Latest news with #JourneytotheWest
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Generative Video Pioneer Vidu Powers Honor 400 Series & Reimagines Journey to the West to Forge Blueprint for Next-Gen Original AI Studio
TOKYO, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vidu, the flagship product of ShengShu Technology and a leader in generative video, has launched two strategic initiatives that redefine creative production. A partnership with Honor to embed its advanced image-to-video AI technology into the Honor 400 Series smartphones, and a landmark IP deal with the epic 1999 Journey to the West anime. Together, these moves ignite the "smartphone-studio era", transforming consumer-grade devices into AI-powered creative hubs, while positioning generative platforms as engines for cultural IP origination. This accelerates Vidu's development of a proprietary IP catalog, reshaping ownership models and creative possibilities in the generative video landscape. Honor: Cinema-Grade Production in Every Hand The Honor 400 Series (launched May 28, 2025) integrates Vidu's multimodal Image-to-Video AI feature, enabling professional-grade video generation directly on consumer devices. Users instantly transform static images into cinematic videos, erasing traditional barriers between studio production and daily creativity as technology evolves from a "tool" to a seamlessly integrated "intelligent life companion." This leap, powered by Vidu's breakthrough in real-time, mobile-optimized processing, overcomes historical computational limits and shatters the bottleneck of high-load computing on smartphones. "In an AI landscape dominated by giants, our partnership with Honor validates a core belief: true innovation thrives," said Luo Yihang, CEO at ShengShu Technology. "Vidu's mobile-optimized architecture overcoming historical bottlenecks to deliver cinematic video generation on consumer devices, transforms smartphones from passive tools into proactive creative partners. This collaboration isn't just about technological integration, it's about democratizing studio-grade storytelling and redefining how humanity interacts with intelligent systems." Reimagining Iconic Cultural Intellectual Property for Modern Audiences Vidu is pioneering the long-term value of IP through co-creation, securing rights and embracing a cultural legacy. This marks a generative AI evolution, setting a blueprint for next-gen original content studios. Announced today at Vidu's Tokyo Global Talents Meetup, its Journey to the West partnership empowers the community to reimagine the legendary Monkey King -- a character whose influence spans from opera to Dragon Ball Z and 2024's Black Myth: Wukong, transforming the classic into a dynamic canvas for a timeless IP. As the feature rolls out on Vidu over the next several months, users will be able to upload a single photo of themselves and enjoy creatively reinterpreting the Monkey King through a modern lens. Vidu analyzes the photo and applies the distinct aesthetic of the 1999 'Journey to the West' anime art style to the user's likeness with high fidelity. The user can then select from a curated list of engaging, pre-defined plotline templates or scenarios that will result in a 16 second personalized video segment. For instance, in one template, Sun Wukong (The Monkey King) is conjuring many little monkeys to help with his chores. But he can be made to humorously interact with your digital likeness at the same time, and affix believable generated voiceovers and background music to the clip. "We're incredibly excited not only about this partnership, but about what it represents for the future of IP," said Luo Yihang, CEO at ShengShu Technology. "For the first time, generative AI isn't just powering creativity behind the scenes, but it's becoming a vehicle for ownership, worldbuilding, and reimagining beloved stories. Only now, with Vidu, we're proving that generative video platforms can do more than generate content. Vidu is building for creative co-ownership through strategic partnerships or even future acquisitions, which can help shape the next generation of cultural IPs." Vidu's Bold Moves to Ink Deals and Roll Out New Models These announcements follows the recent launch of Vidu's Q1 model, which introduced features that rival cinematic-grade visual effects. These include its First-to-Last Frame technology for seamless transitions between realistic and animated sequences, and industry-first AI sound effects that deliver high fidelity 48 kHz audio. In parallel, Vidu formed a strategic partnership with Lenovo to deploy its models across Lenovo hardware, advancing its push into consumer and professional ecosystems. And the company also secured a content deal to produce an AI animated series in partnership with Luo Yan and D.T. Carpenter's Aura Prods. Global Momentum Builds at Tokyo Meetup Vidu's Global Talents Meetup at J. F. Oberlin University showcased real impact. A Tokyo student noted, "Vidu allows me to create animation studio-quality clips alone. I'm even considering it for my graduation project." Independent animator Rou Shu Te Xiao and his Observer Paradox animation, made with Vidu, hit more than 3 million views by blending authentic Japanese aesthetics with cinematic detail. About ShengShu Technology Founded in March 2023, ShengShu Technology is a world-leading artificial intelligence company, specializing in the development of Multimodal Large Language Models. Driven by innovation, the company delivers cutting-edge MaaS and SaaS products that revolutionize creative production by enabling smarter, faster, and more scalable content creation. With its flagship video generation platform Vidu, ShengShu Technology's solutions have reached more than 200 countries and regions around the world, spanning fields including interactive entertainment, advertising, film, animation, cultural tourism, and more. To learn more about Vidu, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE ShengShu Technology Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Generative Video Pioneer Vidu Powers Honor 400 Series & Reimagines Journey to the West to Forge Blueprint for Next-Gen Original AI Studio
