The highly anticipated Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 has found itself embroiled in controversy, with the looming possibility of cancellation as production issues come to light. The culprit behind the tumultuous situation appears to be none other than Mappa Studio, the powerhouse responsible for bringing this beloved anime to life. Mappa Studio’s production woes have now come to light, exposing a cascade of issues that could have a lasting impact on the fate of the series.
An animator bravely stepped forward, shedding light on the fact that episodes were being released without complete animations. Unfinished drafts were being pushed to the airwaves, a consequence of the overwhelming burden placed on the animation team. As the revelation sent shockwaves through the anime community, it became apparent that the creative forces behind Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 were grappling with unprecedented challenges.
On November 14, 2023, Twitter became a platform for animators to voice their grievances, revealing the toll the relentless workload was taking on their mental health. Prominent figures, including episode directors Kazuto Arai, Itsuki Tsuchigami, and Shunsuke Okubo, joined the chorus of discontent. Animator Hakuyu Go also spoke out about the deplorable working conditions, adding his voice to the growing outcry.
POV: Working at MAPPA Studio pic.twitter.com/Wi5cOqzOiu
— ゲタ帽子 (@Geta_Boshi_) November 22, 2023
Tsuchigami, who had previously hinted at the less-than-ideal working conditions, expressed a conflicted sentiment. While he acknowledged the joy of Jujutsu Kaisen’s success, he lamented that Mappa Studio was reaping all the accolades while the staff toiled in the background. The studio’s dedication and hard work were delivering results, but the spotlight was solely on Mappa.
Since the beginning of the year, some dismissed the production troubles for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 as mere rumours fueled by media sensationalism. However, as time progresses, the whispers have evolved into a resounding confirmation that Mappa Studio has been exploiting its production crew, subjecting them to gruelling hours and compromising their well-being.
I’m really gonna need MAPPA to stop overworking their animators and give them better conditions because if these are the results when those poor animators can’t get all of what they want done, done… then wtf can they do when not abused by the studio. Holy fuck they are good!
— Sean Deeter (deadone) (@34Deeter) November 25, 2023
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 production crew reveal poor working conditions
The majority of tweets addressing the controversy are unequivocally against Mappa Studio. Animators and staff members feel their grievances have fallen on deaf ears, prompting them to take their concerns public. The frustration stemming from the perceived lack of empathy and inaction on the part of the studio has driven the production team to share their experiences online, making their voices heard in a desperate plea for change.
Mappa is a Japanese animation studio that's well known for some of the worst employee conditions in the industry, partly because they have a tendency to work on several projects at once (Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen…)
— domikro (@domikro1) November 24, 2023
As the controversy surrounding Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 deepens, fans and industry insiders alike are closely watching to see how Mappa Studio responds to the mounting criticism. The fate of the series hangs in the balance, and the resolution to the production woes will undoubtedly shape the future of this highly acclaimed anime.
Jujutsu Kaisen Sees Key Animator Quit Over Poor Working Conditions
In a significant development, Vincent Chansard, a key animator for Jujutsu Kaisen, recently quit due to reported poor working conditions at MAPPA Studio. Despite initial reservations about working with MAPPA, Chansard decided to give it another shot, only to find the challenging conditions persisting. His decision to quit highlights the ongoing concerns faced by animators within the studio. Chansard had previously vowed never to work on a MAPPA project again, and his recent experience solidifies that stance. As animators’ well-being comes into focus, questions arise about the impact on Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 and the broader conversation on industry work conditions.
This is the first time I see Vincent chansard 🫡 pic.twitter.com/360Zm43WdT
— Pew (Redwan) (@PewpieceEN) August 7, 2023
In conclusion, the departure of key animators from Jujutsu Kaisen due to poor working conditions is a concerning development. The show’s renowned high-quality animation is at risk, and if this trend continues, it may lose its charm. Mappa Studio must address these issues promptly to prevent the potential consequences of cancellation culture, as fans may resort to boycotting the series. The question remains: why jeopardize an incredible anime with such immense potential?
