Aniplex president Shu Nishimoto says the company will take a cautious approach toward artificial intelligence, saying that they would be open to AI use if beneficial to creators. The comments were made during Nishimoto’s first extensive interview since becoming president, published by Variety, where he also discussed Aniplex’s global expansion strategy and the future of the anime industry.
Addressing AI directly, Nishimoto said Aniplex’s priority remains working alongside creators, including animators. “Aniplex’s top priority is to create works together with creators, including animators. If AI can have a positive impact on creators’ work, or contribute to the further development of the creative process, we would be open to carefully considering its use,” he told Variety.
Nishimoto also emphasized that Aniplex has no intention of changing the creative identity of its productions to appeal to overseas audiences. Instead, he said the company aims to preserve what makes Japanese anime unique while expanding its global reach. He describes Japanese anime as an original medium shaped by the country’s storytelling, visual direction, and cultural background, adding that “it is important to preserve the essence of Japanese creativity and deliver its appeal more deeply to fans in each region.”
According to Nishimoto, overseas markets now account for more than half of Japan’s roughly ¥4 trillion (about US$25 billion) anime industry, making international growth one of Aniplex’s biggest priorities. The company plans to continue expanding each franchise across multiple formats, including theatrical films, streaming, games, merchandise, live events, and exhibitions, while working closely with regional partners.
He also highlighted the value of Sony’s ecosystem, calling Crunchyroll an important partner whose global reach and audience insights help shape Aniplex’s international strategy. Nishimoto added that collaboration between Sony companies allows Aniplex to develop franchises as long-term global brands rather than one-time successes.
He also praised Aniplex-owned studios A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks, saying they have grown into studios capable of producing high-quality anime for audiences worldwide. The two studios recently reported contrasting financial results for the latest fiscal year, with CloverWorks reporting a loss and A-1 Pictures reporting a profit.
Earlier this year, Aniplex acquired anime producer EGG FIRM, bringing the production company behind series including Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation and Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? under its umbrella.
Also related, Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini previously said the streaming platform leaves decisions on production technology to creators while ruling out the use of AI for its own subtitling and dubbing workflows.
Source: Variety
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