TOKYO, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vidu, the flagship product of ShengShu Technology and a leader in generative video, has launched two strategic initiatives that redefine creative production. A partnership with Honor to embed its advanced image-to-video AI technology into the Honor 400 Series smartphones, and a landmark IP deal with the epic 1999 Journey to the West anime. Together, these moves ignite the "smartphone-studio era", transforming consumer-grade devices into AI-powered creative hubs, while positioning generative platforms as engines for cultural IP origination. This accelerates Vidu's development of a proprietary IP catalog, reshaping ownership models and creative possibilities in the generative video landscape. Honor: Cinema-Grade Production in Every Hand The Honor 400 Series (launched May 28, 2025) integrates Vidu's multimodal Image-to-Video AI feature, enabling professional-grade video generation directly on consumer devices. Users instantly transform static images into cinematic videos, erasing traditional barriers between studio production and daily creativity as technology evolves from a "tool" to a seamlessly integrated "intelligent life companion." This leap, powered by Vidu's breakthrough in real-time, mobile-optimized processing, overcomes historical computational limits and shatters the bottleneck of high-load computing on smartphones. "In an AI landscape dominated by giants, our partnership with Honor validates a core belief: true innovation thrives," said Luo Yihang, CEO at ShengShu Technology. "Vidu's mobile-optimized architecture overcoming historical bottlenecks to deliver cinematic video generation on consumer devices, transforms smartphones from passive tools into proactive creative partners. This collaboration isn't just about technological integration, it's about democratizing studio-grade storytelling and redefining how humanity interacts with intelligent systems." Reimagining Iconic Cultural Intellectual Property for Modern Audiences Vidu is pioneering the long-term value of IP through co-creation, securing rights and embracing a cultural legacy. This marks a generative AI evolution, setting a blueprint for next-gen original content studios. Announced today at Vidu's Tokyo Global Talents Meetup, its Journey to the West partnership empowers the community to reimagine the legendary Monkey King -- a character whose influence spans from opera to Dragon Ball Z and 2024's Black Myth: Wukong, transforming the classic into a dynamic canvas for a timeless IP. As the feature rolls out on Vidu over the next several months, users will be able to upload a single photo of themselves and enjoy creatively reinterpreting the Monkey King through a modern lens. Vidu analyzes the photo and applies the distinct aesthetic of the 1999 'Journey to the West' anime art style to the user's likeness with high fidelity. The user can then select from a curated list of engaging, pre-defined plotline templates or scenarios that will result in a 16 second personalized video segment. For instance, in one template, Sun Wukong (The Monkey King) is conjuring many little monkeys to help with his chores. But he can be made to humorously interact with your digital likeness at the same time, and affix believable generated voiceovers and background music to the clip. "We're incredibly excited not only about this partnership, but about what it represents for the future of IP," said Luo Yihang, CEO at ShengShu Technology. "For the first time, generative AI isn't just powering creativity behind the scenes, but it's becoming a vehicle for ownership, worldbuilding, and reimagining beloved stories. Only now, with Vidu, we're proving that generative video platforms can do more than generate content. Vidu is building for creative co-ownership through strategic partnerships or even future acquisitions, which can help shape the next generation of cultural IPs." Vidu's Bold Moves to Ink Deals and Roll Out New Models These announcements follows the recent launch of Vidu's Q1 model, which introduced features that rival cinematic-grade visual effects. These include its First-to-Last Frame technology for seamless transitions between realistic and animated sequences, and industry-first AI sound effects that deliver high fidelity 48 kHz audio. In parallel, Vidu formed a strategic partnership with Lenovo to deploy its models across Lenovo hardware, advancing its push into consumer and professional ecosystems. And the company also secured a content deal to produce an AI animated series in partnership with Luo Yan and D.T. Carpenter's Aura Prods. Global Momentum Builds at Tokyo Meetup Vidu's Global Talents Meetup at J. F. Oberlin University