WIT Studio Apologizes for AI Use in Ascendance of a Bookworm Opening: Footage to be Replaced
WIT Studio, one of the giants of the anime world, has confirmed the use of generative AI in the opening sequence of the highly anticipated 4th season of the Ascendance of a Bookworm (Honzuki no Gekokujou) series. In an official statement released on April 10, 2026, the studio admitted that AI was utilized during the production process of certain scenes in the opening clip and apologized to fans. Following this development, it was announced that starting from the second episode of the series, the opening clip will be replaced with a "completed version" that is entirely hand-drawn.
The controversy began after the first episode aired on April 4, when fans noticed "AI traces" in the backgrounds of the opening sequence. In the clip, which features the song "Pages" by the group Little Glee Monster, strange shapes in tree leaves, color distortions, and details that did not match the usual WIT Studio quality sparked a major reaction on social media. Following an internal review, the studio stated that these errors were caused by shortcomings in production management and oversight systems, and announced that it takes full responsibility.
WIT Studio is an industry leader known for visually stunning productions such as Attack on Titan, Spy x Family, and Vinland Saga. While the first three seasons of the series were produced by Ajia-do studio, WIT took over the reins for the 4th season, which covers the "Archduke’s Adopted Daughter" arc. The use of automation-based AI in Ascendance of a Bookworm—a story centered on bookmaking, printing, and manual labor—was found by fans to be contrary to the series' themes and spirit of creativity.
The studio emphasized that, as a general principle (with the exception of their previous experimental short film The Dog and the Boy), they do not permit the use of generative AI in their main productions. Stating that the background studio Nam Hai Art had no direct responsibility in this incident, WIT pledged that the faulty scenes would be corrected in the new episode airing on April 17. While the anime community appreciated the transparent apology, this incident has reignited debates in the industry regarding the balance between AI usage and artistic labor.
