By now, anime fans have come to understand the challenging reality of working in the industry. For animators and production staff, the job is grueling.
From low pay and endless overtime to tight deadlines, the darker side of anime has become increasingly apparent in recent years. Now, a well-known animator has taken to social media to shine a light on their harrowing experience at Studio Shaft.
Hiroto Negata, a respected figure in the industry, shared a series of heartfelt letters with followers, detailing the toll that working at Studio Shaft has taken on their mental health. The now-deleted posts revealed how Negata felt their well-being deteriorating due to the demands placed upon them.
The animator described feeling threatened by production staff, who allegedly warned of consequences if expectations weren’t met.
“I’ve been crying while working, telling myself that if I don’t work hard, I’ll be taken out of the industry,” Negata explained. “I wanted to voice my concerns about the workload, but I felt silenced. Arguing with the company seemed pointless.”
Negata went on to describe the severe impact on their health, both physical and mental. “I’ve had dreams about being strangled by someone at work, and the stress has left me short of breath. I can no longer sit at my desk; just the thought makes my heart pound.”
As a veteran of Studio Shaft, Negata has contributed to well-known series like Fate/Extra and the Monogatari series. The animator’s plight underscores the harsh realities faced by many in the anime industry, prompting an outpouring of support from fans familiar with its demanding nature.
