The anime industry in Japan appears to be at a turning point these days. Longstanding issues such aslow wages, talent migration, and grueling work hourshave led to a shortage of new animators. Meanwhile, countries like China and Korea, which were once primarily sources of in-between animation labor, are making significant inroads into a space traditionally dominated by Japanese studios.It’s possible that the future of anime could become a more international industry—one in which Japan is no longer the main player.
More people in the industry are raising concerns about Japan’s anime crisis.In a recent interview, Kadokawa producers Takuya Yoshioka and Maki Mihara—who worked on the recent hitMy Happy Marriage—shared their thoughts on the industry’s growing challenges, including low wages, a shrinking talent pool, and increasing competition from other countries.
Industry Voices Speak Out on Anime’s Future
A Warning Against Over-Reliance on Outsourcing
In the interview,My Happy Marriageproducer Takuya Yoshioka stressed that anime is deeply tied to Japan’s cultural background and values. “There is animation that can only be created with the sensibility and nature born in Japan,” he explains. However, he cautions that excessive outsourcing could harm domestic anime studios. “If things can be made overseas with cheap costs and labor, investment will be directed there, leading to the decline of domestic production capacity and industry,” Yoshioka warns.
Fellow producer Maki Mihara highlights how global perceptions of anime have changed. “About 10 years ago, when you thought of anime, you thought of Disney and Pixar,” she notes, explaining that animation was once seen as primarily for children. With streaming platforms now offering instant access to Japanese anime, its influence is growing worldwide. “China and Korea will also start producing anime using Japanese production methods as a model,” Mihara predicts. She sees this evolution as an opportunity, believing that diverse cultural perspectives will lead to fresh stories and worldviews not previously explored in Japan.
My Happy Marriage: A Reflection of Japanese Culture
The Challenge of Balancing Tradition and Change
My Happy Marriage, produced by Yoshioka and Mihara is a prime example of how anime reflects Japan’s cultural identity. Set in a world inspired by the Meiji era, it explores themes of duty, perseverance, and self-worth—values deeply ingrained in Japanese society. Producer Maki Mihara notes that anime’s global success has led other countries to adopt its storytelling techniques, butMy Happy Marriageremains distinctly Japanese in its emotional depth and historical influences.
From Piracy Problems to Labor Shortages, the Anime Industry Is Facing a Reckoning
Despite its success across the world and against piracy, the anime industry has been involved in severe controversies lately.
As anime evolves, Japan faces the challenge of preserving its unique style while adapting to a global industry. Whether it leads the way or shares the spotlight, one thing’s certain—anime’s future is bigger than ever.
