Ufotable Doubles Down on Traditional Animation at Astra Awards, Pledging No AI for Future Projects

Studio Ufotable confirmed its firm commitment to traditional, hand-drawn animation methods, explicitly rejecting the growing use of AI in production. The declaration was made by representatives of the Demon Slayer team at the 9th Astra Film Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on January 10, 2026.

Ufotable and production partner Aniplex jointly assured fans they would continue to prioritize human talent. The studios stated, "We will continue to work with our HAND-DRAWN artists, our writers, our voice actors, and the talent." This assurance seems intended to settle any fan concerns about potential AI replacement in their upcoming work.

This statement arrived as the studio was being recognized for the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle trilogy films, which secured nominations in several key categories. These nods highlight the detailed sakuga and fluid action sequences that have become hallmarks of Ufotable’s adaptation. Aniplex, as the primary production company, stood firmly in support of the studio's stance.

Ufotable’s dedication to human craft has been central to the global success of Demon Slayer since its 2019 debut. This pledge ensures core talent, including voice actor Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro) and composer Yuki Kajiura, remain integral to the franchise's identity. With the Infinity Castle arc release approaching, this declaration signals that audiences can expect the same high-quality, high-octane fights. Fan reaction online was immediate and overwhelmingly positive.