Kioxia Announces English Version of World’s First AI-Designed Manga
3.6.2020 12:30:00 EEST | Business Wire | Press release
Kioxia Corporation today announced that an English version of “PHAEDO,” a new manga created and designed by AI and human collaboration, inspired by the artistic style of manga legend Osamu Tezuka, will be released on June 3 as part of TEZUKA 2020, the first phase of Kioxia’s #FutureMemories brand campaign. PHAEDO, which debuted in February in Japanese comic magazine “Morning,” will be made available for English-language audiences on Kioxia’s TEZUKA 2020 website. PHAEDO is the world’s first1 international manga created through human collaboration, high-speed and large-capacity memory and advanced AI technologies.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005356/en/
"PHAEDO" (Graphic: Business Wire)
The process of developing PHAEDO involved using AI technology to generate the story and create the characters. As a first step, to learn the essence of Tezuka’s work and his characteristics as a writer, AI analyzed 130 manga episodes, written and drawn by Osamu Tezuka, including globally famous titles such as “Astro Boy” and “Black Jack”. Based on this analysis, the AI then generated 129 candidate storylines. As a next step, the AI studied 6000 images and applied transfer learning to generate visuals for the characters.
By analyzing Tezuka’s works, AI was able to generate the physical characteristics of new characters, outlines of new stories, after which illustrators hand-drew clothing and other Tezuka inspired details and writers added dialogue. The project team consisted of engineers from Kioxia, who optimize semiconductor fab productivity and product performance using AI technology, illustrators and writers from Tezuka Productions Co., and AI researchers from Keio University and Future University Hakodate.
PHAEDO is the story of a homeless philosopher and his robot bird, Apollo, who try to solve crimes in Tokyo in 2030. This marks the first time Tezuka’s work has been recreated in 30 years.
Kioxia launched its #FutureMemories campaign last October to commemorate the company’s rebranding as Kioxia. PHAEDO is one of the many ways Kioxia intends to change the world by pursuing the potential of memory to create new value with never-before-seen experiences.
For details about PHAEDO, including videos and interviews, please visit TEZUKA 2020 website.
Notes
1. As of June 3, 2020. Kioxia Corporation research.
About Kioxia
Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. The company pioneers cutting-edge memory solutions and services that enrich people's lives and expand society's horizons. Kioxia's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH™, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, automotive and data centers.
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005356/en/
Contact information
For more information
Sam Ghirardello (phone: +81-3-5427-7396, SGhirardello@webershandwick.com)
Satoshi Ito (phone: +81-3-5427-7309, SIto@webershandwick.com)
Weber Shandwick (Tokyo)
Natalie Telson (ntelson@webershandwick.com)
Weber Shandwick (New York)
Public Relations
Kota Yamaji (kioxia-hd-pr@kioxia.com
)
Kioxia Holdings Corporation
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
IFF Identifies Ten Consumer Moments Reshaping Food and Beverage Innovation in the GLP-1 Era27.10.2026 17:00:00 EET | Press release
IFF (NYSE: IFF)—a global leader in flavors, fragrances and health and biosciences, today launched its latest report, “GLP-1 Consumer Moments of Opportunity.” The report uncovers ten emerging consumer moments that reflect the changing needs of consumers using GLP-1 medications. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261026614988/en/ New report from IFF uncovers ten emerging consumer moments that reflect the changing needs of consumers using GLP-1 medications. “What GLP-1 users need from food and beverage products depends on the moment, and those needs can change many times throughout the day,” said Yuvraj Arora, president of IFF Taste. “The most successful innovations will be designed around the occasions that matter most to consumers, delivering the right balance of nutrition, enjoyment and functionality for each one. Understanding these moments can unlock entirely new avenues for innovation." While much of the indus
Phison Receives Micron Global Supplier Awards27.10.2026 16:00:00 EET | Press release
Phison Electronics (8299TT), a global leader in NAND flash controllers and storage solutions, is honored to announce that it was presented with Outstanding Supplier Performance Awards in the Semiconductor category and the Best in Quality – Assembly and Test categoryat the Micron Supplier Day 2026. The event, held in Boise, Idaho, United States was attended by top-level management of Micron and its suppliers, including Phison. The awards highlight our commitment to excellence in quality, innovation and collaboration with Micron, a global leader in semiconductor memory and storage. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261027158504/en/ Phison wins Outstanding Supplier Performance Award in Semiconductor category and the Best in Quality – Assembly and Test category at the Micron Supplier Day 2026 “Receiving our third Micron Supplier Award in a row is a tremendous honor and a testament to the strength of our partnership
Andersen Consulting Adds Collaborating Firm JKIT27.10.2026 15:30:00 EET | Press release
Andersen Consulting expands its digital and business transformation capabilities through a Collaboration Agreement with John Keells IT (JKIT), a Sri Lanka-based technology solutions provider. JKIT provides technology consulting and digital transformation services to organizations across multiple industries, including aviation, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and telecommunications. The firm’s capabilities span enterprise applications, cloud transformation, cybersecurity, data and analytics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent automation. Leveraging strategic relationships with leading technology providers, including SAP, Microsoft, Salesforce, Databricks, and AWS, JKIT helps organizations modernize their technology infrastructure, streamline operations, strengthen decision-making, and drive business growth. “Organizations today are looking to accelerate their digital and AI transformation and need practical ways to translate innovation into measurable busine
MUFG Investor Services Appoints McAllister Kirschner Chief Executive Officer27.10.2026 15:15:00 EET | Press release
MUFG Investor Services today announced the appointment of McAllister (Mac) Kirschner as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. John Sergides has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of MUFG Investor Services for health-related reasons. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261027545977/en/ McAllister (Mac) Kirschner Appointed Chief Executive Officer of MUFG Investor Services Kirschner has served as Chief Operating Officer of MUFG Investor Services since 2018, overseeing business and banking operations across public and private markets. He joined MUFG Investor Services in 2016 and previously served as Global Head of Relationship Management, bringing extensive knowledge of the business, its clients, and operations. Before joining MUFG Investor Services, Kirschner was a Managing Director in BlackRock’s Global Fund Services business, where he led teams responsible for shareholder servicing, fund administrati
FEINDEF 27 Has Already Booked 94% of Its Exhibition Space Seven Months Ahead of the Event27.10.2026 15:03:00 EET | Press release
The International Defence and Security Exhibition of Spain (FEINDEF 27) has booked 94% of its exhibition space for 18 to 20 May 2027 at IFEMA Madrid, reflecting strong demand and interest among companies and institutions across the sector. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261027170443/en/ Ángel Olivares, President of the Feindef Foundation Fundación Feindef announced the figure on Monday at the official presentation of the exhibition's fifth edition, held at Madrid's Rafael del Pino Auditorium. The fair is expected to cover more than 89,000 square metres, 46% more than in 2025. More than 746 exhibitors have been confirmed, up 19% on the previous edition. Of these, 37% are first-time participants and over 250 are international exhibitors, accounting for 33% of the total. The event will feature 14 international pavilions, strengthening its international reach as the defence and security industry gains prominence
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom