“Japanese Anime Will Be Ruined”
So sayeth Koichi Murata, the president of Oh Entertainment, in this article talking about the increasingly unpleasant working conditions of animators in Japan. This unstable and low-paying environment is turning potential animators to other careers, and many animation companies to seek animators in other countries to help out.
The article mentions fansubs as a growing and important concern (especially for smaller studios, who lack the resources to mount a lawsuit), but at least in part taking a back seat to concerns for the animators– a refreshing change on the one hand, but on the other hand, the industry hardly needs MORE problems.
But then, it’s not a new problem, either. A very interesting read for anyone who keeps an eye on the industry, I should think.
You’re right, an interesting read. I believe it, too. Every season the quality of shows just keeps getting worse and worse to the point where I’m hardly downloading any series at all - because there’s nothing worth watching. Besides, bloggers are doing a fine job of screen-capturing and summerizing everything for me anyway, so why waste band width and time downloading?