Japanese Author Wins Akutagawa Prize Using AI to Write 5% of Award-Winning Novel
Rie Kudan, a Japanese author, received the prestigious Akutagawa prize for her novel, The Tokyo Tower of Sympathy. During her acceptance speech, Kudan confessed to utilizing AI, specifically the chatbot ChatGPT, to write approximately five percent of her book verbatim. She acknowledged that she often shared her inner thoughts with the program and found inspiration in its responses.
The Tokyo Tower of Sympathy is set in a futuristic version of Japan where AI is an integral part of daily life. The story revolves around an architect who confronts challenges in a society that is overly sympathetic to criminals, having designed a comfortable high-rise prison.
The judges praised Kudan’s work, describing it as flawless and prompting debates on how to interpret it. Shuichi Yoshida, a member of the judging committee, commended the novel’s high entertainment value and thought-provoking nature.
However, the use of AI in creative industries has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that it could potentially undermine originality and result in mass-produced content generated by algorithms. In the United States, the Writers Guild of America initiated a prolonged strike due in part to concerns about the impact of AI on the industry. The unions feared that studios would employ AI to produce initial script drafts, subsequently hiring screenwriters at reduced rates to polish them.
Prominent authors, including Salman Rushdie, have criticized AI’s impact on creativity. Rushdie reportedly dismissed the results when asked to imitate his writing style, deeming them pure garbage. He emphasized that anyone familiar with his work would immediately recognize the stark difference.
Despite the controversy, Kudan’s recognition highlights the growing symbiosis between AI and creative endeavors. This development raises questions about the future of artistic expression and the role AI will play in shaping it.
In conclusion, Rie Kudan’s award-winning novel, The Tokyo Tower of Sympathy, incorporates AI-generated content as an integral part of its narrative. This acknowledgment of AI’s influence provides valuable insight into the evolving relationship between technology and creativity. The novel’s success serves as a catalyst for ongoing discussions surrounding the potential impact of AI on the artistic landscape.
