Recent revelations have brought to light the harsh realities faced by anime staff, shedding a spotlight on the dire conditions many endure. A report by the Nippon Anime Film Culture Association (NAFCA) has revealed alarming figures, with average hourly payments plummeting to a mere $7.
The study conducted by NAFCA encompassed 323 individuals working within the anime industry. Among them, 191 (59%) were animators, while 44 (13.6%) held positions as unit directors, overseeing specific segments of production.
Additionally, the survey included 35 production staff (10.8%), 27 character/mechanical designers (8.4%), 23 voice actors (7.1%), 20 directors, 15 working in color, 14 in art, 14 in cinematography, 11 in CG, 10 in sound, and 4 screenwriters.
The findings of the report revealed a stark reality, with the median hourly wage calculated at 1,111 yen, equivalent to roughly $7.33 per hour. Shockingly, 14% of respondents reported earning a meager $5.23 hourly.
Notably, the income report excluded voice actors, as their unique working conditions within the anime industry warranted a separate examination.
NAFCA organizers intend to conduct a future survey specifically tailored to voice actors, recognizing the need for comprehensive analysis and advocacy in addressing the challenges faced by all members of the anime community.
Financial Struggles and Brutal Working Conditions in the Anime Industry
The latest findings from NAFCA not only underscore the dire financial situation but also shed light on the grueling working conditions endured by animators in the industry.
The median monthly working hours, averaging at 225 hours, paint a stark picture, with some individuals logging an astonishing 336 hours, equivalent to 42 days, in a single month.
These figures starkly contrast with Japan’s average monthly working hours of 162.3, highlighting the uniquely brutal nature of the anime sector.
The recent animator-specific report by NAFCA further accentuates the financial struggles faced by those in the field. Shockingly, 40% of animators surveyed reported earning a meager $16k annually, equating to just $8 per hour based on a standard 40-hour workweek across 50 weeks.
The issue of low wages came into sharp focus last month when a pay stub from an animator’s starting salary went viral, showcasing the industry’s alarming disregard for statutory minimum wage laws, often relying on precarious freelance contracts.
Notably, NAFCA’s latest report goes into the disparity between freelancers and permanent employees, revealing that while freelancers may have a higher earning potential, their median pay falls short.
Despite this disparity, positive gender trends emerge, with the anime industry displaying lower levels of income disparity compared to broader society, suggesting a more merit-based system at play.
In response to these challenges, NAFCA remains steadfast in its advocacy efforts, leveraging surveys, lobbying, educational resources, and social media campaigns to push for meaningful reform.
Animation director Terumi Nishii joins the chorus of voices calling for pay reform to afford older animators the opportunity to pass down their skills, which are at risk of being lost.
Additionally, Nishii and NAFCA advocate for studios to secure minimum mandatory equity in anime copyrights, enabling animators to benefit from secondary income streams such as licensing and merchandise sales.
Recent copyright ventures by studios like MAPPA and Pierrot signal a promising shift toward long-term sustainability within the industry.
