au Collaborates with Studio Ponoc's Latest Film "Raja in the Attic" to Co-Create Experience Content Using Generative AI to Create Characters

au has collaborated with Studio Ponoc's latest film " Raja in the Attic " (currently in theaters), for which KDDI is a special sponsor. As part of this collaboration, they co-created "MY Imaginary Maker," an experiential content project utilizing generative AI.

Amid concerns about the imagination gap in an era where "anything can be looked up instantly" via the internet and cutting-edge technology, this initiative aims to let people experience firsthand that "human imagination can be expanded through the use of AI technology."

"MY Imaginary Maker" utilizes generative AI trained on Studio Ponoc's works to create original characters inspired by their films. By simply entering text describing the "appearance" of an imagined "imaginary friend," and selecting its "personality" and "activities they'd like to do together," users—from adults to children—can easily generate original characters reminiscent of those in the film "Raggedy Antique."

 

Example of a generated Imaginary

Additionally, a collaborative commercial titled "My Imaginary Companion" featuring characters created using generative AI has been airing nationwide since December last year. Original au Imaginary Companions, drawn by director Yoshiyuki Momose (director of "Raggedy in the Attic") based on results generated by the "MY Imaginary Maker," also appear in the commercial.

CM "My Imaginary"

The Process of Creating the Original Characters Featured in the Commercial

Director Momose's Hand-Drawn Imaginary

◼️The Movie " Raggy in the Attic "
The latest film from Studio Ponoc, whose first work "Mary and the Witch's Flower" was released in 150 countries and regions. The protagonist is Rajah, a boy born from the imagination of a girl named Amanda. What awaited him was the fate of an "Imaginari"—a being that vanishes when forgotten by humans. In dire straits, Rajah reaches the "Imaginari Town" where forgotten imaginings dwell. But Rajah and his companions' encounter marks the beginning of a grand adventure transcending reality and imagination, and a miracle of family.