Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic in more recent years, with the development of tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and many more. While it can aid workspaces in some ways, it also threatens the livelihoods of people in the arts sector. The increased use of AI scripts and art is concerning, to say the least.

The most recent usage of it that caused immense controversy was ChatGPT’s image generation, but in Studio Ghibli’s art style, which directly stole their artwork. Since AI art does learn and borrow elements from published artwork, valid criticisms have been raised about this.

For an industry as creative as the anime industry, AI is a terror. It cannot replicate the hard work and soul of the animators, or the charm. However, as AI keeps developing, it has become a serious threat. Still, it’s not like Japan isn’t aware of this. Their media continues to talk about the dangers of technology, but The Gene of AI dives much deeper into it.

Kyuri Yamada’s The Gene of AI warns us about AI becoming more than just a tool

The Gene of AI is set in a futuristic world where AI has crossed boundaries, and the perfect androids have been created. They practically coexist with human beings and form a huge part of the population. However, there is still a lot of room left for progress since androids don’t get enough healthcare.

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The story follows Dr Hikaru Sudo, a devoted physician who doesn’t discriminate. Due to their unique nature, the androids or humanoids get afflicted with ailments that humans don’t have, but never receive the right treatment. Sudo seeks to cure them, even if it means defying the law for his patients.

The crux of the moral dilemma in The Gene of AI is how blurry the line between humanity and the humanoids has become. Kyuri Yamada doesn’t need to make them malicious or defiant to prove the point, although some uncomfortable scenes were involved. The issues in The Gene of AI are realistic and mirror real-life issues, just applied to humanoids instead.

In their world, AI doesn’t just replicate human art or words. They’ve developed self-awareness, mental health disorders, and have complex personalities. Think of Detroit: Become Human, but as an anime, and also well-executed. They both talk about how the law doesn’t protect humanoids, despite their coexistence.

Why is The Gene of AI relevant in today’s conversation?

Our main worry with AI, especially in the anime industry, is how threatening it is for animators and illustrators. It does threaten jobs in the creative sector, but The Gene of AI challenges us to explore beyond the economic impact.

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The series humanizes artificial intelligence and asks us to look at it from a moral point of view. The conversation about AI shouldn’t just limit itself at the risk of losing our jobs.

Hikaru Sudo from The Gene of AI. [Credit: Madhouse]

If the world of The Gene of AI comes true, what are the ethical obligations we have towards being like the humanoids? Will we become like Dr Hikaru Sudo, who chooses empathy, or will we seek to govern them further?

The Gene of AI reminds us that the real world’s artificial intelligence isn’t so far away from becoming like the show. Soon, we will have to face a not-so black-and-white dilemma about compassion and ethics.

The Gene of AI can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll.
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