Anime Is Going Through An 'originality Crisis'

If South Korea positions itself in the global content industry with K-Pop and dramas, Japan has its greatest cultural representative in anime. With more than 100 years of history since the production of “Imokawa Mukuzo Genkanban no Maki” in 1917, anime has been synonymous with innovation and creativity, representing 60% of the global market and generating an economic impact equivalent to that of the video game industry. in South Korea, with annual revenues of 2.7 billion yen.

However, The aging of the industry and its core consumers poses an uncertain outlook. What was once an inexhaustible source of creativity faces structural problems that have compromised its ability to reinvent itself.

The splendor of the 80s and 90s

For many, the golden age of Japanese anime was during the 1980s and 1990s. In this period, Japan was not only experiencing its economic bubble, but also the rise of its culture worldwide. Iconic works such as “AKIRA”, “Ghost in the Shell” and “Neon Genesis Evangelion” marked a before and afternot only as entertainment products, but as means to explore philosophical and social themes.

At that time, anime not only dominated the domestic market, but also the international one. In the 1980s, 70% of animated programming in Europe came from Japan, evidencing its global influence. This boom was no coincidence, since the industry attracted a group of creators with a solid academic backgroundwho took anime to new heights. However, the arrival of the internet, online video games and platforms such as YouTube in the 2000s attracted new generations towards more accessible and dynamic forms of entertainment.

Faced with these changes, the anime made two mistakes that have had long-term consequences:

Labor exploitation in animation studios: What was once a dream for young creatives is today considered a sector with precarious working conditions. With working hours averaging 219 hours per month and sub-minimum wages, the industry has seen a worrying drain on talent. 68% of animators leave their jobs before the age of eight, and the average age of employees reaches 42.7 years, seven years older than a decade ago.
Dependency on proven and nostalgic IPs: In 2023, 7 of the 10 most successful anime films in Japan were remakes or continuations of works from the 80s and 90s, such as The First Slam Dunk either Detective Conan. Although these films generated impressive income, The lack of new ideas has reduced investments in original projects by half compared to ten years agoaccording to data from the Japan Animation Association.

The innovation crisis and the future of anime

Experts criticize that current remakes, although financially successful, lack the innovative spirit that defined the golden era of anime. In contrast, works like AKIRA and Neon Genesis Evangelion challenged the norms of their time, while recent productions opt for safe decisions that avoid creative risks.

Despite the challenges, anime remains a cultural and economic giant. However, to ensure its long-term relevance, The industry will need to address its structural problems, attract a new generation of creators and recapture the spirit of innovation that once defined it.. Only then can it maintain its place as a global leader in the entertainment industry.

And Japanese Internet users were quick to comment on the matter:

«Young people are only interested in Korean dramas, Chinese dramas and love reality shows»
«If so, isn't it okay? You don't have to do a lot of work to influence public opinion.».
«Well, if you opt for a safe business, no one dares to risk it. Robots in anime are always from Gundam, and the heroes must be UltraMan or Kamen Rider».
«Well, in the anime industry it seems that young people who don't have money are not taken into account».
«Both abroad and in Japan, those who are interested enjoy old works, while those who are not, do not see them. It is not necessary for everyone to agree».
«If you don't want to see something, don't do it. Why criticize Japanese manga or anime if you don't even watch it? We simply don't watch anime based on Korean works. It's not a topic of conversation».
«Not only in anime, all content is being remade. Has anything really come out that can be considered “new”?».
«I forget the name, but there was an anime about a witch girl who doesn't age. In America, that couldn't be done.».
«I'm an old man, but I'm watching “Dandadan”, “Frieren” and “Trillion Game”».
«Among mass-produced anime, there are some that are truly enjoyable. Those who limit themselves to judging without testing are missing out.».
«To find that, we would need to see all the works, but that means trying everything».
«Although there are some anime from Korea and China, they are still nothing notable».
«China is not to be underestimated. They are completely copying the Japanese style».