The future of the anime industry according to the director of Jujutsu Kaisen 0

Rafael Shinzo
My name is Rafael Alves, known as Shinzo. I created the AnimeNew website in 2009 to offer news about anime, manga, and games directly from Japan.

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 might be heading towards a scenario with more anime studios declaring 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 Terumi Nishii

Terumi Nishii

Nishii highlighted the impending exhaustion of each anime studio's capacity, pointing to a structural problem that directly impacts the economic viability of projects. Time and budget often cause delays, resulting in financial losses. This reality, as Nishii pointed out, jeopardizes not only the financial health of the studios but also the livelihoods of the animators.

Anime production is a process that demands considerable time and financial resources. As exemplified by the producer of "Solo Leveling," Atsushi Kaneko, projects begin to be planned years before they are finalized and released. The direct consequence of this production cycle is the additional pressure on animators and animation directors to deliver quality work within often tight deadlines. Lack of competence and constant revisions can harm the quality and finances of the studios.

The Importance of Training and Certification

Nishii champions continuous training and skill development for animators as a crucial measure for the industry's sustainability. The proposal to introduce an Animator Skills Certification, led by NAFCA, aims to establish quality standards and create opportunities for professionals to advance their careers in a more structured way. 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 competence issues, Nishii also highlights the health challenges faced by directors. Constant pressure, tight deadlines, and quality demands can lead to physical and mental health problems, as evidenced by Kiyoshi Komatsubara, chief animation director of “Bleach: The Thousand Year Blood War”. Caring for the health of these professionals is crucial to ensure 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 attention to health are fundamental to the sustainable future of anime. Ultimately, it's time to reflect, act, and join forces for a stronger and more inspiring entertainment industry.

Source: X (Official Twitter)