Web3

Yoko Takahashi Drops Out of Concert Due to AI Poster Issue

TOKYO, Jun 21 (News On Japan) - Popular anime singer Yoko Takahashi, known for her hit song 'A Cruel Angel's Thesis' from the anime 'Neon Genesis Evangelion,' has abruptly withdrawn from a concert. The reason behind this decision was an AI-generated poster.

The Controversy Over the AI-Generated Poster

Takahashi (from her official X account) stated, 'I have decided to withdraw from the performance. I deeply apologize to everyone who was looking forward to it.'

Takahashi was set to perform with the 'Ikebukuro Animation Philharmonic,' an orchestra specializing in anime music. The concert, featuring beloved anime songs performed by passionate musicians, had tickets priced at 9,000 yen for S seats and 7,000 yen for A seats.

The setlist included a mix of classic and contemporary anime hits. To cover costs such as performers' costumes, the event organizers launched a crowdfunding campaign, raising 1.88 million yen in just one month.

The controversy began with a poster depicting women playing guitar, violin, and drums. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary illustration, but it was created using AI.

A local resident in their 20s commented, 'I can't tell the difference.' Another added, 'I wouldn't know unless someone told me.'

AI technology allows for the creation of highly realistic images and videos based on simple textual descriptions. While the AI-generated nature of the poster might not be immediately apparent, experts can spot the differences.

Professor Isao Echizen of the National Institute of Informatics noted, 'The hand of the woman is a bit off. It's hard to notice, but if you look closely, the number of fingers and the collar design are a bit unusual.'

Upon closer inspection, the woman's hand holding the drumsticks indeed appears unnatural.

Yoko Takahashi Issues Statement in Support of the Anime Industry

In a survey, over 70% of respondents in the anime industry supported partial or complete regulation of AI usage. While some appreciate the efficiency AI offers, others are concerned about the unauthorized incorporation of existing anime works, potentially infringing on copyrights.

Takahashi, who has sung many anime theme songs, released a statement aligning with the anime industry's concerns. 'As Yoko Takahashi, I value the feelings of those who deeply love anime,' she said on her official X account.

She revealed that 'the management's approach and her own sentiments were incompatible, making it impossible to continue as an artist.' A local resident in their 20s remarked, 'Given Takahashi's long involvement in the anime industry, her decision should be respected.'

On social media, fans expressed their support: 'We appreciate your sensitivity towards creators' feelings' and 'Thank you for considering the creators' perspectives.'

The representative of the organizing group, Hiroshi Matsushita, commented on their official YouTube channel, 'We never intended to upset anyone. We apologize for any offense caused and assure that it was not intentional.'

The poster has since been replaced with a new one created by an illustrator.

Source: ANN

Typhoon No. 24 Lingers Near Okinawa

Typhoon No. 24 (Krovanh) was moving north southwest of Amami City on September 3, with Okinawa and the Amami Islands facing stronger winds, heavy rain and high waves as the storm approaches before following an unusually complex path that could prolong its effects for several days. As of 9 p.m. on September 3, the typhoon was south of the Amami region, with Okinawa's main island, the Amami Islands and southern parts of the Osumi and Satsuma peninsulas within its strong-wind zone.

Shinkansen Takes on Overnight Travel

Night trains are making a comeback across Japan, with railway operators introducing new overnight services and even experimenting with overnight Shinkansen trains as demand grows for alternatives that combine transportation, accommodation and the experience of traveling through the night.

Bear Attacks Continue as Peak Season Looms

Bear sightings and attacks have been reported across Japan throughout the summer, with animals damaging sheds, attacking livestock and injuring people, while experts warn that autumn is the most dangerous season as bears expand their range in search of food.

Japan to Conduct First Nationwide Survey of Animal Cafes

Japan's Environment Ministry will conduct its first survey of animal cafes, where customers can interact with animals including exotic species, as concerns grow over infection risks, injuries and the welfare burden placed on animals.

Haneda Tightens Baggage Deadline

Haneda Airport introduced two major changes on September 2, opening a new boarding facility at Terminal 1 while moving the checked-baggage deadline for all domestic flights to 30 minutes before departure.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

Nvidia-Backed Japanese Startup Pushes Ahead in Physical AI

Japanese startup Enactic is developing physical AI technology that combines artificial intelligence with robotic hardware, earning recognition from Nvidia while pursuing an unusual open-development strategy that makes its technology available to the public.

SoftBank-Backed AI Power Firm Files for IPO

SB Energy, a U.S. power infrastructure company for artificial intelligence backed by SoftBank Group, said on September 1 that it has filed for an initial public offering on the Nasdaq stock market with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Proxy Security Best Practices Every User Should Know

When it comes to your proxy server, you should treat it as you would any security endpoint. If your proxy credentials are leaked, someone else can use your traffic, burn your IP reputation, or even gain access to your scraping infrastructure.

Inconvenient Convenience Store Gives Lessons in AI

Meta has opened an interactive event in Tokyo's Shibuya district that deliberately makes convenience-store shopping difficult, using the unusual setting to demonstrate how artificial intelligence could make everyday tasks easier.

Five Japanese Companies Launch Physical AI Data Collection Center

Major pharmaceutical company Tsumura and four other companies began full-scale operations on August 26 at a joint data collection center designed to develop "physical AI," technology that enables artificial intelligence to autonomously control robots in manufacturing and other workplaces.

SoftBank Plans Massive Retail Bond Sale to Fund AI Investment

SoftBank Group announced on August 24 that it will issue 1 trillion yen in unsecured corporate bonds for individual investors, in what is set to be its largest such offering.

Japanese Companies Bet on Autonomous Ships and AI Interviewers

Japanese companies and venture investors are stepping up efforts to commercialize technologies that could transform shipping and recruitment, with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines pursuing fully autonomous operation of giant cargo vessels while startup Calaris develops an interactive AI interviewer designed to uncover abilities that conventional job applications may miss.

Publishers Shift Strategy in AI Era

Japanese online publishing platform note is using artificial intelligence to review its management meetings and analyze company-wide activity as it prepares for a future in which AI increasingly determines what information, products and services people discover online.

< 2 3 4 5 >