Has the Anime Industry Reached its Culmination?

High-profile anime creators have sparked concerns about the future of the industry, prompting the question: has it peaked? The anime industry is thriving, entering a golden age with series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Spy x Family, and One Piece gaining international popularity and becoming mainstream favorites.

The question remains: how much longer can this period of prosperity in the anime industry last? Recent controversies from Studio MAPPA and concerns from fans about Netflix's One Piece remake have led some prominent animators to predict an impending collapse. One such figure is 82-year-old Gundam director Yoshiyuki Tomino, who expressed his concerns in a recent interview with Toyo Keizei.

Yoshiyuki Tomino’s interview

On December 17, legendary Mobile Suit Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino shared that he believes the anime boom has peaked.

During an interview with Japanese outlet Toyokeizai, he expressed his view on the current state of the anime industry after nearly 50 years of service. He stated that the industry is currently experiencing prosperity, with potential for continued excitement for the next five or six years before a potential decline. Despite this, he believes that the anime industry will not disappear in the near future, but may undergo significant changes due to shifting social expectations for animators, advancements in AI, and improved technologies.

Tomino is pleased with the growing respect for the anime industry within society, and jokes about no longer being ridiculed for his profession at the tax office. However, he acknowledges that changing times, cultures, and technologies have resulted in a shift within the industry. When discussing the impact of technological advancements, Tomino explained how Disney's transition from hand-drawn animation to digital resulted in many disappointing works.

Tomino believes that anime may face a decline in the coming years due to evolving trends, similar to what has happened in other forms of media. He also blames the industry's decreasing creativity on the comfortable conditions and simplified digital animation styles that have led to a lack of motivation among industry professionals.

How will AI impact the anime industry?

Throughout the interview, Yoshiyuki Tomino emphasizes that humans have an amazing “ability to discern when something is different.” Which applies to AI enhanced work.

"People are drawn to authenticity," he stated, adding, "They are able to discern what is authentic versus what is artificial." This is why he is convinced that machine-generated anime cannot capture the same artistic essence that hand-drawn series can, with a focus on Hayao Miyazaki's traditional production methods as the epitome of anime classics.

Furthermore, in the interview, he emphasized the importance for animators to experience the world around them in order to enhance their work. "Don't be afraid to immerse yourself in the environment," he urged, giving the example of agriculture, climate, topography, and geology. "Simply relying on data and statistics is insufficient."

This makes sense, as creators wouldn’t be able to produce believable animations if they haven’t experienced it for themselves.

Will the anime industry decline?

Anime has gained global popularity thanks to technology and social media, but these same factors could lead to its demise. Terumi Nishii, animation director for Jujutsu Kaisen O, warned on Twitter on November 28th that the anime industry may only have a few years left before it collapses.

It's seriously over. Once players like Kagawa are gone, everything will come to an end. We need to figure out a development scheme before that happens. RT

- Terumi Nishii (@NishiiTerumi) November 28, 2023

In a recent interview, Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto discusses the impact of Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, noting that Miyazaki is a rare animator who travels the world to feature underrepresented environments and cultures that may be overlooked by animators who have never left Japan. For the full interview with Fujimoto and interviewer Kenta Terumura, click here: https://t.co/2zUWzY1ydh

— Lightning (@lightning446) July 26, 2023

While expanding access to social media may help address the decline in creativity, the renowned director is accurate in pointing out that there are numerous cultural aspects and human experiences that cannot be fully grasped through digital screens.

The anime industry is experiencing unprecedented financial success, with major platforms such as Netflix taking advantage of this trend. However, recent comments from animators have brought attention to the issue of working conditions, sparking fears that talented animators may be replaced by automation. In response to these concerns, Tomino warns against falling into the profit-focused mindset of Hollywood and stresses the significance of prioritizing quality over quantity, rather than churning out mindless blockbuster films.

Netflix's recent announcement of yet another One Piece remake has sparked concern among fans about the need for the new series. Although the future of the anime industry is uncertain, it's important to acknowledge that these concerns are based on speculation. At this time, fans don't need to stress about the fate of their favorite films and TV series. However, the evolving landscape of the industry will undoubtedly impact how anime is created and consumed, for better or for worse.

While we have your attention, you can check out more of our anime coverage here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I'm deeply concerned about the potential decline of the anime industry. Anime has been a significant part of my life, providing entertainment, inspiration, and a sense of community. The thought of it fading away is truly disheartening.

I understand the concerns raised by industry veterans like Yoshiyuki Tomino and Terumi Nishii. The increasing reliance on digital animation and AI could potentially lead to a loss of authenticity and creativity. Moreover, the industry's current prosperity may be masking underlying issues such as comfortable working conditions and simplified animation styles that stifle innovation.