Japan Press Weekly

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2018 June 6 - 12 TOP3 [LABOR]

Animators working poor in \ 2-trillion anime industry

The total value of the Japanese anime industry in the global market in 2016 was more than two trillion yen, up 180.2 billion yen from a year earlier, according to the Association of Japanese Animations.

In contrast, animation creators and producers have been in a severe economic situation. An NPO which supports young animators conducted a survey two years ago on the actual conditions of animators who have less than three years of experience.

The survey results show that the average monthly wages were less than 100,000 yen for 53.6% of them and that 46% worked more than 12 hours a day on average. No less than 60% out of those who were surveyed answered that they had to stay overnight at the office for work at least once a month.

The major cause lies in the fundamental structure of the Japanese anime industry. While the market has been flourishing, most young animators have been forced to work long hours with low pay. The improvement in their working conditions is urgently needed.

Past related articles:
> After union’s 40-year-long efforts, animation studio contract staff win worker status under Labor Standards Law [March 23, 2016]
> Suicide of an anime worker recognized as work-related [April 20, 2014]
> Workers under harsh working conditions create ‘Japanimation’ [June 17, 2012]