Hajime Isayama, creator ofAttack on Titan, is stepping into controversial territory with his latest collaboration. Partnering with Yuki Kaji, the Japanese voice actor for Eren Yeager, Isayama has contributed original illustrations to Kaji’s ambitious AI-driven project,Soyogi Fractal. The move has sparked mixed reactions, and while some applaud the innovation, others question its implications.
Soyogi Fractalaims to merge human artistry with AI technology, according toPR Times, offering a creative experiment that blends voice acting with digital tools. While the concept has a forward-thinking appeal, many anime fans are uneasy. Concerns range from ethical debates over AI use in art to whether this collaboration aligns with the spirit of Isayama’s past work.
A High-Tech Collaboration With Big Dreams
For the upcomingSoyogi EXPOevent in March 2026, Isayama has drawn new illustrations featuring Eren Yeager alongside the project’s mascot, Bon Soyogi. Additional artwork depicts Bon in alternate poses, which will be turned into exclusive merchandise for crowdfunding supporters. These include T-shirts, hoodies, acrylic boards, and postcards.
The crowdfunding campaign, hosted on Japan’s CAMPFIRE platform, has already raised over 14 million yen toward its 15 million yen goal. A special high-tier reward even offers a single supporter the chance to commission Isayama for a one-of-a-kind Soyogi Bon illustration based on a custom prompt.
This is not Isayama’s first involvement withSoyogi Fractal. Earlier in 2025, he provided storyboards for a one-shot manga tied to the project, boosting magazine sales significantly. That prior success may have inspired this deeper collaboration, despite the project’s polarizing reception among fans.
The Promise and Peril of AI-Driven Creativity
Kaji describesSoyogi Fractalas a revolutionary multimedia initiative using CeVIO AI software to transform his voice into a versatile tool. He envisions the character Bon Soyogi appearing everywhere, from public announcements to themed attractions, comparing his ambitions to Walt Disney’s. TheSoyogi EXPOis positioned as a pivotal step toward that future.
However, the road hasn’t been smooth. An earlier AI app linked to the project shut down within a year due to creative disagreements between the development team and the operating company. This setback has fueled skepticism among fans already wary of AI’s role in creative industries.
Critics argue thatAI-driven art risks diluting the human touch that defines anime and manga. While Isayama’s involvement adds prestige, some see it as an endorsement of a technology that could one day replace rather than complement human artists. For manyAttack on Titanand anime fans, the collaboration represents both a bold leap forward, and a troubling sign of where the industry might be headed.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titanis a globally successful manga and anime franchise created by Hajime Isayama. The story is set in a world where humanity lives inside walled cities, threatened by giant humanoid creatures called Titans. The series follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they fight to uncover the truth about the Titans and the world. First serialized in 2009, the franchise has expanded into anime series, films, video games, novels, and live-action adaptations.
