As artificial intelligence continues to shake up creative industries, fans of the anime giant Toei Animation have voiced concern over how these tools might impact their favorite shows like One Piece. Recent corporate activity suggests that Toei is doubling down on AI, partnering with tech firm Preferred Networks to explore new production innovations. With this move, speculation around AI replacing traditional animation techniques has only intensified, especially for beloved long-running series like One Piece.

However, those worries can be put to rest, for now. Animator Vincent Chansard, who has worked on One Piece, recently assured fans that AI is not being used in the series' production via his X , @Sparkleredpanda and @unonumero_56. While acknowledging that he cannot speak for every department at the company, Chansard emphasized that there is no immediate sign of AI involvement in One Piece. He also described the current AI conversation within Toei as vague and largely promotional, suggesting it is more about optics than actual change at the production level.

"If that's your concern, for now, there are no concerns at that level. But the company is big, and I'm not aware of what's being done in all the teams; I'll continue to keel myself informed"

- Chansard Vincent [talking about AI use in One Piece]

One Piece Will Stay Hand-Drawn for Now

Human Hands at the Helm of One Piece

According to both Chansard and One Piece’s Creative Director, Masayuki Takagi, the anime's production will remain free from AI intervention. Takagi made it clear that One Piece will continue to rely on traditional animation methods, a move that reassures longtime fans who prize the show’s human artistry. Given the series’ legacy and iconic status, the production team appears committed to preserving its unique hand-drawn style.

Chansard echoed that view, sharing that he has been talking to peers within the company and has not seen any concrete AI-driven changes in production. He characterized the recent AI talk as a buzzword-heavy message aimed more at shareholders than creators. While the company’s public-facing statements might highlight innovation, those on the animation floor are not seeing dramatic shifts, at least not yet.

Toei’s AI Push Raises Questions for Other Titles

Is AI on the Horizon for Toei’s Other Titles?

Outside of One Piece, however, Toei’s plans for AI remain less clear. The company’s recent investment in Preferred Networks, a tech firm specializing in AI solutions, signals serious interest in automated tools. Toei’s senior director, Kiichiro Yamada, praised the potential “synergies” between the studio’s animation expertise and Preferred Networks’ technological edge, hinting at future collaboration that could reshape how some series are made.

"At Toei Animation, we expect that Preferred Network's strengths in technology, development and organization will play a key role in Japan's future. We believe that the combination of their strengths and our long-proven anime production expertise will create strong synergies. Going forward, we will strive to achieve sustainable growth with Preferred Networks and contribute to the overall development of Japan's anime industry."

- Toei Animation

This has sparked concern among fans of other Toei properties, especially those with smaller production teams or shorter runtimes. Without direct confirmation that other titles will avoid AI, the fear is that less prominent series may become testing grounds for automation. While One Piece appears safe, the broader future of hand-drawn anime at Toei remains uncertain as the industry navigates its relationship with emerging technologies.