showcased real impact. A Tokyo student noted, "Vidu allows me to create animation studio-quality clips alone. I'm even considering it for my graduation project." Independent animator Rou Shu Te Xiao and his Observer Paradox animation, made with Vidu, hit more than 3 million views by blending authentic Japanese aesthetics with cinematic detail. About ShengShu Technology Founded in March 2023, ShengShu Technology is a world-leading artificial intelligence company, specializing in the development of Multimodal Large Language Models. Driven by innovation, the company delivers cutting-edge MaaS and SaaS products that revolutionize creative production by enabling smarter, faster, and more scalable content creation. With its flagship video generation platform Vidu, ShengShu Technology's solutions have reached more than 200 countries and regions around the world, spanning fields including interactive entertainment, advertising, film, animation, cultural tourism, and more. To learn more about Vidu, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE ShengShu Technology Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The 9th International Festival of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Kicks off
CHENGDU, China, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 9 th International Festival of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is held from May 28 to June 3 at the Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park. Co-hosted by the Sichuan Provincial People's Government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, UNESCO, and the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO, the festival features nearly 600 representative intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items for exhibitions and performances. Centered on integrating ICH into modern life, it showcases innovative achievements in the fusion of traditional culture and technology, while fostering in-depth collaborations between ICH-branded intellectual properties (IPs) and related industries. A "Guest Country + Guest City" mechanism is introduced for the first time, with Malaysia serving as the guest country and Algiers (Algeria), Penang (Malaysia), Chiang Mai (Thailand), and Bari (Italy) as guest cities. The event gathers 400 participants, including ICH inheritors, scholars, government officials, and foreign diplomatic envoys stationed in China, representing over 60 countries and regions. A dedicated "Technology Empowering ICH" section is arranged this time, where 16 research institutions and tech enterprises will present over 30 interactive devices. Drawing inspiration from ICH items such as silk weaving and the folklore of Journey to the West, the exhibits have incorporated VR tours, culture-themed games and short videos, to give fresh life to traditions. Since its inception in 2007, the International Festival of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has been successfully held for eight consecutive sessions, establishing itself as a vital platform for showcasing heritage preservation achievements and facilitating cultural exchange. As the host city of the event, Chengdu has demonstrated equally remarkable accomplishments in local intangible cultural heritage preservation. Chengdu is home to 336 ICH items recognized at the city level or higher, including 25 national-level treasures. The city also has 382 officially certified ICH practitioners, with 21 of them holding the prestigious national-level master title. Statistics reveal that Chengdu holds over 260 cultural heritage events for the public every year, attracting 300,000 participants. These activities have triggered widespread public enthusiasm for preserving intangible cultural heritage. Now Chengdu has 14 special cultural districts featuring ICH, along with 227 traditional craft product lines. Together, they bring an annual economic value of 30 billion yuan and provide jobs for more than 50,000 local residents. The "Chengdu Handicraft" public brand has cumulatively generated over 400 million yuan in sales for heritage inheritors, demonstrating the tremendous commercial potential of ICH industrialization. Source: The Sichuan Provincial People's Government CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. Hou, Tel: 86-10-63074558Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dragon Ball: Goku's hidden name connects him to an ancient legend
Goku 's true name has a surprising origin that connects him to one of the greatest heroes in Asian mythology and that radically alters how fans view him. Even if you've been following Dragon Ball since the beginning, you might not be aware of the significance behind Goku's name. Though to most fans he's simply 'Goku,' or by his Saiyan name 'Kakarot,' there's a third name that hints at a far older and more mystical origin linked to ancient folklore. Goku's name and journey were based upon Journey to the West, one of the most significant texts in all of Chinese literature. Recognizing this mythic wellspring reveals that Goku is more than just an awesome ass kicker. He's a titan of historical contemplation, metaphysical inquiry, and the Buddhist notion of spiritual advancement. Goku's name isn't just 'Kakarot'—It comes from a mythic monkey king Long before Dragon Ball became an anime phenomenon, read all over the world, in dozens of languages, creator Akira Toriyama initially conceived it as a light-hearted, adventure-filled reboot of the Chinese epic Journey to the West. In that tale, one of the protagonists is the Monkey King, the legendary Sun Wukong . