The anime world is talking about a major mistake from a famous studio. WIT Studio, known for hit shows like Attack on Titan (first three seasons) and Spy x Family, got caught using generative AI in its latest anime. The studio admitted the error after fans spotted clear signs of AI-generated art in the opening sequence of Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 4. This led to strong criticism across social media. WIT Studio has now apologized and promised to redraw the affected scenes.
Fans Discover AI Generated Backgrounds in Opening Sequence
On April 4, 2026, the first episode of Ascendance of a Bookworm: Daughter of a Lord aired in Japan. Very quickly, viewers noticed something strange about the opening theme. The backgrounds in several cuts showed unusual smudging, weird colors, and shapes that did not make sense. These are typical signs of generative AI artwork.
Fans took to Twitter/X and Reddit to share screenshots and point out the problems. One user named ukloim posted on X, calling the situation “very unfortunate”. The post quickly spread across the anime community. Many viewers expressed disappointment, especially since WIT Studio has a strong reputation for high-quality hand-drawn animation.
The backlash grew over the next several days. Fans sent messages directly to the studio asking for answers. Some even wrote formal complaints about the use of AI in the production.
WIT Studio Confirms AI Usage and Takes Responsibility
On April 10, 2026, WIT Studio released an official statement on its website and social media channels. The studio confirmed that after conducting an internal investigation, generative AI was indeed used in the opening sequence.
We conducted an investigation into the production process, including the opening sequence, in response to feedback received following April 4, 2026. As a result, we have confirmed the fact that generative AI was utilized during the production process for certain cuts within the opening sequence. – WIT Studio Official Statement
The studio explained that the AI was used to create background art materials for a portion of the opening. WIT Studio made it clear that using generative AI is not allowed in their productions. The company stated that this incident happened because of problems with their production management and quality inspection systems.
WIT Studio also clarified that NAM HAI ART, the background art company working on the show, had no involvement in this incident. The mistake happened inside WIT Studio’s own process.
Studio Promises to Redraw and Replace Opening Scenes
WIT Studio quickly announced a plan to fix the problem. The studio will redraw the background art for the affected cuts by human artists. The corrected opening will replace the AI version starting with Episode 2, which airs on April 11, 2026.
The first episode, which has already been broadcast and streamed, will also get the updated opening after Episode 2 airs. The creditless opening video that was available on YouTube has been taken down. A new version will be released after the correction.
For fans who buy the physical release, the Blu-ray and DVD versions will also include the redrawn opening. If this changes the release dates, the production committee will make a separate announcement.
Not the First Time WIT Studio Faced AI Criticism
This is actually the second time WIT Studio has been in trouble over AI use. Back in 2023, the studio worked on a short experimental anime called The Dog and The Boy for Netflix Japan. That three-minute film used AI-generated background art for every single cut.
At that time, Netflix Japan posted about the project, calling it an experimental effort to support the anime industry’s labor shortage. The credits listed “AI (+ Human)” for background design. Many fans criticized this approach as well. WIT Studio noted that project was an exception made for technical testing purposes. But now with this second incident, fans are less willing to accept that excuse.
Industry Wide Debate About AI in Anime Production
The use of generative AI in anime has become a heated topic across the entertainment industry. Many fans strongly oppose AI art because it takes work away from human artists. The anime industry already faces problems with low pay and tight deadlines. Adding AI to the mix makes many people worried about job security for animators.
Some studios have started clearly stating that they do not use AI. For example, in 2025, studio Qzil.la had to officially deny using AI for their anime SEKIRO: NO DEFEAT after fans raised concerns. This shows how sensitive the topic has become.
WIT Studio itself has job postings that tell applicants not to include AI-generated content in their portfolios. This makes the current situation more surprising to many fans.
Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 4 Details and Release Info
Ascendance of a Bookworm is based on the light novel series by Miya Kazuki. The story follows a book-loving woman who dies and is reborn as a sickly child in a medieval world. She uses her knowledge to pursue her dream of reading books again.
The fourth season is titled Ascendance of a Bookworm: Daughter of a Lord. This marks a studio change, as the first three seasons were made by Ajia-do. WIT Studio took over production for Season 4. The new season premiered on April 4, 2026 on Yomiuri TV and NTV in Japan at 5:30 PM JST. It also aired on Tokyo MX on April 6 at 9:25 PM JST.
For international viewers, the anime streams on Crunchyroll. Little Glee Monster performs the opening theme song “Pages.” Erika Ikuta, former member of Nogizaka46, performs the ending theme “Ima mo, Arigatō.”
Global streaming availability:
- USA and Canada: Available on Crunchyroll
- UK and Ireland: Streaming on Crunchyroll
- Australia and New Zealand: Available on Crunchyroll
- India: Streaming on Crunchyroll
The season will run for two consecutive cours, meaning a half-year run of about 24 to 26 episodes.
Voice Cast and Production Team
The main voice cast returns for the new season. Yuka Iguchi voices Rozemyne (previously known as Myne). Show Hayami returns as Ferdinand. Yoshiaki Iwasaki directs the new season at WIT Studio, taking over from previous director Mitsuru Hongo. Mariko Kunisawa continues as the script writer, and Aiko Minowa serves as the character designer.
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What Has Been Fixed So Far
As of April 13, 2026, WIT Studio has confirmed that no other AI use has been found in the show beyond the opening sequence cuts. The regular episodes themselves have not faced the same criticism. The animation quality for the main story remains solid.
The studio has committed to strengthening its internal rules and review processes. They want to make sure this does not happen again. The corrected opening will appear starting with Episode 2, which gives fans a quick resolution to this controversy.
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