Terumi Nishii , known as the chief animation director of " Jujutsu Kaisen 0 ," recently commented on the future of the anime . In a post on X (Twitter), Nishii expressed concern, suggesting that we could be heading towards a scenario with more anime studios filing for bankruptcy . Her words resonate not only as a warning, but also as a call to action for the entire community involved in this creative universe.
The future of the anime industry from the perspective of Terumi Nishii
Nishii highlighted the imminent exhaustion of capacity at every anime studio, pointing to a structural problem that directly impacts the economic viability of projects . Time and budget constraints often cause delays, resulting in financial damage. However, as Nishii pointed out, this reality jeopardizes not only the financial health of studios but also the sustainability of animators.
Anime production is a process that demands considerable time and financial resources. As exemplified by "Solo Leveling" producer Atsushi Kaneko, projects begin to be outlined years before they are finalized and released. The direct consequence of this production cycle is additional pressure on animators and animation directors to deliver quality work within often tight deadlines. Lack of competence and constant corrections can harm studios' quality and finances.
The Importance of Training and Certification
Nishii champions the importance of continuous training and skill development for animators as crucial to the industry's sustainability. The proposal to introduce an Animator Skills Certification, spearheaded by NAFCA, aims to establish quality standards and create opportunities for professionals to advance their careers in a more structured manner. The pursuit of excellence and investment in training are fundamental pillars to ensure not only the survival of animators but also the quality of future productions.
Beyond financial and skill issues, Nishii also highlights the health challenges faced by directors. Constant pressure, tight deadlines, and high-quality demands can lead to physical and mental health problems, as evidenced by Kiyoshi Komatsubara , lead animation director of " Bleach: The Thousand Year Blood War ." Taking care of professionals' health is crucial to ensuring not only the quality of their work but also the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to this creative universe.
Continuous improvement, skills certification, and health care are essential for the sustainable future of anime. Finally, it's time to reflect, act, and join forces for a stronger and more inspiring entertainment industry.
Source: X (Official Twitter)