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Write Better, Work Smarter With This Desktop App Grammarly Install Now Undo In Japanese, his name transforms into Son Goku—the exact name Toriyama ultimately chose for his hero. So while Goku's birth name as a Saiyan is indeed Kakarot, his Earth name derives from another heroic figure who traveled, vanquished powerful foes, and searched for ultimate knowledge and enlightenment. What 'Son Goku' really means – A path to enlightenment In the Buddhist context, Son Goku 'awakened to emptiness' or 'aware of the void.' It's a magical gender-neutral name that conveys a path of self-discipline, calm, and empowerment. Just the spiritual adventure Goku is undertaking. This concept is evidenced beautifully in Goku's development across the course of Dragon Ball Super. The further he trains and the more powerful opponents he faces, he starts to realize that it's not only about learning to hit harder. It's about learning to master his emotions and stay cool in the heat of battle. That's what makes Goku's Ultra Instinct transformation so special. It signifies something deeper, both about Mario and the personal journey he's undertaken. Ultra instinct Goku: The true meaning of power and peace In the climax of Dragon Ball Super, Goku finally attains Perfected Ultra Instinct after the angel-in-training Merus gives his life for him. This moment, I assure you, is not motivated by anger or retribution, but rather by serenity and understanding. Goku doesn't go berserk. He achieves complete consciousness and mastery over his form, body, mind, even his feelings. Later, during the Granolah the Survivor Saga, Goku takes this even farther by fully mastering True Ultra Instinct . Just as important is the new suit's approach to Peter's emotions. As opposed to repressing them like the last suit, this new form combines his feelings with his strength. It's an enormous defining moment for Goku's character. He does not fight the way an untamed Saiyan or a raging broly fighter anymore. He fights in the manner of a cool-headed, clear-minded seasoned fighter trained in the ways of martial arts. This redefinition is actually well suited to fit the deeper historic meaning of Son Goku, which is essentially someone who attains enlightenment through strife, cultivation, and harmony. Goku's journey is a reflection of legendary hero journeys Goku's tale is replete with otherworldly skirmishes and enormous energy projectiles. At its core, it's the narrative of a fighter who becomes a more enlightened, serene individual the further he goes. Similar to Sun Wukong in Journey to the West, Goku, at first, is a dangerous, uncontrollable martial artist. Yet, through years of practice and maturity, Moore is not shy about showing the evolution of this character. He ultimately serves as the calming anchor that everyone else needs. Here's the kicker. Akira Toriyama had foreshadowed this from the beginning by naming him Son Goku. Goku's journey is a reflection of legendary hero journeys Goku's tale is replete with otherworldly skirmishes and enormous energy projectiles. At its core, it's the narrative of a fighter who becomes a more enlightened, serene individual the further he goes. Similar to Sun Wukong in Journey to the West, Goku, at first, is a dangerous, uncontrollable martial artist. Yet, through years of practice and maturity, Moore is not shy about showing the evolution of this character. He ultimately serves as the calming anchor that everyone else needs. Here's the kicker. Akira Toriyama had foreshadowed this from the beginning by naming him Son Goku. Goku's name and legacy continue to be important today for several reasons: Cultural Impact: Goku is a beloved character in anime and manga, representing strength and perseverance. His influence extends beyond Japan, reaching fans worldwide. Inspirational Themes: Goku's journey embodies themes of hard work, determination, and self-improvement. These themes resonate with audiences, encouraging them to strive for their goals. Iconic Status: As the main character of "Dragon Ball," Goku has become an icon in popular culture. His recognizable appearance and catchphrases have made him a staple in various media. Evolution of Character: Goku's character has evolved throughout the series, showcasing growth and development. Fans appreciate seeing his journey and the challenges he faces. Community and Fandom: The Goku fandom fosters a sense of community among fans. Discussions, fan art, and conventions celebrate his legacy, keeping his name alive. For fans of the series, this understanding brings a richer interpretation of Goku's character arc. For new fans who are just starting to watch Dragon Ball, it's the perfect introduction to let you know that this isn't your typical action-based anime. It's an incredibly pervasive, modern-day myth, that is nevertheless grounded in deep, ancient roots and powerful, dangerous themes. So the next time you see Goku power up, just keep in mind you're not just witnessing an epic battle you're witnessing an artistic triumph. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Journey to the West: Goku's Official Roots
