Motoki Tanaka (a.k.a. Tensho), founder and CEO of Bibury Animation Studios (Chainsmoker Cat, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You), recently addressed anime industry aspirants on X by voicing his opinion on the current state of the industry. According to him, working conditions and remuneration (particularly for animators and production coordinators) have improved considerably over the last few years.
He cited improved salaries (higher pay and punctual payment by employers) and less overtime and overnight stays as examples, saying that “the era when low pay was the norm and overtime was a given in the anime industry is over.”
According to Tanaka, the stigma that working in animation is embarrassing or “a job for otaku” is also disappearing, as the industry has become such an important cultural asset of Japan that those working in it should be proud of their profession. He added that while animation is not an easy job (there are still instances of low and delayed pay, as well as overtime), it can be a lot of fun.
Reports about the poor working conditions of animators in Japan have been frequent throughout the past few years. In July 2023, an article by Oricon News showed how veteran artists were often the only ones reaping the benefits of the anime industry’s worldwide economic success. Newcomers, on the other hand, were paid roughly 50 thousand JPY ($350 USD) a month and encouraged to practice their craft during their free time, leaving them unable to hold part-time jobs to make ends meet.
A case in March 2024 followed a Japanese animator who took to social media to show that their pay for their first month at an anime studio amounted to the equivalent of $132 USD. Fellow animators shared similar experiences, with one having a 3-day deadline to do in-betweens for a popular anime title for just around $103 USD.
In 2025, a UN human rights committee report highlighting deeply rooted issues in Japan’s anime industry sparked concern regarding the country’s ability to meet its output goals and sustain the industry. It was discovered that over 30% of animators who were working as freelancers or independent contractors were easily susceptible to long working hours and unfair subcontractor relationships with employers. It was also highlighted that animator contracts often failed to protect animators’ intellectual property rights.
Amidst such circumstances, many were relieved to hear some positive news from someone directly involved in the anime industry. While the issue of poor working conditions certainly cannot be improved overnight, it’s reassuring to hear that the industry is gradually changing for the better, though discrepancies between production companies and job positions likely exist.
