Animeas a medium has seen explosive growth and an increase in popularity over the past two decades, and it is no doubt becoming mainstream in the entertainment world after decades of being niche. While this growth might certainly be a great thing overall, there aremajor issues that the industry faces, with some being very detrimental.
Anime Is Becoming More Expensive To Create
The Time to Produce Anime Takes Much Longer Than Average Television
It is no secret that anime has grown expensive to produce, withDragon Ball Supercosting $160K per episode and $150K forJujutsu Kaisen. Another big issue the industry faces is that making anime is time-consuming. Dramas and variety shows can take less than 6 months for a single cour (approximately 12 episodes), while a 12-episode anime can take more than a year, and sometimes even two, depending on the source. The anime industry also experiences frequent changes, and studios sometimes cannot keep up with the demanding atmosphere that threatens to leave them behind.
Staff shortages are also amajor issue that plagues the anime industry. For a variety of reasons, such as a lack of experienced animators, studios seeking foreign freelancers and short pay, and long hours, it is increasingly hard to find staff to take on the challenge of making anime. While studios and organizations have recently been trying to combat this challenge by increasing pay and holding workshops and seminars to try young aspiring animators, there is still quite a way before the challenges of worker shortages are resolved.
The Future Of Anime Is Still Good
The Anime Industry Is Making Progress
In recent years, foreign investment in anime production has increased significantly, with companies like Netflix andAdult Swim collaborating with Japanese studiosto create new works. Additionally, the issue of overworking in the industry is being addressed, and while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go.Animehas never been more popular than it is now, and despite the challenges that come with this growth, the industry still has a promising future.
