iai Takes Charge of AI Video Production for KDDI x NewsPicks "Shimauma Gekijō" with 700 Million Total Views

iai Corporation (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Toshizumi Tsuboi; hereinafter "iai") was responsible for producing video cuts using generative AI for "Shimauma Gekijō," a vertical short drama account jointly operated by KDDI Corporation and Uzabase, Inc., which develops "NewsPicks."

"Shimauma Gekijō" is an account that distributes business short dramas called "BizDra," launched in October 2024, and is distributed on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and X. As content that delivers business insights and hints for the future hidden in everyday life through drama, it has recorded a cumulative total of 700 million views.

iai played a role in visualizing cuts that were difficult to film in live-action due to safety and compliance constraints, using generative AI technology for this program. Starting with the Valentine's Day project distributed in February 2026, iai produced a total of 8 AI video cuts across 3 works, including 2 works distributed in March.

Background: The Challenge of "Wanting to Shoot But Can't" in Short Drama Production

Vertical short dramas require impactful visual expressions to attract viewers' attention in a short time. However, in actual production, it is often difficult to film desired scenes in live-action due to various constraints.

For example, in scenes of traffic accidents or disasters, ensuring the safety of actors and staff is paramount. Also, in studio houses, filming involving food scattering or lingering odors may be prohibited, and in corporate projects, consideration may be required depending on the creative direction when depicting the wasteful handling of actual food or objects. Even in productions involving runaway home appliances, there are concerns about damage to sets and equipment, as well as safety.

iai addresses these creative constraints and expands expressive options by realizing "scenes that you want to shoot but can't" through generative AI technology.

AI Video Production Achievements: Full Work List

Shimauma Gekijō Vol.199 "Isn't Valentine's Day Special?"

Release Date: February 11, 2026 (Wed) | Number of AI Cuts: 1 cut

iai's first participating work. An AI-produced cut depicting "a mother-in-law throwing a bowl of chocolate onto the floor." This AI video was used to express a scene that would be difficult to film live due to restrictions on food scattering in studio houses and the need for creative consideration in major corporate projects.

Watch Video

Shimauma Gekijō Vol.214 "Grandma, look out!"

Release Date: March 18, 2026 (Wed) | Number of AI Cuts: 3 cuts

Three AI-produced cuts depicting "a scene where a man on a bicycle is hit by a car in a traffic accident." AI was used to visualize a traffic accident scene where consideration for actor safety was necessary.

Watch Video

Shimauma Gekijō Vol.216 "Don't create a natural disaster in the house!"

Release Date: March 23, 2026 (Mon) | Number of AI Cuts: 4 cuts

"A cut of curry erupting from a rice cooker."

"A cut of a curry pot falling to the floor and curry splattering."

"A cut of a washing machine rumbling loudly and shaking violently."

"A cut of a rainbow appearing in splashing water in the sink."

A total of 4 cuts were produced by AI. AI video was used to realize productions involving damage to sets and equipment, and special effects with safety risks.

iai's Role and Value Proposition

In "Shimauma Gekijō," iai visualizes scenes that are difficult to achieve in live-action using generative AI technology, such as:

Ensuring actor safety

Reproducing dangerous scenes like traffic accidents and vehicle collisions with AI without risk to actors.

Compliance response

Realizing depictions that might suggest food waste by generating with AI instead of using actual food.

Filming environment constraints

Replacing productions involving scattering, contamination, or damage that are prohibited in studio houses with AI video.

Realization of special effects

Generating visuals that are difficult to reproduce in live-action, such as rampaging home appliances and rainbow effects.

Through these efforts, AI video has become an example of application not only for "unrealistic expressions" but also for "realistic expressions that are difficult to film."

Future Outlook

iai will continue to support video production using generative AI technology in "Shimauma Gekijō" and other video content.

We will contribute to the evolution of content production by proposing new forms of video production that expand creative possibilities while resolving safety and compliance constraints.

About iai Corporation

iai Corporation is a creative tech company that supports video production and AI utilization using generative AI.

We support corporate content production and AI utilization through generative AI-powered video and other content production, prompt design, and production workflow construction support.

Company Name

iai Corporation

Representative Director

Toshizumi Tsuboi