Terry Ito Column Vol. 86: Can AI-processed photos make you look more handsome?

I asked an AI to enhance my photo to make me look more handsome. When I saw the result, I was embarrassed because I looked so good-looking. My skin is glowing, my eyes are wide open and I have a sharp look, and my chest is exposed—I look like a completely different person. I can't help but laugh at how this is the best photo of myself I've ever taken. I want to use it when renewing my passport or driver's license, though I doubt they'd allow it. If I ever get the chance to remarry, I'd like to use it as my profile picture for matchmaking. It might even be good for my funeral portrait. Just thinking about it is fun. Many of my acquaintances, especially the ladies, also use beauty filters and post them on Instagram. Sometimes the difference is surprising, but that's part of the charm. I can understand what my friend Nishikawa-chan, who I mentioned in this column the other day and has been on 157 blind dates, said: "The difference between the blind date photo and the person in real life is so great that I can't even think about going on a date."

AI-generated photos are interesting, but the increasing beauty obsession among young women is a bit worrying. It seems there's a phenomenon of photo editing worship where real photos are considered wrong, and edited faces are seen as correct. For women who are still forming their self-esteem, there's a time when they're very sensitive to the opinions of others. This generation is overly concerned with social media. Come to think of it, I remember not wanting to go to school if my hair wasn't right when I was younger. Amidst these worries, many people bring their AI-generated photos to cosmetic surgery clinics, hoping to achieve their ideal beautiful face. It seems that more and more people are identifying with filters and can only love edited faces. A young woman's heart is always complicated.

That said, there are many ways to enjoy AI-generated photos. I tried animating a photo of my deceased mother using AI. It was the first time I'd seen my mother move in decades. I looked at it again and again, and I couldn't help but sit up straight and tell her about my current situation. My beloved dog, Mukudon, even barked just like her, bringing back memories of running through the park in the rain. In a photo from a school trip to Nikko when I was in elementary school, I was able to laugh with my classmates again after a long time. That prompted me to call some friends to remember the names of people I'd forgotten, and we reminisced about the old days. Come to think of it, when I was a child, my mother often scolded me, saying, "Stop playing around and study." Now, I wish she would scold me again. If I had an AI mom, she would scold me. All the nagging she used to say—about wasting money, washing your hands and gargling before meals, not eating cake every morning—would surely make me happy now. I thought I'd never see her again until I went to heaven.

I'm strongly against using AI in war, but I'm all for it if it's used to make life more enjoyable and fulfilling. Ultimately, the outcome of war and peace depends on the hearts of the people using AI. Cultivating one's character is a matter of human strength. If you don't live your life properly, your mother will get angry.

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