Few would argue that anime’s unreal world-building and out-of-the-world stories have enthralled audiences worldwide. Yet, the dazzling spectacle on screen often masks a harsher reality of anime production for those who bring these stories to life – the animators. The anime industry, for all its creative brilliance, has long been plagued by a culture of “sweat and sacrifice,” where grueling hours, exploitative contracts, and meager pay are seen as the price of admission for aspiring artists.
The Grindhouse: Anime’s traditional “Sweat and Sacrifice” culture
Imagine toiling away for months, fueled by instant ramen and sheer willpower, to meet impossible deadlines. This is the reality for many animators in traditional studios, forced to endure “crunch time” – periods of intense, round-the-clock work often lasting weeks or even months.
- A 2019 survey by the Japanese Animation Creators Association found that over 70% of animators worked more than 100 hours of overtime per month, with some clocking in at a staggering 230 hours per month.
This relentless grind takes a toll on both physical and mental health, leading to burnout, depression, and even chronic health problems.
Exploiting passion: Profit over people in the animation mill
The passion of young artists is often exploited in the anime industry. Lured by the dream of seeing their creations come to life, many accept low wages and precarious contracts, sometimes as low as $9,000 per year, barely enough to cover basic living expenses in expensive cities like Tokyo. This financial vulnerability leaves them at the mercy of studios, who can dictate workloads and deadlines with little regard for their well-being.
Case Study: The MAPPA maelstrom – Animator voices spark an uproar
The case of MAPPA, a rising animation studio responsible for popular titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan, serves as a stark example of this unsustainable system. Recently, reports have surfaced of animators working on Attack on Titan’s final season for months without proper breaks, receiving significantly lower pay than promised, and facing immense pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines.
- In 2016, MAPPA’s founder had already left the studio due to conflicts over the work culture.
- In a recent interview, Chansard Vincent (who animated the significant scenes involving Sukuna vs Mahoraga in JJK season 2) also talked about the harsh conditions behind the animated scenes, saying that he will never work for the MAPPA Studio again.
With many of the key animators leaving MAPPA due to huge work pressure, MAPPA Studio had to delay significant episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2.
Beyond work pressure: MAPPA’s ultimate torture
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
Translation: “Everyone is not trash like me, so I know that everyone’s sympathy and encouragement must be from the bottom of my heart, but right after releasing something that I’m not satisfied with, that kind of thing will have the opposite effect, so for now, I’m just …I want you to leave me alone. I will make up for it in my future work. Until then, I will live my life as the worst animator who has ruined a masterpiece.”
Well, the issues do not just end at the work pressure or unrealistic timeline, some animators have also complained about being degraded and insulted at the workplace for not meeting the Studio’s expectations. Such employees are led to believe that they are worthless, causing irreparable damage to their self-esteem. These revelations sparked outrage across the industry and ignited a wave of animator activism. Social media platforms became battlegrounds where animators shared their harrowing experiences, exposing the human cost behind the dazzling visuals.
Animation concerns in other countries
While one may assume that Anime is limited to Japan or that the issue of underpaid employees may not exist in other countries, it is a complete myth. In 2022, the Animators of Nickelodeon unionized against the production company to collectively voice their opinion against the low pay scale. As per the animators, Nickelodeon was taking advantage I’d their passion because the staff loved animating. The situation highlights that undermining animators is a worldwide issue.
Breaking the chains: A rising tide of animator advocacy
But amidst the turmoil, a tide of hope is rising. Animators are no longer accepting the status quo. Online forums and communities like the Japanese Animator’s Creative Association have been conducting surveys and research among the animators to publish the ground reality of the anime industry through their reports. Social Media like Twitter and Twitch have become a platform for animators to speak out against anime corporations and a place for them to get solidarity and support.
The rebellion against traditional anime industry practices is backed by walkouts. Petitions are becoming increasingly common, with animators refusing to be complicit in exploitative practices. The internet has been the most important factor in amplifying animator’s voices and concerns and giving them the reach to be heard by a global audience.
Dawn of a New Era: can animator voices reshape the landscape of anime production?
Amidst the growing chorus of animator voices, a glimmer of hope shines through. The winds of change are stirring, and the possibility of a new era dawns. Could the industry be on the cusp of a revolution, where sustainable practices and artist well-being take center stage?
