Kyushu National Museum admits generative AI used in Himiko's Mirror poster

The episode began in July, when the Kyushu National Museum explained its poster choice to Sanyo Shimbun. It said the selection prioritized elements such as being eye-catching and standing apart from past museum posters, and that the designer and illustrator had asked to remain unnamed. At that time, the museum also stated plainly that generative AI was not used at all and that everything was drawn by an illustrator.

On September 17, the museum reported that generative AI had in fact been used in part of the poster and flyer illustrations for "Himiko's Mirror." Because it had earlier answered an outside inquiry by saying AI was not used, it issued an apology to those it had given incorrect information to.

What the museum has not yet made clear is how much of the artwork involved AI, or who made the decision to describe the work as entirely illustrator-drawn. The stakes here hinge on whether the museum provides a fuller account of the AI's role, since its credibility with reporters and visitors may depend on closing the gap between its July statement and its September admission.