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MAPPA Vice President Discusses Challenges in the Anime Industry

MAPPA Vice President Discusses Challenges in the Anime Industry

The anime industry is facing ongoing challenges, and recently, MAPPA‘s vice president, Hiroya Hasegawa, discussed some of these issues in an interview with Real Sound. He pointed out that the problems are not exclusive to MAPPA but affect the entire industry, especially in how newcomers perceive animation work.

Hasegawa explained that as access to animation has increased, many people enter the field without fully understanding its demands. “Simply stating that animation is hard work isn’t enough,” he said. He also noted that more professionals today seek a balance between work and personal life, something companies should actively support.

Studio MAPPA

Another major obstacle in the anime industry is the lack of a solid mentorship program. Tight production schedules prevent experienced animators from passing their knowledge to newcomers, resulting in less-prepared professionals. To compensate, many studios rely on freelancers, but due to high demand, many cannot implement the corrections suggested by animation directors.

Animation director Terumi Nishii (Jujutsu Kaisen 0, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure) also warned that the lack of proper training could extend anime budgets from three years to five, increasing the risk of studio bankruptcies.

Ranma 1/2 remake

In recent years, MAPPA has faced criticism for its production practices, especially during Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2. Pressure on animators and unfinished episodes led to dissatisfaction among both fans and freelancers.

Hasegawa also mentioned that MAPPA is expanding its revenue sources by investing in merchandising, events, and distribution. This strategy provides more career growth opportunities for employees. According to him, if someone has a creative idea and can persuade others, they can aim for a producer position even if they are new to the company.

via Real Sound