VERACITY IN GAMING
VERACITY IN GAMING
AI learning dataset full of Japanese video game voice lines sparks controversy
The AI learning dataset MoeSpeech compiles a vast amount of Japanese voice lines from PC games, and it has not been well received by the community in both ethical and legal aspects.
Japanese Ministry to phase out mandatory use of floppy disks
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) to shift towards more modern digital solutions.
Japanese Bible ASMR with cute anime girls is a thing
Strange combo of Japanese Bible ASMR, weird thumbnail captions, and cute anime girls puzzles social media users
This fictional Japanese bear comes with strict rules about being aged up, put in a skirt or given beer
The super detailed usage guidelines for Kumamoto Prefecture's popular mascot character Kumamon have attracted attention on Japanese social media
Shinzo Abe “Have s*x” meme baffles Japanese X users
Bizarre English language memes featuring former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Cowboy Bebop puzzle Japanese social media users
Japanese tool protects your artwork from AI learning
Japanese company SnackTime has just launched their emamori service, which enables creators to protect their artwork from AI learning and AI image generation programs
Jujutsu Kaisen animator’s statement never to work with studio MAPPA again reignites debate in anime circles
French animator Chansard Vincent's statement that he will never work with studio MAPPA again has once again caused discourse about the working conditions of animators in Japan.
Japanese manga artists have a problem with… bicycles. Here’s why
Bicycle-themed manga artist Gaku Miyao explains why cycling characters are so hard for anime and manga to get right- the answer is probably not what you think
Initiative to integrate AI and Blockchain technology into anime production causes mixed responses in Japan
Japan's AI and blockchain experts have launched the "AnimeChain" initiative, intended to redefine the anime production ecosystem using AI and blockchain technology, causing mixed reactions in the community.
Japan to get first “metaverse high school,” students will attend using 3D anime avatars
Japan will get its first legitimate metaverse high school, which students will attend using VR equipment and custom 3D avatars.
ByAmber V
New Japanese AI tool will detect suspicious job listings
Tokyo-based recruitment website operator to introduce a generative AI tool to help detect the increasing number of shady part-time job listings in Japan.
20% of the anime industry’s profit comes from outside of Japan
The popularity of Japanese anime is showing no signs of slowing down, with overseas sales increasing by 11% compared to the previous year.
Shock as YOASOBI’s Idol is excluded from the Japan Record Awards Grand Prix
Oshi no Ko theme song Idol by YOASOBI is arguably Japan's biggest hit song of 2023 but why has it been excluded from the top award at Japan's equivalent of the Grammys?
Weekly Shonen Jump reveals shockingly high manuscript rates for beginner artists
Shueisha recently revealed their per-page manuscript rates for serialized and one-shot manga published by novice authors in Weekly Shōnen Jump. The decision to officially disclose how much they pay their authors, as well as the surprisingly high sums revealed, have caused a sensation among the public as well as the mangaka community.
- ByAmber V
Why a Japanese supermarket letting employees dye their hair is more revolutionary than it may seem
Japanese businesses often have strict rules regarding appearance in the workplace. However, a certain supermarket has changed its policy, allowing its employees more freedom in the way they look and dress. Are Japanese businesses adapting to the times?
Use of “AI actress” in Japanese commercial causes controversy amidst ongoing international strikes in the industry
A Japanese tea company's commercial featuring an AI actress sparks discussion about the ethics of using AI as opposed to human talent. Online users and industry professionals evaluate the pros and cons.
Japan’s first “dictionary of otaku terminology” defines words such as “omegaverse,” met with mixed reactions
A major Japanese publisher announced the release of a comprehensive dictionary of otaku and geek terminology, covering topics such as “common otaku terminology,” K-pop stan terminology, yaoi, Pokémon terminology and similar.
- ByAmber V
According to survey, nearly 40% of Japanese school kids still wear masks throughout their entire school day, and the main reason isn’t Covid
Nearly 40% of Japanese elementary and middle school students wear face masks throughout the school day. What motivates Japanese youth to continue to wear masks, even when they are no longer mandatory?
Why do Japanese people tend to drop all formality when talking to foreigners even though Japan is so big on being polite?
Why do some Japanese people tend to rely on casual speech to communicate with foreigners? A foreign sociolinguist shares their surprisingly casual conversation at a pharmacy in Japan.
False plagiarism accusations a growing problem in Japan’s anime industry – Sailor Moon director takes legal action, fearing deadly outcome
Sailor Moon and Revolutionary Girl Utena anime director Kunihiko Ikuhara has taken legal action against a woman who claims he plagiarized her art. Given the recent incidents of attacks by disgruntled fans against creators, it appears that taking precautionary measures to prevent potential tragedies may be necessary.
With Japan’s otaku haven Akihabara soon undergoing redevelopment, some fear it may lose its charm
Is Akihabara about to lose its charm? Some argue that the redevelopment of the 'Electric Town' will cause it to lose its uniqueness.
Japanese supported employment company has disabled users work as animators for major titles, causing controversy
A supported employment business for disabled persons in Kyoto, Japan has started taking animation production orders, allowing its users to do animation work for popular TV animations. The news has caused mixed reactions among the public, including doubts of exploitation.
- ByAmber V