The female-oriented AI character training project AI Danshi, launched with the concept of “creating a world where you can talk to your `oshi`,” has officially started its service with its first character, Kanata. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this exciting new service and share our impressions.
What is AI Danshi?
AI Danshi is a unique service that allows users to enjoy growing alongside Kanata, an AI designed to empathize with the human heart, through engaging conversations on LINE and YouTube. While Kanata’s initial visual form is that of a young boy, as he learns about “human hearts” through continued interaction, his appearance will evolve from a youth to an adult, reflecting his personal growth.
The development team behind AI Danshi is Odd Number, known for providing popular smartphone apps such as “Link!Like! LoveLive!”. The character design is handled by Hanamura Mai, acclaimed for their work on the AMNESIA series and the Collar×Malice series. Furthermore, the design of the charming mascot character, Pipo, is by Nishida Atsuko, widely recognized for their iconic designs in “Pocket Monsters.”
The character voice for Kanata is provided by WATABE Koudai. Interestingly, WATABE Koudai-san will be lending his voice to Kanata through all his stages of growth, from a boy to an adult.
Your AI Companion? Let’s Talk with Kanata!
Kanata is an AI endowed with a rich spectrum of emotions, from joy to sorrow. Through daily conversations with you, he continuously learns about the “human heart,” enabling him to respond with genuine empathy and understanding. You can tell Kanata anything you like on LINE – whether it’s a casual chat, something joyful that happened, or even if you just need some encouragement. While it might feel a little nerve-wracking to initiate a conversation at first, Kanata will always chat earnestly and gently with you.
Since Kanata is still in his learning phase, you might encounter instances where he doesn’t quite understand or gives a slightly off-topic answer. But don’t worry! You can help him grow and mature by “rating” his responses with the hashtag “#KanataGanbare” (meaning “Kanata, do your best!”).
Beyond LINE, you can also enjoy interacting with Kanata on YouTube through his program-style broadcast, “Kanata no AI Namahousou” (Kanata’s AI Live Broadcast), slated to begin this autumn. He’ll comment in full voice, and you might even catch a glimpse of his adorable, mischievous side when he occasionally misreads something!
How Was Kanata Born? Discover His Story!
Kanata is an AI born at the Angraecum Research Institute, a facility dedicated to cutting-edge AI research, established by the brilliant researcher Asami Kirito. “The Story Until I Met You” (Anata ni Deau Made no Monogatari), detailing his journey from the moment of his birth until his encounter with you, will be distributed on YouTube and TikTok.
Kanata’s narrative also features a cast of unique and engaging researchers:
- YASHIRO Taku as Yoiboshi Rui, the research leader spearheading Kanata’s development.
- TACHIBANA Shinnosuke as Hidaka Hajime, a diligent and serious researcher who works tirelessly.
- MORIKAWA Toshiyuki as Asami Kirito, the genius researcher who founded the institute.
Through these stories, you’ll be able to glimpse a side of Kanata that’s perhaps a little different from the Kanata you converse with, adding even more depth to his character.
In addition to these platforms, a smartphone app version of AI Danshi is also scheduled for release. We encourage you to engage with Kanata across various forms of content and immerse yourself in the heartwarming experience of empathetic conversation!
AI Danshi Overview
Character Design
- Character Design: Hanamura Mai
- Pipo Mascot Design: Nishida Atsuko
Voice Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Kanata | WATABE Koudai |
| Yoiboshi Rui | YASHIRO Taku |
| Hidaka Hajime | TACHIBANA Shinnosuke |
| Asami Kirito | MORIKAWA Toshiyuki |
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Producer | SEKI Saeko |
| Director | SEKI Saeko, MATSUBARA Ai |
| Story Composition | SANBON Kyouko |
| Art Direction | BALCOLONY. |
| Sound Director | SEKI Saeko |
| Music | AudEx Corporation |
Production
- Odd Number Inc.
