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WIT Studio Apologizes for Using Generative AI in Opening Sequence of Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 3 Anime

Wit Studio revealed on Friday that it investigated its production process after the first episode of its Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke anime aired on April 4 and the studio received feedback on the episode, and found that in part of the opening sequence, the studio had used generative AI for some cuts in the background art.

The company will be redrawing the background art for the cuts that used generative AI, and will replace the opening sequence with a "completed version" starting with the second episode.

The company apologized, stating while it is interested in new technologies in video production, in principle it has not allowed use of generative AI in production of all its works, aside from the Inu to Shōnen work that was an experimental work meant to inspect certain technologies. The studio added that despite this, this situation occurred due to inadequacies in its production management and inspection systems, and it takes full responsibility.

Wit Studio confirmed that aside from the cuts used in part of the opening, it has not confirmed any other use of generative AI in the show. Additionally, the company stated the art director and background art studio NAM HAI ART were not involved in the incident.

The company added it will take this situation as an opportunity to look at its production process guidelines and management system in order to prevent recurrence.

Update: The anime's official website also posted an apology from the production committee, and stated that the staff will replace the opening on the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray Disc releases, as well in the first episode on streaming sites. The staff added if the release dates of the home video releases need to be changed, it will make another announcement in the future.

After the first episode aired last week, users on social media and other sites pointed out that certain cuts of the opening sequence had tell-tale signs of using generative AI in the backgrounds.

The anime is the latest television anime of Miya Kazuki's Ascendance of a Bookworm (Honzuki no Gekokujō - Shisho ni Naru Tame niwa Shudan o Erandeiramasen) "biblia fantasy" light novel series, and it debuted on April 4 on Yomiuri TV and NTV at 5:30 p.m. JST. It then aired on the Tokyo MX channel on April 6 at 9:25 p.m. JST.

The anime will air for two consecutive cours (quarter of a year) for a half-year run. Yuka Iguchi and Show Hayami return in the new series as Rozemyne (previously Myne) and Ferdinand, respectively.

 Yoshiaki Iwasaki (Kowloon Generic Romance, Hayate the Combat Butler, We Never Learn: BOKUBEN) is directing the new series at Wit Studio, replacing the anime's three seasons director Mitsuru Hongō. Mariko Kunisawa returns to write the series scripts, and Aiko Minowa (After the Rain, The Ancient Magus' Bride in-between animation) is the new character designer. MICHIRU returns to compose the music.

Little Glee Monster performs the opening theme song "Pages." Former Nogizaka46 member Erika Ikuta performs the anime's ending theme song "Ima mo, Arigatō" (Even Now, I Thank You).

Sources: WIT Studio, Comic Natalie