Jujutsu Kaisen animator claims working conditions are 'terrible' these days

Renowned animator Terumi Nishii (Jujutsu Kaisen) is fighting for improved working conditions in the anime , arguing that full-time professionals are facing challenges similar to those of an overload situation.

Jujutsu Kaisen animator claims working conditions are 'terrible' these days

With over two decades of experience in the anime scene, Nishii played a pivotal role in creating hit series such as “JoJo's Bizarre Adventure,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Mawaru Penguindrum,” and “Rurouni Kenshin.” But in a recent interview with AnimeNewsNetwork, Nishii highlighted a number of critical problems affecting anime studios in general, including a lack of union support, the frequent hiring of unqualified animators, and the grueling schedules imposed on full-time employees.

Currently, Nishii is collaborating with NAFCA (Japan Anime and Film Association) to address these and other challenges plaguing the industry. He noted that the main problems are pushing animators to the limits of their physical and mental capabilities. He shared that overtime is often excessive, making it impossible to meet tight deadlines, resulting in long working hours. Several renowned studios, including MAPPA (responsible for “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Attack on Titan”), have faced similar concerns.

Nishii explained that these conditions are the inevitable consequence of an industry that has historically demanded grueling work schedules to meet production demands.

“Japanese companies have been operating in an environment where full-time employees are subjected to long working hours for 20 or 30 years, but instead of benefiting from the status of 'full-time employees,' they end up feeling more like slaves… Only in the last five years have people begun to recognize that something is fundamentally wrong with the industry structure, where if you are inexperienced, your more senior colleagues are expected to take advantage of you… I have the impression that they are looking for ways to maintain the quality of anime while reshaping past structures.”

The presence of amateur animators exacerbates the challenges for workers, as studios recruit them due to a shortage of skilled labor. Although they often hire freelance animators without the proper qualifications, more experienced professionals end up having to dedicate more time and effort to correcting mistakes.

The lack of animators' unions limits the ability of studio employees to negotiate wages and voice concerns, complicating the situation. "It's a disadvantageous situation not to be affiliated with a union," Nishii stated.

“ I think you’ll be at a disadvantage if you’re not in a group ,” Nishii said. “ After all, unless you negotiate as a group, you can’t win, and even if one person’s situation improves a little, that doesn’t mean everyone’s will improve .”

Nishii and NAFCA are collaborating to conduct a comprehensive survey of animators across the industry. The goal is to provide the Japanese government with concrete data on the state of the anime industry, thus facilitating the implementation of practical solutions. Furthermore, NAFCA is developing an "Animator Competency Test," improving the evaluation of candidates and skills of freelance animators with specialized training.

Synopsis:

Since Yuji Itadori, a high school student, became involved with the secret society of sorcerers called Jujutsu Kaisen, he has been training to confront curses, evil beings that haunt the world of the living. Therefore, to protect his friends and innocent people, Yuji decides to join the jujutsu sorcerers as a trainee under the tutelage of Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer of all.

Finally, the second season of "Jujutsu Kaisen" has arrived, and fans can rest assured that MAPPA Studios has already announced that the third season is underway, promising even more excitement.

Source: ANN