The studio has promised to replace the cut with non AI redrawn art, and use the edited version from the second episode onwards.
Wit Studio is under fire after admitting to the use of generative AI in the opening sequence of the highly anticipated anime, Ascendance of a Bookworm: The Lord’s Adopted Daughter. The company released an official statement on its website on Friday, 10 April.
This followed fans spotting and suspecting AI-generated assets in the anime’s opening sequence during its premiere on 4 April.
The Ascendance of a Bookworm: The Lord's Adopted Daughter
Premiere date: 4 April 2026
Animation studio: Wit Studio
Streaming platforms: Crunchyroll
What did Wit Studio say about AI use in Ascendance of a Bookworm's opening sequence?
In the statement, Wit Studio said it “conducted an investigation into the production process of this work, including the opening sequence” after receiving feedback. “As a result, we confirmed that generative AI was used in the production process of some cuts in the opening sequence.”
The studio shared that generative AI was used in the background art for a portion of the opening sequence. It promised to take action by removing the asset and replacing it with a redrawn background. The edited version of the opening will replace the previous version starting from episode 2.
Wit added that while it is “always interested in and closely monitor[s] new technologies related to video production,” it has, in principle, “not permitted the use of generative AI in the video production of our works,” which should have included Ascendance of a Bookworm.
The studio said the incident occurred “solely due to shortcomings in our production management and inspection systems,” adding that it “take[s] full responsibility” and “sincerely apologise[s]” to fans, the original author, and other related parties.
Did Wit Studio use AI in any other panels in the first episode of the Ascendance of a Bookworm?
The statement also emphasised that aside from “this particular cut,” it has confirmed there are no other uses of AI-generated images in the work. It also stressed that NAM HAI ART, the art director and background production company, “has no involvement whatsoever” in the matter. Wit concluded by saying it will “strive to prevent recurrence” by revising its production process guidelines and management systems, while asking for understanding.
While Wit Studio has moved quickly to address the issue, the situation reflects a wider concern among fans and workers within the anime industry regarding the role of generative AI in creative work, with no final consensus on the ethics around its use.