Althoughanimehas been skyrocketing in popularity this last year alone, there has also been a rise or a resurfacing of the industry’s problems that have come out of the woodwork in light of its success.Between labor shortages, poor work conditions, and new issues popping up daily, the anime industry is going to have to make some major changes to meet the demands of its new consumers as well as compete against rising powers from other countries.
In response to these issues,Crunchyroll and Aniplex Inc. have announced a new venture, putting forth investments to kickstart the rise of a new anime production studio under the name, Hayate. This joint effort will contribute to developing anime specifically for Crunchyroll’s streaming service, marking the two major corporations' awareness that while the industry may be struggling, advancements are being made.
Anime is Struggling Under Recent Conditions and Work Load
Despite Becoming Popularized, Standards Haven’t Changed
With every success, behind the scenes, anime is only continuing to struggle under the rising demands of its industry due to its global capital.The old production model is no longer workingas it only uninspires new talent to dedicate themselves to the competitive job market, and those within the industry are already struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Not to mention, new problems crop up every day withnew laws set in Texas restricting access to animethat may be deemed unfit for viewing.
As Anime Industry Conditions Worsen, Japan Is Launching a Federal Investigation Into the Ordeal
Work conditions in the anime industry have always been under question, and now Japan’s Fair Trade Commission is investigating the problems.
Some studios have made changes in their work environment, ensuring the healthy lifestyle of their workers rather than spending the extra few hours to make the necessary sales goals as seen byStudio Deen. It’s changes like these that may fix the dwindling passion for the anime industry among new talents looking for a way in without all of the issues they’d have to face.
Hayate Proves Anime Isn’t Going Down Without a Fight
Japan Studios Will Not Let Up Against Rising Competitors
Despite being in a separate category, donghua is quickly proving to bejust as lucrative as a business as anime, with China showcasing some of its best work in upcoming releases. Fluid animation and dynamic camerawork provide for beautiful cinematography that has made waves online, cementingdonghua as a competition to anime.
With Hayate providing a new stream of business for Crunchyroll, fans can look forward to even more anime being produced after the company gets a few projects rolling. Aniplex Inc. is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment in Japan and already owns successful production companies such asA-1 Pictures Inc., the studio that promotedSolo Leveling, and Cloverworks Inc., who have producedBocchi the Rock!andSpyxFamily: Code White.Despite facing ongoing issues,animedoes have a brighter future ahead of itself as long as it can make the necessary changes in an ever-growing and evolving industry.
