One in 10 Japanese creatives see income fall due to generative AI

Cartoonist Mitsuru Yaku (center) and other executives of Freelance League of Japan announces their survey to reporters in Tokyo on Tuesday. More than one in 10 Japanese manga artists, illustrators and other creators say their income fell over the past year due to generative AI, according to a survey released Tuesday by a freelance advocacy group. According to the Freelance League of Japan, which studies working conditions for independent professionals, 12% of respondents reported a decline in earnings linked to generative AI. That includes 9.3% who said income fell by between 10% to 50%, as well as 2.7% who said their income has dropped by more than 50%. Among those who said their income had fallen, respondents cited being asked to accept shorter deadlines and lower fees on the assumption that AI would be used, or losing commissions altogether as clients opted to rely on generative AI instead. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.