#Japan #Generative AI #Tokyo #AICU #Creator Survey

AICU Launches Survey on Generative AI Creators' Landscape

AICU Japan Corporation, located in Minato, Tokyo, has announced the start of a significant survey aimed at understanding the current landscape of creators utilizing generative AI. Slated to commence on February 19, 2026, this ambitious initiative—titled "The Survey of 'Creators' in the Age of Generative AI 2026.02 (R2602)"—seeks to gather comprehensive data regarding the creative processes, rights awareness, and institutional needs of generative AI creators. The survey is conducted in collaboration with the Digital Content Association of Japan (DCAJ) and promises to provide vital insights for enhancing the safety and effectiveness of generative AI.

Understanding the Voices of Generative AI Creators

Since its rise following 2023, generative AI has dramatically transformed various creative domains, including image, video, music, and text. AICU has played a vital role in promoting and facilitating this evolution, contributing significantly through publications such as "Stable Diffusion Beginner's Guide" and monthly magazines dedicated to creative AI.

As a part of its outreach, AICU has also engaged in collaborations across various sectors to educate creators, developers, and corporations about the implications of generative AI, including partnerships with Stability AI and participation in international film festivals. However, a critical gap exists in the quantifiable data reflecting the experiences and needs of actual creators—those who actively engage with generative AI in their work. Issues concerning copyright, unauthorized learning, shifts in revenue structures, and the authorship of AI-generated content are pressing topics demanding thorough exploration. Without the quantitative voices of creators, it is challenging to design effective policies and regulations.

In this context, the R2602 survey aims to address this lack of empirical data. All creators who utilize generative AI are encouraged to participate and contribute their insights.

Insights from the Previous Survey

The first survey (R2511) conducted in November 2025 revealed shocking statistics about the generative AI creator economy. It found that 53% of respondents felt their work could not exist without AI, and 91% recognized AI as crucial for their endeavors. The survey also highlighted stark income disparities, with 47% reporting no revenue from their work, while 33% earned over 1 million yen annually.

Furthermore, the representation of women at 42% in the generative AI sector far exceeds typical figures in the tech industry. While 90% of participants reported achieving time savings, a gap still exists between efficiencies and actual revenue generation. These findings indicate a rapidly evolving creator economy that is fraught with institutional and structural challenges.

For the R2602 survey, AICU intends to expand the sample size significantly and delve deeper into the tools, environments, and economic structures within the creative AI field to derive more precise insights and recommendations.

Core Themes Explored in R2602

In partnership with DCAJ, the R2602 survey introduces four new themes that will provide crucial data directly linking to policy proposals and academic research:
1. The Role of AI in Creative Processes: Understanding the impact of generative AI on various stages of the creator's workflow.
2. Redefining Originality and Authorship: Delving into whether creators attribute authorship to AI-generated content based on their responses to prompts and adjustments.
3. Expectations for Rights, Compensation, and Regulations: Surveying attitudes towards unauthorized use and changes in revenue structures, alongside calls for necessary legal frameworks.
4. The Unique Contributions of Human Creators: Assessing the irreplaceable qualities that human creators bring to the table through a variety of criteria related to intention, responsibility, and storytelling.

Innovative Survey Experience with AIQ

The R2602 survey adopts the innovative AI chat-based questionnaire system, known as "AIQ," created after three years of operation and development. Unlike traditional forms that can be cumbersome, AIQ allows participants to engage in a dynamic Q&A format, ensuring quick and intuitive responses. With a targeted completion time of about three minutes, participants will receive 10,000 AICU points upon finishing the survey, which can be redeemed for items like the monthly AICU magazine or Amazon gift vouchers.

Exclusive Results for Participants

The survey will provide participants with exclusive access to preliminary results via a dedicated page, helping them to see how their insights compare within the broader community. AICU encourages all interested individuals—whether creators or not—to take part in this pivotal study, which seeks to illuminate the realities faced by generative AI creators in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

For more details, check the survey link: AICU Survey.

Upcoming Events: AICU Halu Festival

AICU will also host the AICU Halu Festival from March 6 to 8, 2026, in Shinjuku, showcasing the intersections between AI and creativity through exciting live presentations and collaborations with leading creators and companies.

In summary, AICU's initiatives mark a significant step towards understanding and supporting the needs of modern creators operating in the generative AI sphere, ensuring that their voices are heard and represented. Through the R2602 survey and forthcoming events, these efforts aim to not only gather valuable data but also foster a vibrant and informed creative community in Japan.