Addressing Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry: Animator's Tweet Sparks Concern and Calls for Support
Controversial tweet by Jujutsu Kaisen animator sparks widespread concern in the anime and manga community Find out why this tweet has caused such outrage and its potential impact on the highly anticipated season 2
The highly anticipated release of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, featuring the Shibuya Incident arc animated by MAPPA, was expected to be a major success. However, instead of making headlines for its animation quality, MAPPA has come under fire for alleged toxic work conditions. Despite being known for producing hit series like Attack on Titan and Chainsaw Man, recent social media claims from staff members have shed light on the underpaid and overworked animators, exposing the unhealthy work environment within the anime industry.
Allegations have surfaced from animators at MAPPA, claiming that they are working long hours and even staying overnight in the office for days. Kouske Kato, a key animator for Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, hinted at experiencing stressful situations at work. A tweet about feeling like dying from Kato caused uproar, leading fans to urge MAPPA to improve working conditions for their animators.
Disclaimer: This article has mentions of self-harm and su*cide. Reader discretion is advised.
Jujutsu Kaisen animator’s tweet worries the entire anime and manga community
Kosuke Kato, the main animator for Jujutsu Kaisen S2, posted a tweet expressing a desire to die quickly. The tweet was deleted 14 minutes later. This has raised concerns among MAPPA animators, who have been vocal about the poor working conditions at the company.
The enforced schedules at MAPPA are clearly unattainable, leading animators to work long hours without breaks. Despite Kouske Kato's tweet being online for just 14 minutes, it has quickly spread to other platforms like Reddit, where fans are expressing their opinions on the matter.
Fans' perception of the animation studio's working conditions (Screengrab via Reddit thread r/JuJutsu Kaisen)
A number of Jujutsu Kaisen enthusiasts are convinced that the animators are being unfairly overworked, leading to extreme working conditions. While this claim may be an exaggeration, it sheds light on the harsh realities faced by not just one animator, but several others as well. Fans are also calling for an investigation into MAPPA by the relevant authorities.
Fans are advocating for Jujutsu Kaisen to take a hiatus (Screengrab via Reddit thread r/JuJutsu Kaisen)
Furthermore, the Jujutsu Kaisen fanbase
was supportive of the show going on a hiatus to give animators more time. It’s evident that a majority of the fanbase is understanding of the animators’ working conditions and empathizes with them as well.
One fan in particular even suggested boycotting MAPPA’s shows. However, this plan isn’t necessarily pragmatic since fans will continue to watch the series. This point was also highlighted by other members of the anime and manga community. At the moment, fans are trying their best to find ways to intervene in this situation.
Fans are exploring various ways to address this issue, with some even proposing a boycott of MAPPA's shows. However, it's important to acknowledge that many fans will still watch the series. This perspective has been echoed by others in the anime and manga community. Currently, fans are actively seeking ways to make a meaningful impact in this situation.
Final Thoughts
Following Kouske Kato's recent tweet and numerous tweets from other animators in the past, fans have united to protest against the animation studio. They are advocating for the show to go on hiatus, giving the animators an opportunity to work in a more conducive environment. Keep an eye out for further updates on anime and manga news as we move through 2023.
Editor's P/S
The recent allegations of poor working conditions at MAPPA, the animation studio behind the highly anticipated Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, have sparked widespread concern and outrage among fans and industry professionals. The tweet by animator Kouske Kato, expressing feelings of wanting to die quickly, has brought to light the issue of overworking and stress within the anime industry. This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced, with animators previously speaking out about the long hours and low pay they face.
It is important for animation studios to prioritize the well-being of their employees and create a sustainable work environment. The health and mental well-being of animators should not be compromised in the pursuit of meeting deadlines or maintaining a high level of animation quality. The industry needs to come together to address these issues and ensure that animators are treated fairly and given the support they need to produce their work.
