Anime production has always been a high-pressure industry, but in recent years, the challenges have grown more complex. In a new interview with Real Sound, MAPPA’s vice president and veteran animation producer Hiroya Hasegawa shed light on the pressing issues facing the industry. From the impact of rising freelance work to the need for better mentorship, Hasegawa provided an inside look at the struggles behind the scenes.
As anime reaches a wider global audience, more people are entering the industry with expectations that don’t always align with reality. Hasegawa discussed how many aspiring creators are surprised by the demanding nature of the job. While MAPPA has faced criticism over its intense production schedules, the studio is actively working toward solutions, including better work-life balance and improved training programs for animators.
MAPPA’s Vice President Speaks on Growing Challenges in the Anime Industry
In his interview, Hasegawa acknowledged that production difficulties are not exclusive to MAPPA but are industry-wide concerns. One major issue is that as anime gains more mainstream appeal, many newcomers join the field without fully understanding its demands. When they encounter the realities of anime production, it often differs drastically from their expectations, leading to high turnover rates and dissatisfaction.
Hasegawa also noted a shift in work culture, with more industry professionals prioritizing a balance between their jobs and personal lives. He emphasized that studios must foster environments where animators aren’t forced into unsustainable work habits. Ensuring that employees maintain this balance is crucial to keeping skilled talent in the industry and improving production quality.
MAPPA, like many studios, relies heavily on freelancers to meet tight schedules. However, this creates another challenge—many freelancers don’t get the opportunity to apply feedback from animation directors due to overlapping projects. Without learning from corrections, they move on to other productions without refining their skills, which can contribute to declining animation quality across the industry.
Animation director Terumi Nishii has expressed concerns over how these issues could impact the industry long-term. She warned that extended production schedules could cause budgets to balloon from three years to five, making financial stability even more precarious. If these inefficiencies aren’t addressed, it could lead to more studio bankruptcies and fewer opportunities for animators to sustain their careers.
MAPPA has frequently been at the center of industry criticism, particularly during the production of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2. Fans and freelancers alike voiced frustrations over rushed episodes and extreme workloads. While the studio has faced backlash, its leadership is aware of the challenges and is working toward better conditions that balance efficiency with sustainability.
Beyond industry-wide concerns, Hasegawa also touched on MAPPA’s approach to project selection. He discussed how Vinland Saga director Shuhei Yabuta pitched the series to MAPPA after WIT Studio was unable to continue it. He also shared insights on the appointment of directors for Ranma 1/2 and Oblivion Battery, showcasing how the studio strategically takes on new titles while considering workload and talent distribution.