Credits: ChatGPT Dragon Ball 's creator Akira Toriyama clearly based young Goku on the Chinese Monkey King from Journey to the West , not on Hindu myth. In 1984 Toriyama explicitly set out to adapt the classic tale of Sun Wukong . When Dragon Ball debuted later that year, the hero was even named Son Goku (孫悟空) – the same characters used for Sun Wukong. Goku's very design comes from the Monkey King: his tail, flying nimbus cloud and expanding power pole are direct lifts from Wukong's legend. Toriyama's wife notes he traveled to China in April 1984 to research this story. Importantly, none of Toriyama's published interviews or notes ever mention Hanuman . Officially, Goku was modeled on a Chinese folk hero, not on a Hindu deity. Hanuman, Sun Wukong and Goku shared traits: Strength, loyalty and flight In Hindu tradition, Lord Hanuman is the simian ideal – a monkey god famed for his immense strength and devotion . Hanuman is revered as the perfect combination of 'shakti' (strength) and 'bhakti' (devotion), and Indian scripture calls him 'the epitome of strength, courage, loyalty, selflessness and devotion'. Scholars point out that Sun Wukong may have been inspired by Hanuman. As Professor B. R. Deepak notes, Hanuman 'may have inspired one of the most important figures in Chinese folklore' – namely the Monkey King of Journey to the West . Likewise, one researcher bluntly calls Hanuman 'the Indian counterpart of Sun Wukong'. Both Hanuman and Wukong are mischievous monkey gods with superhuman powers and magical weapons. The themes of loyalty and humility also overlap: Hanuman is the devoted servant of Lord Rama, and Wukong eventually learns humility while protecting the Buddhist monk Xuanzang. These parallels help explain why Indian fans see Hanuman echoes in Goku. Goku's boyish innocence, bravery and quick temper all recall Hanuman's nature. For example, Goku bears a tail and flies on a cloud, much like Hanuman could fly and even carry mountains to save his friends. (In fact, Journey to the West explicitly connects Sun Wukong to Hanuman's legend and Buddhist pilgrimage to India) While Toriyama himself only credited Chinese myth, the symbolism overlaps. Goku's strength and selfless fighting for others resonate with Hanuman's valor and devotion, so the characters feel spiritually related even if created in different cultures. Still, fans have noted striking similarities between Goku and Hanuman. Both are monkey-themed heroes famed for superhuman strength, loyalty and humility. Like Hanuman who lifts a mountain to save Rama's army, Goku performs incredible feats (blowing up planets or lifting immense weights) using his power and ki. Both characters display gentle humility despite their might: Hanuman always pledges devotion to Lord Rama, and Goku is famously kind and forgiving – even sparing enemies after a fight. In spirit and personality, they are selfless protectors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Monkey symbolism: Goku's original design included a tail and a magic staff – just like Hanuman's prominent tail and the mace (gada) he carries. In Dragon Ball's story, young Goku even flies on a flying cloud (the Nimbus) and later learns to fly with energy, echoing Hanuman's legendary leap across the ocean. (In fact, Goku inherited these traits via Sun Wukong: Toriyama gave Goku the Monkey King's extending staff and cloud-flying ability) Strength and courage: Both heroes demonstrate boundless courage. Hanuman's tales show him smashing demons and mountains, while Goku repeatedly saves his world from villains by surpassing his limits. Their famed battles against evil reflect the same idea: good triumphs over evil through courage. Loyalty and humility: Hanuman is celebrated as the 'ultimate devotee,' and Goku likewise embodies devotion to family, friends, and even his wider world. He trains hard not for glory, but to protect others (even training villains like Vegeta so they won't harm Earth). He never brags – when crowned 'Greatest Warrior,' Goku simply thanks his friends and trains more. These humble traits resonate with Hanuman's self-effacing faith Dragon Ball in India: The Goku–Hanuman Connection In India, where Hanuman is beloved, many anime fans eagerly link Goku to their monkey god. Indian Dragon Ball fans often point out that Goku's very name (Gokū or 'Son Goku') echoes Hanuman's alternate names. Fan art and memes mix scenes of Goku with Hanuman hymns or imagery, and cosplayers sometimes pose Goku in Hanuman-like temple contexts. For instance, a common online view is simply that 'Hanuman is the Indian version of Wukong,' so Goku (basically Wukong) must share Hanuman's spirit. In practice, Goku displays many Hanumanic virtues: he's loyal to friends, never turns on his team, and is always cheerful and humble about his power – traits devotees admire in Hanuman. No official Dragon Ball material confirms a Hanuman link, but Indian audiences often feel it. As one Down to Earth profile noted, for most Indians 'Hanuman is the epitome of strength, courage, loyalty, selflessness and devotion,' qualities Goku frequently shows Indian reviewers and scholars enjoy noting this resonance even if unintended. Goku's battles for justice and his rural, pure-hearted upbringing feel familiar to Indian fans as a modern mythic journey. In short, while Toriyama drew from Chinese legend, many in India have happily embraced Goku as a kind of anime Hanuman – a heroic monkey whose strength serves selfless devotion just like their own god READ MORE: Goku vs Saitama: Clash of absolute power Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
