Concerns about challenging working environments within the anime sector have long been voiced by Western audiences. Recently, Toshihiro Kawamoto, co-founder of the My Hero Academia studio, shared his perspective on these issues.
The conclusion of My Hero Academia Season 7 has left fans eagerly anticipating the eighth and final installment of the series. Studio BONES received considerable acclaim for this season, particularly for its stunning animation quality. Crafting even a single scene in an anime demands immense dedication.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for animators, particularly novice talents, to experience excessive workloads and inadequate compensation, leading to repeated allegations of employee exploitation against anime studios. This issue was brought to the forefront again last year with the release of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, which exposed the subpar working conditions at MAPPA.
During an interview with Anime Spiegel, Kawamoto was questioned about these working conditions, particularly in relation to fan feedback and initiatives like The Animator Dormitory that aim to support industry animators.
Kawamoto stated: “I’m aware of the widespread discussions online about challenging working conditions. Personally, I believe that those who frequently express dissatisfaction are often still developing their skills. By enhancing their abilities, they could manage their tasks more efficiently and consequently, earn higher wages. However, this is strictly my individual perspective and doesn’t represent Studio BONES’ stance.”
He continued, “In my view, the current conditions have improved significantly compared to the past. The government has enforced many regulations concerning work hours and overtime, which prevent individuals from working excessively long hours, even if they want to.”
“Of course, one could argue that it’s unfortunate such regulations were necessary in the first place. Nonetheless, these rules have ushered in much-needed changes. Nowadays, anime studios generally receive larger budgets and, importantly, more time to complete their projects. Therefore, I believe the situation has indeed improved.”
To delve deeper into this superhero series, check out whether Deku regains One For All and explore the most epic battles featured within.
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