Is AI threatening Japan’s manga industry?

人工智能是否会威胁到日本的漫画产业?

Asia Specific

2026-03-07

13 分钟
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单集简介 ...

Creators of Japan’s popular manga comics see both threat and opportunity in AI. Some think it can help with labour shortages and boost productivity, but many artists and publishers fear copyright infringement, falling incomes and the devaluation of human artistry. Major publishers have taken a firm stance against AI-generated submissions. AI can generate anime-style characters in seconds. In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks with a Tokyo-based manga artist Peppe, AI consultant Darren Boey and Takeshi Kikuchi from the Manga Research Institute about how AI is changing this popular art form. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
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  • This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

  • This is not the future we were promised.

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  • From the BBC, this is The Interface,

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  • There's been a lot of recent buzz around AI tools which can turn you into an anime character within seconds.

  • It's kind of cool, but the technology is unnerving many of Japan's manga creators.

  • The animation style is one of the country's most distinctive cultural exports,

  • but some say the jobs of those who create it are now under threat.

  • I think unanimously everybody that creates art for a living is not very happy to realize that your job can become the job of a machine in one day.

  • Many of Japan's major publishing companies accuse tech firms of copyright infringement.

  • Some illustrators worry about losing income or even their jobs.

  • But can AI also help manga thrive?

  • I'm Marie Kuo-Yi in Singapore and this is Asia-Pacific from the BBC World Service.

  • Twice a week we bring you Asia-Pacific stories, unpacked by those who know them best.

  • Well, today I have manga artist Pepe,