An AI-generated novel that won top honors in a Japanese literary contest has had its future projects scrapped, after its use of AI clashed with newly enforced rules.
As reported by Automaton, the novel claimed both the Grand Prize and Reader’s Choice award in a contest run by AlphaPolis, a Japanese publishing company.
The novel was initially set to receive a physical book release and a manga adaptation, but the publishing company later confirmed those plans had been cancelled after it was determined the novel was largely generated using AI.
While the title will remain listed as a prize winner, the publisher said it now conflicts with updated contest rules that prohibit AI-generated submissions.
AI novel has awards taken away
According to the author, the cancellation of the publication and manga adaptation is not being viewed negatively. In comments shared after the decision, they said the situation has instead made them feel “freer and newer,” adding that they want to continue creating works that people see as something that can only be made “in collaboration” with AI.
As AI tools become more sophisticated, publishers and contest organizers are increasingly forced to define how much AI assistance is acceptable, a line that is becoming harder to detect and enforce.
AI tools are already being used behind the scenes across Japan’s entertainment industries, from helping authorities track manga and anime piracy to prompting game studios to change how they hire artists, including asking applicants to draw live during interviews to prove their work is human-made.
Despite those restrictions, AI-driven content continues to find commercial success. On January 6, 2026, we reported how an AI-generated manga managed to top the rankings of one of Japan’s biggest e-book websites.
