Scandal: Animators at a top studio denounce extreme “crunch”

A group of freelance animators has published a manifesto denouncing unsustainable working conditions during the production of one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

The statement, shared on social media, details working days of up to 20 hours and late payments. Although the studio is not explicitly mentioned, the dates and projects referenced point to one of Tokyo’s largest production companies. The workers are demanding a reform of the production committee system, which often imposes impossible deadlines to meet the demands of global streaming platforms. The controversy has led to a symbolic boycott by certain sectors of the international community.

The anime industry is at a breaking point. We cannot celebrate the “golden age” of Japanese animation while those who draw it live in extremely precarious conditions. Structural change is urgently needed.