KADOKAWA and Hatena Jointly Develop AI Novel Editor RIKU
RIKU's positioning as an editing support tool rather than a ghostwriter, with a clear policy against using user works for AI training, directly addresses the ongoing debate over generative AI in creative fields, a stance that could set a precedent for how publishers approach AI-assisted writing.
Key Facts
- KADOKAWA and Hatena announced the joint development of RIKU, an AI-powered novel writing support service, on July 30, 2026.
- Applications for the closed beta test are open until 23:59 on Monday, August 17, for people aged 18 and over.
- RIKU does not generate text itself but supports authors through dialogue, helping with character and worldview construction, idea organization, and proofreading.
- Works created or input by users on RIKU will not be used for AI learning.
- The closed beta test will be available on Windows, Mac, smartphones, and tablets.
Reporting from 2 sources: ASCII.jp, KAI-YOU.
KADOKAWA and Hatena announced the joint development of RIKU, an AI-powered novel writing support service, and opened applications for a closed beta test. The application period runs until 23:59 on Monday, August 17, and is open to people aged 18 and over who are writing novels or want to write in the future. RIKU is designed not to have generative AI write the work itself, but to support the author through dialogue, helping with character and worldview construction, idea organization, and proofreading and editing. The service operates under the theme "You write the story. A partner by your side," positioning the AI as a companion that listens and helps organize thoughts, while the user remains the main entity writing the story and text. Works created or input by users on the service will not be used for AI learning, addressing concerns about training data. The development combines KADOKAWA's editorial expertise, gained through dialogue with authors, with Hatena's experience in user-generated content services like Hatena Blog. The two companies previously collaborated on the web novel site Kakuyomu since 2016. The closed beta test will be available on Windows, Mac, smartphones, and tablets, and a free Google account is required to apply.
KADOKAWA operates the service, with Hatena handling development. The two companies have worked together on the web novel site Kakuyomu since 2016, and have also developed the subscription service Kakuyomu Next. Hatena is applying its experience in prototype-driven development using AI to the project. RIKU supports each step of creation, not only expanding story ideas but also considering structure and consulting when progress stalls during writing. After a work is completed, the service provides proofreading, review, and feedback. The AI is designed as a companion that listens to the user and helps them continue their work. The application process includes a waitlist. If there are many applicants, they will be placed on a waitlist and notified in order. Winners will be notified by KADOKAWA of the participation method and test period. A free Google account is required to apply. KADOKAWA brings editorial expertise in plot organization, character design, structure confirmation, and revision support, developed through dialogue with authors. Hatena contributes its know-how in building user-generated content services such as Hatena Blog. The approach treats the human as the main creator, with AI acting as an editor-like companion, a direction ASCII.jp notes is likely to draw attention as a new path for novel writing tools.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.