A debate that went viral on Japanese social media has reignited an old question: have current anime anime lost quality compared to those of the 90s? The discussion arose after a user questioned the reason for this supposed decline, attracting hundreds of different responses and opinions.
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Among the comments, many point to economic and industrial . During the Japanese economic bubble, there was more investment per project, which allowed for greater technical dedication. Today, with more titles being produced, resources end up being divided among several projects.

Another point mentioned involves the increase in the number of anime per season . With more series being released, studios need to accelerate schedules. This directly impacts the consistency of the animation and the attention to visual details throughout the episodes.
Does anyone know why anime from the 90s had this insane level of design and animation to make them suffer a strong loss of quality at the end of the 2000s? https://t.co/nT42qRlteb
— KBro777 (@Kbronproyectado) April 16, 2026
Furthermore, digitization has facilitated production. While this has reduced costs, it has also opened the door for faster adaptations, not always with the same level of refinement seen in classic 90s productions.
Fans highlight anime from the 90s
Despite the criticism, some users point out that weak works have always existed. The difference is that today there is much more content available than in the 90s. However, the perception of decline may be linked to volume, and not necessarily to average quality.
Other comments point to changes in audience profiles and market trends. Many current anime focus on specific niches, which may limit their long-term cultural impact compared to classics that have marked generations.
Ultimately, the discussion shows how the anime has evolved over the decades. Want to stay up-to-date on these discussions and news? Furthermore, check out more content on AnimeNew and explore the latest seasons available on the site.
Source: Yaraon
