Japan’s anime industry, such as overwork and low wages, by drastically automating production steps.
Animon Dream Factory (Animon) stated that Animon.ai, developed in Japan through a partnership with CreateAI and consultation with Japanese anime producers, was created to combat harsh working conditions within the industry.
They cited struggles including long hours, low average annual salaries, lack of social security, and high turnover rates as impetus for the platform’s development.
How Animon.ai Works
According to the company, the platform allows users to generate anime videos through a three-step process:
- Upload Image: Users upload images related to Anime, Comics, or Games (ACG).
- Enter Description: Users input a text prompt describing the desired action, such as “characters chatting happily while eating.”
- Generate Video: The AI processes the input and automatically generates a short anime video, reportedly within three minutes.
The platform is described as capable of animating figures and illustrations, producing multiple acting patterns, dynamic camera movements, and delicate motions from a single scene, aiming to significantly reduce production time and labor.
One of the main selling points of the technology is that anyone, even a beginner to the field of animation, will be catered by Animon.ai.
Industry Concerns and Fan Reactions
The launch arrives amidst growing debate and apprehension within the anime industry and fan communities regarding the increasing role of AI.
While proponents, like the creators with Twins HinaHima, had suggested that AI can be a “supportive tool” handling tedious tasks, there are still concerns that exist about the technology.
There is a fear that widespread AI adoption could lead to job displacement, particularly impacting roles involved in traditional animation steps, that platforms like Animon.ai aim to automate.
Concerns also revolve around the potential devaluation of human artistry, the risk of style homogenization if AI tools become prevalent, and whether AI can replicate the emotional depth and nuance that are characteristic of works with a human touch.
Some fans have reacted negatively to AI’s use in anime production, viewing it as “soulless” or ethically questionable.
Training Data and Ethical Questions
A major point of contention surrounding AI image and video generation models is the data they are trained on. Information regarding the specific datasets used to train Animon.ai was not disclosed in the press release.
However, considering that it is made in consultation with anime producers, it is possible that the platform acquired its training data legally.
Generally, large AI models are trained on vast amounts of data, often scraped from the internet, which frequently includes copyrighted artwork used without the original creators’ consent or compensation.
This issue gained prominence recently with controversies like OpenAI’s image generator producing works mimicking the style of Studio Ghibli.
While OpenAI stated it attempts to block generation in the style of living artists, the incident highlighted ethical concerns about replicating distinct styles and the legal grey area surrounding copyright, as artistic style itself is generally not protected, unlike specific artworks.
Platform Access and Pricing
Animon.ai launched for general users in Japan on April 25, 2025, via a web platform, with smartphone apps planned.
It offers a subscription model, including a free tier with unlimited video generation but watermarked downloads and limited simultaneous tasks.
A paid individual plan ($9.9 USD/month) offers unlimited generation, no watermarks, faster speed, more storage, and up to two simultaneous tasks. A plan for production studios with enhanced features is also forthcoming.
The company emphasizes no token charges or per-video fees for individual plans.
Source: PR Times