The rise of Indie Studios: A beacon of hope for sustainable practices
Independent studios are stepping into the light, blazing a trail towards a brighter future. Unburdened by the constraints of traditional power structures, these studios are free to experiment with innovative approaches and prioritize ethical practices.
- Recently the director of MAPPA, Ryu Nakayama (Responsible for directing Chainsaw Man) confirmed parting ways with the studio and starting his own animation production house, Andraft Co. Ltd.
- Another inspiring example is Yusuke Murata’s Studio Village, founded by the renowned artist behind One Punch Man.
Their decision to create a new Studio may have arisen out of their experience in the anime industry. This bold vision shows that high-quality anime can coexist with respect for the human cost.
Redefining success: Shifting focus from quantity to quality
The traditional anime industry often prizes quantity over quality. Which includes churning out episode after episode in a relentless pursuit of profit. This model prioritizes short-term gain at the expense of long-term sustainability, both for studios and creators.
Fortunately, the tide is turning. Artists like Yusuke Murata, are pioneering a new approach. These new studios are prioritizing slower production cycles, smaller but highly skilled teams, and a focus on creator well-being. This shift offers the potential for higher-quality animation, greater creative freedom, and a healthier industry overall.
Challenges and crossroads: The road to a reshaped anime landscape
He searched for freedom and thought it was strength
Repeating the cycle of abuse, never questioning the system
Only once his ambition comes crashing down will he be free
See you next week. pic.twitter.com/HAIgJpS93t— Chansard Vincent (@Sparkleredpanda) September 10, 2023
However, the path to a utopian anime industry is not completely feasible. Profit is crucial for any organization’s survival, whether it belongs to the anime industry or not. Balancing passion with profit remains a critical hurdle. Studios face immense pressure to deliver popular content in a competitive market with a demanding fan base. To keep up with the everlasting competition, the Studios keep returning to the age-old practices of exploitation.
Rebuilding trust after years of neglect is another obstacle. Animators rightly bear the scars of past injustices, making them understandably cautious about promises of change and completely blacklisting exploitative anime Studios like MAPPA.
Independent studios and the seeds of revolution
この度株式会社Andraft(アンドラフト)を設立いたしました。 より良いアニメーション制作体制を確立し、広く世界に向けてクオリティの高い作品を届けることを目指します。 様々なジャンルに分け隔てなくチャレンジし、新たな可能性を拓いていきたいと思います。 応援のほど宜しくお願い致します！…
— 中山竜/Ryu Nakayama (@r_nkym_) January 6, 2024
The winds of change in the anime industry are blowing not just from outside, but also from within. A fascinating phenomenon is emerging: the rise of independent studios founded by veterans from established giants. These studios are driven by a desire for creative freedom and ethical practices. They are like seeds planted in the fertile ground of animator discontent, ready to blossom into a new kind of anime landscape.
As per the 2022 Anime Industry Report, it was found that the number of new anime studios established in Japan has tripled since 2017. This is possibly the consequence of many staffed by experienced animators seeking autonomy and better working conditions. This surge aligns perfectly with the demands of a new generation of animators, who prioritize work-life balance and fair compensation over prestige and high salaries.
The future of anime
The potential impact of these independent studios is immense. They offer a glimpse into a future where anime is not just about profit, but also about artistic expression and creator well-being. Imagine a world where studios like Andraft, with Nakayama’s experience in action-packed animation, can focus on crafting original stories without the pressure of “crunch time” Or picture Chansard-Vincent’s careful attention to detail, honed on masterpieces like One Piece, applied to his own, unconstrained vision.
This blossoming of independent studios isn’t just a trend; it’s a revolution in the making. It’s a testament to the power of animator voices, a challenge to the unsustainable practices of the past, and a promise of a brighter future for the anime industry.
Conclusion
The anime industry stands at a crossroads. One path leads to continued exploitation and burnout, while the other beckons toward a future where passion thrives alongside fair treatment and sustainable practices. By embracing animator voices, demanding change, and supporting ethical creators, we can help pave the way for a brighter future of anime, where both the art and the artists flourish.
Remember, the change we seek won’t happen overnight. It requires continuous effort, vigilance, and collective action. But by working together, we can ensure that the anime we love is not built on the backs of exploited creators. Let’s create an industry where passion fuels creativity, not burnout, and where the stories we cherish come to life without sacrificing the artists who bring them to the screen.