Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 has been loved and praised for its animation not only in Japan, but also throughout the world. Though it is still going on, its depiction of the Shibuya Incident arc has been a perfect recreation of its manga. With each upcoming episode being better than the previous one, we cannot help but appreciate the real artists of MAPPA studio working tirelessly behind it. However this animation quality is followed by the controversies surrounding the harsh reality of the animators. In this article we will explore the complete timeline of the animation Staff controversy of MAPPA studio.
Epic animation efforts in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2
Episodes post the 33rd, where Gojo Satoru is sealed, showcase exceptional animation. Notably, the 39th episode which featured Toji Fushiguro overpowering the special-class cursed spirit through necromancy. While the 40th episode portrayed a fierce battle between the special-class cursed spirit Ryugo and Sukuna. Both of these episodes were exceptional enough to raise the bar for TV anime with their stunning action sequences.
Production woes of MAPPA Studio
While the praises for animation of JJK was trending throughout the world, a collective meltdown occurred on Twitter. Animators, facing a production crash and grueling working conditions, took to social media to express their discontent. According to these tweets, the staff were requesting a delay, but the production committee denied it, leading to episodes being completed mere hours before airing.
Despite assurances that Episode 17 would maintain quality, concerns were raised about subsequent episodes. Delays were deemed challenging due to the complex network of production committee parties, including TOHO and Sheuisha, each with its own agenda and costs.
Twitter meltdown
In the month of September MAPPA was also accused by some of his employees for being forced to sign an NDA. Several MAPPA animators in now deleted tweets, complained about the unnecessary NDA being the compulsion on them to prevent any kind of leaks about the production process.
みんなは俺みたいなクズじゃないから、みんなの言う同情や励みが本心からのものだろうとは分かるが、納得のいかないものを世に出してしまった直後にそういうのは逆に効くので、今はただ…そっとしといて欲しい。
今後の仕事で巻き返す。それまでは大作を汚した最低アニメーターとして生きる。— 貞元北斗 Hokuto. S (@azureoekaki) October 26, 2023
On October 27th A key employee of MAPPA animation posted her grievances about working as an animator in this Studio, which included the complaints against MAPPA for making their animators feel undervalued and insulted towards their own work.
普通に考えたら到底間に合わせられないスケジュールをスタッフ全員が地獄を見ながら何とか完成させて、その結果だけ見た上の人たちが「なんだかんだ言って出来んじゃん！」と勘違いして改善を怠る最悪の循環
始まりは4ヶ月で映画を一本完成させてしまったことなんだろうな…— ホネほね (@Hone_honeHONE) November 11, 2023
Recently, Mr. Hone Hone, contributing to the original drawing for the same story, accused the staff of perpetuating a vicious cycle by adhering to schedules that would normally be impossible to meet in time.
Controversial working conditions
会社の名前で褒めてるのは不快だが見えてる範囲で言えば社内の制作、撮影は逃れようのない状況でめちゃくちゃ作品に貢献してる踏ん張り、働きをしているので感謝しなきゃいけない
— も (@vflmsppe) November 14, 2023
Itsuki Tsuchigami on X with the username @vflmsppe on X who is the storyboard and director for the 40th episode of Jujutsu Kaisen has been complaining about the studio’s toxic environment since months, and now that the controversy has risen, he is reposting all of his old tweets to create awareness. He discreetly criticized the unrealistic schedule provided by the company. He emphasized that the praise given at his work should be redirected to the staff on-site (animation team), highlighting the challenges faced by them.
MAPPA’s industry standing and internal struggles
Since its inception, MAPPA has gained popularity as being the fastest growing Japanese anime studio ever, however due to its controversies it is now facing the criticism by its fans over its treatment of animators. Despite delivering hit series like Attack on Titan: The Final Season and Jujutsu Kaisen, reports suggest that the studio’s staff may not be reaping the full benefits of these successes. The disconnection between studio success and staff satisfaction raises concerns about industry practices.
International backlash and criticisms
Animate in MAPPA Studio? What for? Have you seen the controversies that this studio is currently involved in? It's the kind of controversy that Studio Bones will never be involved in. MAPPA massacres its animators
— AF Silva (@Antonio82327094) July 26, 2021
The controversy has flown beyond Japan, particularly among international anime enthusiasts. While Japanese anime fans may be accustomed to challenging animator labor conditions, overseas fans, known for their strong respect for animators, research the situation. The anime’s global popularity, especially abroad, intensified criticisms against MAPPA, the production studio.
Users on international platforms expressed sentiments like studios mistreating animators being unworthy of gratitude and expressed hopes for improved industry treatment.
Conclusion
MAPPA Studio is still in its growing phase as an animation Studio. Engaging in such controversial acts will not only reduce the company’s goodwill but also threaten its future. We as fans would never want to be entertained by its content if such harsh working conditions are involved behind the scenes. The growing discontent among its staff will only lead to reduction in its reputation, thus it is important that MAPPA addresses this situation as soon as possible.
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