Manabu Otsuka, MAPPA’s representative director, faces backlash from anime fans after claiming that he aspires to match the quality of KyoAni and Ufotable.
MAPPA, known for producing popular anime series like Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen, has garnered attention for improper working conditions of studio’s animators. Its aspiration to achieve the level of quality associated with acclaimed studios like Kyoto Animation and ufotable has led to increased demands from anime fans for improved working conditions.
Otsuka recently laid out the studio’s strategy, “It’s quite difficult to catch up with Kyoto Animation and ufotable in a short period of time… so, I thought about how I could participate in the race with the top studios in the shortest time possible by producing a lot and gaining experience while maintaining top quality.”
However, fans were quick to point out that MAPPA won’t be able to reach the same level of excellence as KyoAni or ufotable in the anime industry if the studio continues subjecting its employees to demanding schedules and poor working conditions.
Hey @Kimu777 dono, check out these angry comments from overseas viewers.
— SeoeuN (@seouena) November 1, 2023
Your studio won't catch up to Kyoani or Ufotable if you keep treating your employees so poorly with tight schedule. We only need a few anime with healthy production that don't overlap with another anime.
If you wanna compete with these studios than at least try picking up practices that makes them so good.
— Akasmik (@Akashi64580362) November 1, 2023
Ufotable never had more than two projects..and maximum to maximum 3 projects which made employees not kill themselves..
Kyo Ani treats employees well with salary positions
Insane to say that he wants to be like KyoAni while treating his employees the way he does. KyoAni is known for treating its employees very well.
— Emka (@Deformed_Monkey) November 1, 2023
MAPPA seems to be facing challenges in satisfying its audience. Jujutsu Kaisen fans were vocal in their criticism of the animation quality in Season 2, Episode 14. Hokuto Sadamoto, an animator who contributed to the episode, issued a sincere apology to the series fan base after his involvement was disclosed online. However, viewers directed their dissatisfaction at MAPPA as a whole, rather than solely at the animation team.
