The manga industry in Japan is facing a serious warning. Kazuaki Ishibashi, editor behind hits like Mob Psycho 100 and The World Only God Knows, published a column about the new generation of editors. According to him, many candidates have impeccable resumes and good communication skills, but lack the essential: a real passion for manga.
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According to Ishibashi, many aspiring manga editors don't even read the works frequently. Instead, they consume summaries on social media and believe they understand the medium. Thus, technical training has replaced cultural experience. Therefore, the problem is not age, but a lack of repertoire.
Furthermore, the editor criticizes the current motivation. Before, the desire was to live the manga life. Today, many say they only want to "manage an IP." In this way, the focus shifts from content to business. However, without intense reading, the editor loses critical sense.
Meanwhile, digital algorithms limit discovery and reduce contact with diverse works. Finally, Ishibashi sums it up harshly: a manga editor who doesn't read is like a music producer who doesn't listen to music. Thus, creativity and guidance for authors are compromised.
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