Jujutsu Kaisen animation studio MAPPA received more backlash on their work environment this week, followed by another animator speaking out.
Studio MAPPA has been famous for two things: animating some of the best anime series out now (Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man) and facing backlashes from studio animators. While fans have been enjoying the latest Shibuya Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen, the animators have been having difficulty justifying the deadlines they must meet to make the show as amazing as it is. The latest update came from a well-known animator named Chansard Vincent, who posted on social media of his reluctance to return to work at MAPPA. Spoilers may follow, as Vincent worked on the latest Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 episode 17.
Vincent posted on Twitter/X: “2 years ago, I said I would never work for mappa again. Hakuyu Go-san was the only one who made me reconsider, but this was the last time. Will see if I get permission to post genga. Here are some photos i took when i was working on the cut of mahoraga in the pool
Watercolor+colorex.” Vincent has been an influential animator on such projects like Boruto and One Piece, including the episode where Luffy achieved his Gear 5 transformation.
This was not the first time an animator working with MAPPA has reported the toxic work environment, but the community has been more attentive as more staff speaks out. Before season 2 aired, another MAPPA animator HoneHone, stated on Twitter/X how unreasonable the schedules were, and the studio did little to nothing to make things better for the staff. They also commented how the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film had to be finished in only four months, whereas most animated films would spend 2-3 years.
Other animators from the studio expressed their concerns before season 2 began airing, asking for a production delay so they could catch up. Unfortunately, MAPPA heads kept pushing on, resulting in rushed production of episodes completed mere hours before airing. This was why some team members had left out of frustration. The anger only worsened when Jujutsu Kaisen staff were asked to sign NDAs to avoid discussing season 2’s production. However, renowned animator Itsuki Tsuchigami voiced his opinion, saying fans should praise those who have worked hard to meet the deadlines, not MAPPA.
While episode 17 was regarded as one of the best, it was noted that it did not include everything the studio and staff wanted to feature. It only added to the fuel that the strict schedules and lack of care for the staff have only piled on. There have not been any updates for episode 18 being delayed, but it may be a matter of time before MAPPA will have to start caring about their staff. Not only has the mental health of its workers taken a toll, but the cracks in one of the biggest animation studios’ quality will soon follow as well.
