The fourth season of “Ascendance of a Bookworm” was heavily criticized a few days ago because of the clearly visible use of artificial intelligence, which now prompted the responsible studio WIT to issue a statement.
Studio improves
Those responsible stated that due to the negative audience response, the production process was reviewed – especially with regard to the opening video. It became clear that the background images of a scene in the first episode were created using generative AI.
In response, the corresponding backgrounds have now been recreated and the opening from the second episode onwards has been replaced by a revised version.
It goes on to say that as the production company of “Ascendance of a Bookworm” we would like to sincerely apologize to all fans, the original author Miya Kazuki and everyone else involved. At the same time, it was made clear that neither the art director nor the external studio Nam Hai Art, which was involved in creating the opening, were involved in the processes mentioned.
The incident was due to internal weaknesses in production management and control processes at WIT Studio. The company is therefore planning to revise its own production guidelines and optimize the testing mechanisms in order to avoid a repetition.
WIT Studio stated that it will continue to keep a close eye on new technologies in video production. However, they want to stick to the current course: the use of generative AI in their own works is still prohibited – only the test project “The Dog and the Boy” is an exception.
The fourth season of “Ascendance of a Bookworm” has been running in the original language with German subtitles on Crunchyroll in the simulcast in this country since April 4, 2026.
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Via Studio WIT
© Miya Kazuki, TO Books / Ascendance of a Bookworm Production Committee