Netflix called out by anime fans for using AI to address 'labor shortage'

Feb 05, 2023 | News On Japan

Feb 05, 2023 (unilad.com) - Netflix Japan has come under fire after claiming to have used artificial intelligence to help create anime programmes.

The platform took to Twitter with the news last week, explaining the choice was due to 'labor shortages'.

But it didn't go down well with anime fans, who are now hitting back at the streaming giant.

The tweet came as the streamer shared the news of the release of an anime short titled Dog and The Boy.

The tweet has since racked up over 2.7 million views.

Just over three minutes long, the short follows the journey of exactly what it says on the tin - a dog and a boy.

With some eye-catching visuals and use of colour, the anime appears to be an impressive piece of work.

However, in the caption, Netflix Japan revealed the short was 'an experimental effort' engineered as means to 'help the anime industry'. ...continue reading

Japan and Netherlands Share Points in Thrilling 2-2 World Cup Opener

Japan and the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw in their opening Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 14, with the Samurai Blue twice coming from behind to earn a valuable point against one of the tournament's traditional powers.

Japan, UK Launch New Partnership

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to strengthen cooperation in economic security, defense and advanced technologies during talks in London on June 14, with the two leaders expected to release a joint document outlining a broad new framework for collaboration ranging from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to critical minerals and energy security.

Driver Escapes After Ramming Into LDP Lawmaker's Office

Police in Kyoto Prefecture are investigating a hit-and-run after a vehicle crashed into the Maizuru office of Liberal Democratic Party Lower House member Taro Honda late on June 13 before the driver fled the scene.

Fire Torches Naritasan Shokoji Temple in Hokkaido

A fire broke out at a Buddhist temple in Obihiro, Hokkaido, on June 13th, sending flames soaring from the building and causing temporary alarm in a nearby residential neighborhood before being largely extinguished about two hours later.

Japan Moves To Tackle Potty Parity

The Japanese government on June 12th released new guidelines calling for women’s toilets to have at least as many fixtures as men’s toilets in public facilities, seeking to address the persistent problem of long queues at women’s restrooms in places such as train stations and event venues.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Student Runway Crowns 300 Inaugural Nagoya Select Models

A fashion event produced by Kansai Collection was held on June 13 at COMTEC PORTBASE in Minato Ward, Nagoya, where 300 participants were chosen as the inaugural Nagoya Select Models through audience voting.

Actress and TV Star Tamayo Nakamura Dies at Age 86

Tamayo Nakamura, the actress and television personality whose career spanned more than seven decades and bridged the worlds of traditional Japanese theater, film, television drama and variety entertainment, died of pneumonia on June 9th. She was 86.

Sapporo Comes Alive with YOSAKOI Celebrations

The YOSAKOI Soran Festival, one of Sapporo's signature early-summer events, opened on June 10, bringing together 275 dance teams for five days of performances across the city.

Generating Personalized Membership Promotion Ads for Fitness Franchises and Wellness Centers with AI Ad Makers

The Fitness Franchise and Wellness Center sector is one of the most emotionally charged industries, as prospects do not simply buy a membership card; they are buying the transformation of their lives and increasing confidence in themselves.

Kabuki Star Opens Fukuoka's New NCB Hall

A new multifunctional hall inside the West Japan City Building, the new headquarters of Nishi-Nippon City Bank, officially opened on June 8th, with renowned kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro performing a celebratory dance during the opening ceremony.

Facebook Dating Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Real Love?

The global online dating market is absolutely booming, and meeting your significant other online has become the new normal for millions of singles worldwide.

From Atari to Nintendo, the War for the Video Game Industry (Docummentary)

In this NHK documentary, the history of video games is told as the story of a new kind of empire: the rise of software.

The Beginning of a Powerful Kabuki Alliance?

Today, we take a look at the kabuki performance at the Hakata-za theatre in Fukuoka, which conclude the shūmei ceremony of the actor Onoe Kikugorō VIII and his son, Onoe Kikunosuke VI.

< 2 3 4 5 >