The anime industry has been experiencing unprecedented growth, captivating audiences worldwide with its diverse storytelling and stunning visuals. However, behind the scenes, significant challenges are emerging, particularly when it comes to producing longer anime series. Yuichi Fukushima, producer of the hit anime * Spy x Family *, recently shed light on these difficulties during the Anime Connect event, highlighting critical issues that could reshape the future of anime production.
** Why Producing Long Anime Series Is Becoming a Challenge **.
Yuichi Fukushima’s insights reveal a growing concern within the anime industry: the increasing difficulty of creating two-cour anime series (typically around 24 episodes). According to Fukushima, this challenge stems from multiple factors, including declining skill levels among animators, tighter production schedules, and financial constraints. These issues have made it harder to plan and produce long-term projects effectively.
At the heart of the problem lies the industry’s reliance on short-term survival strategies. Many studios are forced to prioritize immediate revenue over sustainable planning due to limited resources and unfair contract terms. This often results in higher rates of retakes during production and a lack of long-term vision for larger projects. As Fukushima explained, “It is becoming difficult to make two-cour anime,” emphasizing the need for systemic changes to address these challenges.
** The Financial Struggles of Anime Studios **.
One of the most striking revelations from Fukushima’s discussion is how little revenue anime studios actually retain from their work. Data from the Japanese Research Institute (JRI) shows that studios earn only about 10% of the total revenue generated by anime productions. The majority of profits go to rightsholders and entities involved in fundraising, marketing, and distribution. This financial imbalance leaves studios with limited resources to invest in their staff and infrastructure.
To combat these challenges, some studios are exploring innovative approaches. For instance, JOEN– a production company co-founded by Fukushima through CloverWorks and Tetsuya Nakatake through WIT Studio– aims to give creators a greater stake in the production process. By involving staff throughout the project lifecycle rather than treating them as contractors, JOEN hopes to create a more equitable system that benefits on-site workers.
** The Role of Licensing Fees and Streaming Platforms **.
Another issue complicating long-term anime production is the evolving role of licensing fees and streaming platforms. While platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix have increased their licensing budgets, this hasn’t necessarily translated into better working conditions for animators. Netflix’s model of paying upfront fees has been criticized for limiting flexibility, while Crunchyroll’s approach of adding royalties later offers more potential but less immediate security.
Despite these challenges, higher licensing fees have enabled some studios to pay retention fees to animators. These fees allow creators to focus on fewer projects with more reliable pay, reducing burnout and improving quality. However, systemic issues remain unresolved, particularly for freelancers who make up a significant portion of the industry’s workforce.
** A Call for Industry Reform **.
Fukushima’s remarks underscore an urgent need for reform in the anime industry. To ensure its sustainability, several measures have been proposed:.
- Developing creators through better training programs.
- Improving working conditions by offering fairer contracts and higher wages.
- Establishing systems that allow studios to plan projects years in advance.
- Advocating for government intervention to protect workers’ rights and ensure accurate reporting on wages and working hours.
Organizations like NAFCA (National Association for Film Creators in Animation) have also called for mandatory minimum copyright percentages for studios, allowing them to secure future profits without taking on excessive financial risk.
** Conclusion: The Future of Long Anime Series **.
The challenges highlighted by Yuichi Fukushima paint a complex picture of an industry at a crossroads. While demand for anime continues to grow globally, addressing systemic issues is crucial to sustaining this momentum. From financial restructuring to better support for animators, meaningful change is needed to ensure that long anime series can thrive without compromising quality or fairness.
As fans of anime, understanding these behind-the-scenes struggles helps us appreciate the immense effort that goes into creating our favorite shows. It also reminds us of the importance of supporting initiatives that prioritize the well-being of creators– because without them, the stories we love wouldn’t exist.
