The anime industry has been getting a bad rap lately. While hit shows generate massive profits and the global audience continues to grow, there are still many problems behind the scenes. Wages for animators in Japan remain punishingly low and grueling overtime is common. Both factors discourage new artistic talent from entering the workforce. As the demand for more and more content increases,there may not be enough people to create anime—unless the industry is willing to make some changes first.
Hiroya Hasegawa, Executive Vice President and producer at anime studio MAPPA, home of the smash hitJujutsu Kaisen, is now opening up about the challenges currently facing the anime industry and what he’s doing to change things for the better.In a recent interview, Hasegawa explainshow he hopes to make MAPPA “a company with many opportunities for young people.”
MAPPA’s Rise in the Anime Industry
The Harsh Reality of Anime Production
Studio MAPPA was founded in 2011 by Masao Maruyama, who also co-founded Madhouse. Over the years, MAPPA has provided animation for hit series such asKids on the SlopeandDorohedorobefore taking on two back-to-back astounding anime:Jujutsu KaisenandChainsaw Man. In 2020, Hiroya Hasegawa joined the studio, bringing his experience from producingVinland SagaandThe Ancient Magus' Bride. In his interview, Hasegawa addressed the core issues of attracting new talent in an industry known for its demanding work environment.
There are many challenges, and not just at MAPPA. Unlike when we first started, more people today engage with animation casually. It’s easier than ever to admire anime from the outside, but stepping into production is a different reality altogether. The work can be much tougher than they imagined. That said, there’s little benefit in simply emphasizing how difficult animation is. Instead, I’m focused on how to bridge that gap.
Hasegawa goes on to explain that there is a stark disconnect between the average person’s expectations versus the actual demands of the industry. Studios are rife with opportunity given anime’s current surge in popularity but are struggling to uphold the supply by keeping workers, encouraging new talent, and sustaining qualitywork conditions in light of recent controversies.
Balancing Work and Life in a Demanding Industry
A Hopeful Future for Anime Creators?
Overtime is a common reality at Japanese anime studios,with some animators working late into the night, often at the expense of their work-life balance. Recognizing this, Hasegawa observed a shift in attitudes within the industry. “In terms of work style, I’ve noticed an increasing number of people in production who prioritize balancing their professional and personal lives,” he said. “As times change, it’s crucial for companies to ensure that individuals aren’t left to struggle with unrealistic workloads—and that a sustainable work environment is maintained.”
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Isn’t Even Out Yet, But the Anime Is Already Facing a Big Problem
The Culling Game arc in JJK is a slower and more detailed arc that draws away from the main storyline, risking alienating some viewers.
The anime industry is in desperate need of some changes. Changes that need to be implemented quickly to build up interest in this struggling career path. There’s still a long way to go, but with leaders like Hasegawa pushing for a change, hope for the next generation of anime can thrive–without burning out in the process.
