Legendary Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano, speaking through a translator at Anime Expo, has argued that artificial intelligence cannot replace human creativity because "AI cannot create zero to one" — meaning only humans can conjure something original from nothing. While he regards AI as a tool rather than an enemy, his comments matter as generative AI reshapes creative industries and reignites debate over the value of hand-drawn work.

Amano's philosophy underpins ZAN, a new hand-drawn animated miniseries he is developing with a Los Angeles production office and a Japanese studio, based on his 2013 illustrated novel. He frames imperfections as evidence of humanity and suggests younger viewers may experience traditional animation as fresh "new media" rather than nostalgia. Company CEO Hiroaki Ikegami said the project will take roughly two to three years, a typical timeline for hand-drawn work. Amano also mused that ZAN — renamed from "Deva Zan" and evoking a blade's slash — might suit an opera adaptation, and stressed that he seeks to express rather than instruct audiences.