In a time where artificial intelligence is becoming more embedded in creative industries, the anime community is facing its own growing pains. The latest flashpoint is Twins Hinahima, an anime short that’s stirred up debates not for its plot or visuals, but for how it was made. And now one of the internet’s largest anime databases, Anilist has refused to add the anime to their database.
What Is Twins Hinahima?
Released on March 28, 2025, Twins Hinahima is a 24-minute one-shot anime about twin sisters, Himari and Hina, who are TikTokers and YouTubers chasing the dream of viral fame. It’s a story that feels ripped straight from the modern internet age, all about likes, shares, and social media clout.
But the twist comes when the sisters get pulled into a strange alternate reality, veering from influencer culture into full-blown fantasy. The transition from a relatable online grind to a bizarre, unfamiliar world is part of what made Twins Hinahima stand out.
The key visual? AI-generated. The teaser trailer? Created with heavy AI assistance. And that’s where the controversy begins.
Anilist Takes a Hard Stand Against AI-Created Anime
The issue exploded after curious users started asking why Twins Hinahima wasn’t listed on Anilist. The response from the website moderators was direct:
“We have zero interest in adding AI-generated anime to the site. 95% nonhuman imagery is too much.”
Anilist’s decision draws a clear line. According to their policy, if an anime is primarily produced outside of Japan, even if the final touches are done in Japan, it can be excluded from the site. They applied that same logic to Twins Hinahima, arguing that the high percentage of AI-generated content effectively disqualifies it from being listed under what they consider “anime.”
When some users pointed out that MyAnimeList (MAL) had listed it, Anilist acknowledged the difference in policy:
“MAL doesn’t seem to have the same strong stance against AI as we do.”
It’s a philosophical divide, one site is welcoming experimental entries into the database, while the other is pushing back, emphasizing the value of human craftsmanship.
How Audiences Received Twins Hinahima
Despite the drama, the anime was watched, and reviewed, by hundreds. Over on MyAnimeList, Twins Hinahima currently holds a 5.54 rating based on over 330 user reviews. Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) and Japanese forums reflected a similar tone: mixed, with a hint of surprise.
Some viewers were shocked that it wasn’t a total disaster. Comments ranged from:
- “Honestly, thought this would be garbage, but it was surprisingly decent.”
- “Animation’s a little weird in places, but I’ve seen worse, even from human-only projects.”
Of course, there was no shortage of criticism. Issues like awkward lip-syncing, flickering visuals, and stiff character movement were widely noted. Others saw it as a warning sign for the future of animation, calling it a step toward sidelining real animators.
How Was Twins Hinahima Made?
The biggest talking point is how Twins Hinahima was made: 95% of the anime was generated with the help of artificial intelligence.
But it wasn’t fully automated. The creators, a collaboration between veteran company Frontier Works and Tokyo-based startup Kaka Creation, followed what they call a “supportive AI” production method. Here’s how it broke down:
- Character Designs: Drawn by human artists using CLIP Studio Paint.
- Backgrounds: AI converted real photographs into anime-style environments, which were later touched up by human hands.
- Visual Effects: Lighting, animation tweaks, and polish were handled in Adobe software by humans.
- Animation: The heavy lifting was done using motion capture and AI-based interpolation, but animators still checked and refined the output.
It wasn’t “press a button and get anime.” The AI did the groundwork, and the human staff refined the results. According to the creators, the idea was to let AI handle repetitive tasks and allow artists to focus on creativity, not eliminate them.
Big industry voices have weighed in, too. Makoto Tezuka (son of Astro Boy creator Osamu Tezuka) likened the AI evolution to the initial backlash around CG, suggesting that AI may eventually be accepted as just another tool in the box. Meanwhile, Gundam legend Yoshikazu Yasuhiko acknowledged that AI could help with the anime industry’s grueling workload, but warned against losing the emotional depth that comes from human touch.
