Terry Ito Column Vol.52 "Shimamura" AI model Runa-chan is very popular

Shimamura Fashion Center's AI model, Runa, is becoming incredibly popular. Despite being an AI model, she has been appointed as the Saitama Prefectural Police's Cybersecurity Public Relations Officer, raising awareness of cybersecurity measures among a wide range of generations. While this might be understandable in the entertainment industry, an offer from the police is a major surprise! She's clearly fully established. Looking at her profile again, she's 20 years old, lives in a family of four (her parents and older sister), dreams of becoming a fashion model, has a special skill in finding cute things, and enjoys showing off her fashion coordination to her family. She's also garnering support online, with comments like "Runa's so cute," "Her smile is captivating," and "I want to look like her." Apparently, she even has a fan club. The clothes worn by Runa in the ad are also selling well. Shimamura, which came up with the idea, is probably pretty pleased with themselves.

Thankfully, AI models don't cause scandals. They don't end up in Shukan Bunshun articles for hanging out with men. They don't make gaffes online that spark outrage. In today's world, real-life idols never know when they might encounter a scandal as soon as they step out of the house, so it's a world where you can't be completely safe. In that respect, Runa doesn't tarnish the company's image.

This popularity has caught the attention of other companies. Alcoholic beverage manufacturers, swimwear and lingerie manufacturers, and sportswear companies are all planning to use it as a highlight this summer. In the 80s and 90s, companies competed to use promising female talents in their commercials, but with the times, companies have become hesitant to use commercials that aim to highlight women's sexiness. However, for some reason, women are more tolerant of AI models.

However, it's not all good news. AI models are taking jobs away from humans. Recently, I spoke with a longtime gravure idol, who told me with a carefree smile, "I can't make a living from gravure alone, so I work part-time at an izakaya. It's strange, but the number of men who prefer AI to real people is definitely increasing." This means that not only female AI models, but male AI models too, will undoubtedly become popular. If that happens, it's only a matter of time before women turn their attention away from real men and instead shift their attention to AI models. It's still fresh in our memory that during the boom in Korean dramas, starring Bae Yong-jun as Yon-sama, the star of the Korean drama "Winter Sonata," a huge Korean drama boom occurred, with men all over Japan ignoring them.

Maybe there will be another uproar. In fact, the generative AI revolution is already happening like a tectonic shift among Generation Z. In this situation, it's no time to look at Runa-chan from Shimamura. I'll go find an AI madam that suits my taste. I wonder where she is.

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry