#Japan #Tokyo #KDDI #ABEJA #Sugako Hashida

Introduction

In a groundbreaking collaboration, ABEJA, a technology firm known for its AI-driven platforms, has teamed up with KDDI Corporation to embark on an innovative project called the "AI Hashida Sugako Project". This initiative aims to revive the unique style and thoughts of Sugako Hashida, one of Japan's most celebrated screenwriters, by utilizing AI technology to bring her vast body of work into the present day.

Project Overview

The project is composed of several phases, with the second installment focusing on a contemporary adaptation titled "AI Hashida Sugako: The World is Full of Demons - Reiwa Version". Using advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) and the 'Human in the Loop' approach, the aim is to create a new short content piece that aligns with modern smartphone-centric lifestyles. This will begin rolling out on the official BS-TBS social media channels starting early December 2025.

Goals and Objectives

ABEJA is committed to implementing a "rich world" through its business philosophy. They support critical business operations by developing and managing the ABEJA Platform, which serves as a foundational system for AI integration. Since 2018, ABEJA has focused on the research and development of LLMs, contributing significantly to societal implementation.

However, the use of AI in creative work raises concerns related to copyright and personality rights, prompting increased discussion in the industry. To proactively address these issues, ABEJA established the "Ethical Approach to AI" (EAA) committee in 2019, inviting external experts to discuss ethical and legal perspectives on AI. This committee ensures that ABEJA approaches these challenges with objectivity and independence.

In 2022, ABEJA also formulated an AI policy to guide the ethical use and development of AI in collaboration with partner companies. They believe that the "AI Hashida Sugako Project" sets a pioneering example in AI ethics, having participated since its initial phase, which was announced in Fall 2024.

The ultimate ambition of this project extends beyond typical applications of AI technology. It aims to explore how Hashida's insights can be harnessed to reflect contemporary culture, portraying family dynamics and societal themes through a collaborative framework of AI and human creativity. Here, AI serves as a supportive tool for scriptwriting, enhancing human creativity and evolving new styles of storytelling.

Project Development

In the first phase, ABEJA collaborated with the Hashida Cultural Foundation to analyze a significant number of scripts from "The World is Full of Demons". This involved meticulously gathering and converting implicit knowledge about Hashida's drama characteristics—such as character design, communication styles, dialogue phrasing, and story arcs—into data.

The second phase will leverage the data amassed during the first phase. By generating new content and incorporating human feedback, the team aims to produce scripts that reflect the essence of Hashida’s home dramas, a hallmark of her work.

Once script development is complete, KDDI will design short content optimized for mobile viewing, thus creating a new avenue for entertainment disseminated through smart devices.

Roles of Each Company

• - Hashida Cultural Foundation: Handles overall planning, supervision, and production. Responsible for providing data and setting cultural guidelines for AI analysis of Hashida's works, as well as validating the thematic integrity of scripts.
• - KDDI Corporation: Facilitates the fusion of digital technology and human creativity, pushing for innovative short content and creating new entertainment channels centered around smartphones. Through this, they aim to deliver the future of AI and entertainment to everyday users, particularly via the au brand.
• - ABEJA: Supports LLM utilization in script development and creates a production process that incorporates the Human in the Loop approach, fostering collaboration between AI and human creators to enhance expression and creativity.

Synopsis of the Project

The story of the "AI Hashida Sugako: The World is Full of Demons - Reiwa Version" unfolds after the COVID-19 pandemic, where the character Ai Taguchi, portrayed by Ryo Yoshimura, is busy preparing for the year-end party season alongside her husband Makoto Taguchi, played by Yuho Murata. Their college-age daughter Sakura helps occasionally at their family business, but tensions arise when a character named Hisako drops by unexpectedly to reclaim a gyoza factory Ai worked tirelessly to revitalize. This leads to conflicts that mirror everyday struggles faced by families.

As Christmas approaches, the script aims to depict heartwarming family ties and resilience, showcasing human emotions and connections in a turbulent world.

Future Perspectives

The production will continue to innovate short dramas and digital video content optimized for mobile consumption. By advancing the intersection of AI and entertainment, ABEJA and KDDI are committed to developing cutting-edge technology to create new value in the entertainment sector.

About KDDI Corporation

KDDI focuses on 5G telecommunications and offers several services under the brands "au," "UQ mobile," and "povo," along with comprehensive business solutions domestically and internationally. The company strives towards sustainable growth and enhancing corporate value through its "New Satellite Growth Strategy."

About ABEJA

Founded in 2012, ABEJA aims to implement AI in critical business operations through its innovative ABEJA Platform, a powerful system that integrates cutting-edge technologies to transform industrial structures. Their headquarters is in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.

With this collaborative project, both ABEJA and KDDI aim to create not just entertainment, but a progressive cultural dialogue that leverages technology to redefine storytelling for modern audiences.