
Illustrators don’t need to worry about robots stealing their jobs — yet.
The artificial intelligence apocalypse looks like it’s a long way off, if this adorable illustration is any indication!
The tweet below was sent by a Japanese illustrator who goes by the Twitter handle @enpitsu, showing off the illustration abilities of artificial intelligence. In case you’re having a hard time figuring out just what you’re looking it, that’s what the AI produced when told to draw Asuka from Evangelion.
▼ “I recently made some AI that draws a picture when you give it a character name for a bit of fun, and this is the result it produced for Asuka.”
最近趣味でキャラクター名を与えたら絵を描いてくれる人工知能を作ってるんですが、アスカを描いてもらった結果がこれです pic.twitter.com/Wag6KPZCgB
— enpitsu (@enpitsu) March 5, 2016
Now, to be fair, that’s actually pretty good for someone just throwing around some code as a hobby! Even Google is still working on their image recognition software, so this is nothing to scoff at. On the other hand, we suspect it should make illustrators the world over feel a bit better about their job security.
The Japanese technology website NetLab also provided a bit more detail about how the AI works. @enpitsu apparently used Deep Learning and OpenCV (artificial intelligence and computer vision libraries) to find images of Asuka and then passed that information to Processing, a “flexible software sketchbook.” Basically, after being given a name, the software looks online for reference images and then attempts to draw the character.
However, most of the results are apparently still not very good — according to @enpitsu, the image of Asuka was the best produced so far.
Of course, @enpitsu’s own illustrations are considerably better — and here are a few for your enjoyment!
LORD of VERMILION IIIで描いたアレイスターのサンプルカードを頂きました pic.twitter.com/oVtuLX4fbm
— enpitsu (@enpitsu) April 26, 2014
背景をD3.js使って描くという試み(30秒ごとにくるくる変わります) https://t.co/XLBG1tfN3b pic.twitter.com/7rPjcPLMFx
— enpitsu (@enpitsu) November 14, 2015
Happy Halloween! pic.twitter.com/msW54tF0fl
— enpitsu (@enpitsu) October 31, 2013
We certainly look forward to seeing what else @enpitsu and the AI produce — hopefully the illustrator doesn’t create the technology that puts himself in the unemployment line!
And if you’re interested in the more human side of “robots,” you’ll be happy to know WORLD ORDER has a new video! Follow their lead, and you’ll be able to blend in when the robots decide to do more than just draw us…
Sources: Twitter/@enpitsu, NetLab
Featured image: Twitter/@enpitsu

AI website’s automatic anime character designs are cute, quick, and free for anyone to create
Random generation of anime characters by sophisticated AI programs is now so good, it’s unreal
Artificial intelligence crafts gorgeous anime sequences four times smoother than originals【Video】
Artistic Japanese website AI has a long way to go before it can appropriately rate user’s Pikachu pics
Free official Evangelion coloring book-style art released, fans share new looks for Asuka
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
The story of our reporter P.K. Sanjun’s heart attack
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Suspected yakuza member arrested for having frequent flyer mile account
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Starbucks Japan has a secret breakfast set…and a hack for when it sells out
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Video shows off hundreds of beautiful AI-created anime girls in less than a minute【Video】