Animation studio MAPPA, famous for works such as “Jujutsu Kaisen,” is currently in the midst of a controversy regarding the working conditions of its animators.
The latter spoke out on social networks, deploring untenable production deadlines and insufficient remuneration, highlighting a toxic work environment and unrealistic expectations. Animators including HoneHone and Barikios have openly criticized the studio for having to complete projects, like the film “Jujutsu Kaisen 0,” in just four months, an extremely short time frame for a film from an established franchise.
The declarations of animators of “Jujutsu Kaisen” on social networks as those of Arai Kazuto and RocciaNobili, demonstrate widespread discontent with an overwhelming workload and lack of recognition.
Itsuki Tsuchigami’s comments highlight compensation that doesn’t reflect the effort put into production, and Hakuyu Go expresses growing cynicism within the team over the prioritization of business partners and board members. administration, to the detriment of staff well-being.
As production on the second season of “Jujutsu Kaisen” draws to a close, it seems that working conditions are not improving, despite warnings from animators. This situation highlights a broader systemic problem in the entertainment industry, where crunch culture — periods of intensive work before important deadlines — has become an unfortunately accepted norm, as evidenced by the recent film “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and other sectors such as the video game industry.
Hope remains that MAPPA will take steps to resolve these issues, potentially through a strike or the formation of a union, although these solutions will be difficult to implement.