MAPPA Criticized for New Anime About Animators
A new trailer for an original anime work titled "ZENSHU," produced by MAPPA Studios, has generated not only curiosity about the upcoming series but also a lot of commentary about its story and main character.
MAPPA, the anime studio behind "Jujutsu Kaisen," "Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season," and "Chainsaw Man," has been at the center of much controversy in recent months. Numerous animators have spoken publicly about the abysmal working conditions during the production of the second season of "Jujutsu Kaisen." While public outcry had been seen before this, the study drew particular attention for its labor practices in October 2023 and throughout the rest of the year. Workers accused MAPPA of drastically overloading its cheerleaders to the point of pushing them to the physical and mental limit.
Well-known industry figures, such as Vincent Chansard, who worked on the infamous episode 17 of the second season of "Jujutsu Kaisen," said it was the last time he would work for the studio. In addition, MAPPA's December announcement of a sequel to "Jujutsu Kaisen" was overshadowed by fans who continued to reference the studio's brutal workloads.
Similar statements have seen a renewed resurgence after MAPPA released its trailer for the upcoming "ZENSHU," which follows lead character Natsuko Hirose after she graduates from high school and starts working as an entertainer.
Her natural talent "genius" soon allows her to move up the career ladder and achieve her directorial debut, a romantic comedy film about first love. However, as someone who has never experienced love firsthand, Natsuko struggles to understand the concept and create a satisfying story, stalling the production of her supposed masterpiece. In the trailer, her character can be seen abruptly ordering the animators working under her to "repeat everything" without providing further instructions or guidance.
On Twitter, many responses to the trailer point out the irony of such a realistic anime project, with Japanese and English-speaking fans participating. "MAPPA told the animators: you can't talk about your struggles on social media. You can talk through our new anime. Now go cheer up that damn thing," reads one of these comments.
«An anime about MAPPA animators animated by MAPPA animators. It's like a cry for help," says another. Other comments have been more blunt, including things like "Exploit your employees: the anime" and "How about you don't overexploit your animators instead?" as well as the simple but straightforward "Embarrassing."
"ZENSHU" is being directed by Mitsue Yamazaki (director of Gekkan Shojo Nozaki-kun, episode director of Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Bleach and Mawaru Penguindrum), with the screenplay written by Kimiko Ueno (Carole & Tuesday, Yurei Deco, Delicious in Dungeon). The series will feature character designs adapted by Kayoko Ishikawa, who also serves as lead animation director (Sarazanmai, Maboroshi), with music composed by Yukari Hashimoto (Toradora!, March Comes in Like a Lion, Komi Can't Communicate).
Source: Twitter Official Account
