The president of WIT STUDIOknown for the first three seasons of “Shingeki no Kyojin” and the upcoming remake of “One Piece“has issued a grim warning about the future of the anime industry, pointing out the growing disparity between the quality of anime and the current pace of production. In a recent interview, the president of WIT STUDIO, George Wadaexpressed concern about whether the rising expectations in the anime industry are sustainable in the long term. In response to the question of whether the increasingly high quality of anime is sustainableWada stated:
- «I don’t think it’s possible to maintain this pace. What is really important is that the number of anime fans in the world continues to grow. Once they can acquire more anime fans around the world, companies will be willing to invest more money into creating anime, allowing them to continue creating such high-quality work. So, if anything, it depends on the increase in the number of fans».
As for how to invest this possible increase in investment, Wada suggested that it would be best to allocate it “to the people.” He continued: “Putting all that money into growing the staff and talent pool is what we would do“. These statements reflect the recent sentiments of the director of Studio PierrotKeirou Itsumi, who highlighted the need to increase overtime pay and expressed the desire for staff to receive direct praise from fans through events. This approach also resembles events at MAPPA, with its salary increases and the annual MAPPA STAGE events (although these do not involve the animators, but rather the voice actors).
Several major industry figures have highlighted the current unsustainability of the anime industry, such as Terumi Nishiimain animation director of “Jujutsu Kaisen 0“. Previously, she predicted a collapse of the anime industry, with recent data from NAFCA revealing how the growth of anime production far outpaces the growth of competent animators.
To meet demand, novice animators are being recruited whose work increasingly requires corrections, putting strains on animation directors and preventing senior animators from passing on techniques. Animators have also cited how, since anime production typically begins three years before release, this trend shows little sign of stopping in the immediate future.
In short, the anime industry faces an imminent crisis if these concerns about work quality and staff well-being are not addressed. Industry leaders are urging significant investment and renewed focus on developing and supporting human talent to ensure the long-term sustainability of anime.
Fountain: Anime Corner
