MAPPA is once again embroiled in controversy, as an animator involved with Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 has come forward to discuss the challenges they encountered while working on the ambitious project. The stunning visuals of the anime are a testament to the tireless effort of the dedicated animators who poured their hearts into the production.
Season 1 was animated by MAPPA, so naturally, fans were excited to see how the studio would tackle the second season. Fortunately, Season 2 not only lived up to expectations but exceeded them with each episode. Despite the stunning visuals, it's saddening to think about the hardships the animators faced while working on the show.
Jujutsu Kaisen animator talks about MAPPA’s work pressure
Shinsaku Kozuma, known for his work on multiple episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen, recently shared that the team had only 4 days to complete the artwork for Episode 41 (technically the 17th episode of Season 2). He brought up the issue on X, stating:
I really struggle with lack of time. I promise I'll do better next time...I'd love to see more of your amazing videos in the future. Episode 41: I only had 4 days because Go-kun asked me to do it. It was a bitter smile. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) https://t.co/woauP15geb
— Shinsaku Kozuma (@kozuma_) tweeted about the latest episode, which had some unfinished scenes as disclosed by one of the animators. The tweet was later deleted. The episode also featured Vincent Chansard, who stated he has no plans to work with MAPPA in the future.
MAPPA has delighted the community with several major releases such as Jujutsu Kaisen, AoT: Final Season, and Chainsaw Man. Nevertheless, the animation studio has also been embroiled in a series of controversies.
Reported instances of work pressure and salary negotiations have led to the departure of many skilled animators from the studio. Conversely, some notable figures such as Ryu Nakayama, the director of Chainsaw Man, have chosen to pursue their own ambitions and parted ways with the studio.
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Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am deeply concerned about the challenging work conditions that animators face in the anime industry, particularly at MAPPA. The news about the intense work pressure and limited time given to complete the artwork for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 is disheartening. Animators are the backbone of the industry, and their well-being should be a top priority. It's essential that studios like MAPPA take steps to ensure fair working conditions and provide adequate support to their talented artists.
I understand that producing high-quality animation requires dedication and hard work, but it's crucial to strike a balance between achieving creative excellence and respecting the rights and health of the individuals involved. The departure of skilled animators from MAPPA due to work-related issues is a significant loss for the studio and the industry as a whole. I hope that MAPPA and other animation studios will take these concerns seriously and implement positive changes to create a more sustainable and supportive environment for their animators.