Yuzuru Tachikawa, the acclaimed director behind Mob Psycho 100, has revealed he may not return to directing TV anime, citing deep creative fatigue. Following the conclusion of the show’s third season, Tachikawa confessed in a recent roundtable that the production left him mentally and physically drained, leading to serious reevaluation of his career direction.
His comments echo a growing sentiment among top creators who feel the industry’s pace is unsustainable. Despite Mob Psycho 100’s acclaim, the pressure to deliver high-quality animation on a tight schedule exacted a toll. Tachikawa explained that the cumulative stress may have closed the door on his continued participation in serialized projects.
Creative Pressure and Lingering Exhaustion
In his interview, Tachikawa noted that while the story of Mob was “emotionally fulfilling,” the work itself nearly broke him. Juggling deadlines, staff coordination, and maintaining Bones’ high visual standard demanded constant attention. “It was worth it,” he said, “but I couldn’t ignore the cost anymore.”
He hinted that even with future offers, he’s unlikely to accept similar positions without structural industry changes. Tachikawa described the production model as “punishing,” adding that each new episode felt like an uphill sprint with no room for rest. Staff members reportedly worked long hours with minimal downtime throughout the third season.
Fans praised Mob Psycho’s visual fluidity and emotional execution, but Tachikawa admitted that perfection came with sacrifice. He now hopes to explore other formats, including film and short animation, where creative freedom is less constrained and deadlines are more forgiving.
A Symbol of Industry-Wide Fatigue
Tachikawa’s possible retreat from television anime is not an isolated case. His words mirror the increasing number of creators speaking up about burnout, crunch culture, and the lack of sustainable planning across studios. The director’s departure from series work may signal a larger shift toward prioritizing health over output.
As Mob Psycho 100 wrapped with a highly praised finale, Tachikawa left fans with a bittersweet farewell. He expressed gratitude to the team and viewers but stressed that creating something so emotionally powerful “shouldn’t come at the expense of living well.” Whether he returns or not, his legacy with Mob Psycho remains firmly respected.
