MAPPA’s Vice President, Hiroya Hasegawa, recently spoke about the growing challenges facing anime production. He highlighted a key issue: many new animators enter the industry with unrealistic expectations, leading to disillusionment. Hasegawa stressed that simply complaining about the industry’s harsh realities isn’t a solution. Instead, MAPPA aims to bridge the gap between expectations and reality by focusing on improving work-life balance. He acknowledged a growing demand for a healthier work environment among production staff. Another critical point raised was the need for better mentorship. Hasegawa emphasized the importance of structured training to ensure skills are passed down effectively. The current short production schedules and heavy reliance on freelancers often hinder this process, impacting animator development. The lack of proper training and the pressure of tight deadlines have led to concerns about declining animator abilities and increased production costs. Animation director Terumi Nishii warned that this trend could lead to financial instability and job losses within the industry. MAPPA, which has faced criticism for its demanding production schedules, particularly during "Jujutsu Kaisen" Season 2, is looking to address these issues. Hasegawa also discussed MAPPA’s diverse business model, which includes merchandising and event planning, providing opportunities for new talent to grow within the company. Tags: #anime #animedaily #animenews #mappa