Poor working conditions at MAPPA are causing some major figures in the anime industry to steer clear of the studio. Learn more about the situation here.
The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen was a major success for MAPPA in 2023, but the studio's substandard working conditions also gained significant attention. Known for its history of overworking animators, the controversy surrounding the studio has reached new levels of intensity.
The Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc went smoothly, but issues arose in the Shibuya Incident arc when JJK animators voiced their dissatisfaction with the studio overworking them with last-minute cuts. Additionally, a popular animator in the industry avoids working for MAPPA despite its status as one of the biggest studios handling numerous popular projects. Explore the reasons behind this animator's refusal to work for MAPPA again.
MAPPA’s poor working conditions described by the popular animator
Last week, animators Dourian Coulon and Vincent Chansard were guests on a podcast. During the discussion, Chansard revealed that he had been working in-house with the One Piece team for a year. Chansard is well-known for his contributions to the Wano Country Saga of One Piece.
He is a prominent animator behind key episodes of One Piece including the debut of Gear 5 in Episode 1071, Zoro's battle against King in Episode 1062, and 12 other episodes from the Wano Saga. He has also contributed to three episodes featuring Gear 5. Additionally, Vincent is the talented animator responsible for the highest-grossing One Piece movie, One Piece Film: Red. Vincent recently joined the Jujutsu Kaisen team for Season 2 Episode 17, but announced on Twitter that he will not work with MAPPA again. His change of heart was due to the influence of Hakuyu Go, an esteemed animator from the JJK team with a significant portfolio including One Punch Man and the Fate series.
Two years ago, I declared that I would never work for Mappa again. However, Hakuyu Go-san's influence made me reconsider, though this will be the final occasion. I will wait and see if I receive permission to post the genga. Below are some photos I captured while working on the mahoraga cut in the pool, featuring watercolor and colorex. #Mahoraga #Genga #AnimationLife
A Twitter user translated an interview in which the interviewer asked Vincent why he no longer wants to work for MAPPA. Vincent responded, "I don't want to support a company that doesn't prioritize working conditions ideologically. Go asked me, and I enjoy working with him. He also no longer wants to work for MAPPA."
Additionally, when asked to choose between Studio Bones and MAPPA, Vincent chose Bones while Dourian chose the latter. When it came to choosing between Wit and MAPPA, Dourian once again chose MAPPA, while Vincent opted for Wit.
He is holding firm and expressing his dissatisfaction with MAPPA's restrictive working conditions that limit their creative freedom due to time constraints. While the interview has not been officially translated yet, it will be shared at a later time, providing detailed insights into the studio.
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Editor's P/S
As an avid anime fan, I am deeply concerned about the poor working conditions at MAPPA, as revealed by renowned animator Vincent Chansard. It is disheartening to learn that talented individuals are avoiding working for one of the biggest studios in the industry due to overworking and last-minute cuts. The fact that MAPPA's substandard working conditions are causing top talents to shy away from the studio is a serious issue that needs immediate attention.
I strongly believe that animators, who are the backbone of the anime industry, deserve fair treatment and a healthy work environment. It is crucial for studios like MAPPA to prioritize the well-being of their employees and implement sustainable practices to ensure creative freedom and prevent burnout. The anime industry thrives on the passion and dedication of its artists, and it is essential that studios foster a supportive environment that allows them to excel without compromising their health and well-being.