KYOTO - A major social media backlash is unfolding over a historic shrine in Kyoto City, prompting a barrage of angry messages including threats such as "I’ll curse you" and "I’ll beat you to death."
Kurumaori Shrine, located in Kyoto’s Ukyo Ward, is known for its connection to the deity of performing arts, Amenouzumenomikoto. Within its grounds stands a dedicated Geino Shrine, drawing countless actors and artists. The number of donated nameplates (tamagaki) now exceeds 4,000.
The shrine, known for its strong ties to the entertainment world, is now facing harsh backlash. Critical voices online say the incident represents "a betrayal of those who prayed with faith" and accuse the shrine of lacking social awareness. One user wrote, "I’m embarrassed to even have its amulet at home."
When asked for comment, shrine officials said, "As soon as one phone call ends, another begins." On busy days, the shrine has reportedly received as many as 50 complaint calls. Some emails have escalated to threats, including messages suggesting arson and violence.
At the center of the uproar is one image: an illustration posted on the shrine’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. On March 18th, the shrine updated its profile icon with an image of a shrine maiden standing among falling cherry blossoms alongside a shrine priest. The illustration was created using generative AI.
While generative AI technology is evolving rapidly and making creative expression more accessible, it remains controversial. According to a lawyer familiar with the technology, generative AI often relies on learning from existing copyrighted works, raising concerns over unauthorized use and the potential displacement of human creators.
Last month, a social media trend gained attention for using ChatGPT to convert photographs into Studio Ghibli-style illustrations. While some praised the artistic quality, others criticized it as disrespectful to the Ghibli brand. The issue was even discussed in the National Diet under the term "Ghiblification," raising concerns over copyright implications.
In the case of Kurumaori Shrine, its deep ties to creators intensified the backlash. Critics asked why such a shrine would support AI-generated art. Shrine officials admitted that as a Geino Shrine, they lacked consideration, saying, "We did not expect it to escalate this much and are deeply sorry for causing discomfort."
The AI illustrator involved also expressed regret, saying, "I didn’t expect this to result in the shrine deleting its social media account. I truly feel sorry." The illustrator added, "Even if a hundred people use AI, each would produce something different. Why is only AI being blamed?"
However, the backlash soon went beyond criticism. Some emails included detailed threats such as "I’ll burn the place down with gasoline" and "I’ll kill you using weapons." Dozens of such messages have been received, prompting a police investigation.
A staff member in charge of the shrine's social media account has reportedly been hospitalized due to the stress from the incident. Officials are deeply concerned about potential harm to their staff.
Experts note that as generative AI grows, such controversies are becoming more frequent. Some believe that simply using the technology invites hostility, even when no rights are being infringed. "It’s troubling that users of these tools are treated as if they’re doing something wrong," one source said.
While opinions on AI art remain divided, one thing is clear: expressions that cause real harm to others cannot be tolerated. Depending on the content, some messages may result in criminal charges.
The rapid advancement of generative AI is leaving regulatory frameworks struggling to keep up. While the government is working to create appropriate guidelines, experts warn that overly strict rules could stifle innovation.
As the debate continues, experts stress the need for balanced discussions that protect creators' rights while ensuring creative freedom. Kurumaori Shrine’s case illustrates the complex tensions between tradition, technology, and public sentiment—an issue that will require thoughtful navigation in the years to come.
Source: KTV NEWS
