In recent years, MAPPA, the studio behindJujutsu Kaisen, has become one of the most talked-about studios in anime. Known for high-energy series likeJujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan: The FinalSeason,andChainsaw Man, MAPPA has rapidly risen to the top of the industry. But behind the scenes, the studio has also been under fire for grueling production schedules, tight deadlines, and reports of overworked staff. Now, in an unexpected but potentially transformative move, MAPPA is taking steps to address some of those systemic issues.
The studio has brought in Yuichi Fukushima, according tomappa.co.jp, as an “outside director,” a role often used in corporate Japan to provide oversight and guidance free from internal pressures. Fukushima, who is also a director at CloverWorks, expressed surprise at the appointment himself, but the move signals something larger.MAPPA appears to be opening its doors to objective evaluation, perhaps in an effort to reform how it operates and to confront long-standing problems in anime production.The question is, will it be enough?
A New Layer of Oversight at MAPPA
MAPPA is Bringing In Outside Talent to Help
Bringing in an outside director like Fukushima is not just symbolic.In corporate governance, outside directors are tasked with making sure companies stay on course and are managed effectively, especially in balancing creative ambition with worker sustainability.They are not beholden to company hierarchies or internal politics, which allows them to offer objective insight. For an anime studio like MAPPA, which often juggles multiple high-profile projects at once, this kind of oversight could be crucial.
Fukushima’s presence also introduces an external voice into a studio that has often been criticized for its insular decision-making. While his background at CloverWorks gives him insight into anime production, his outsider status might allow him to spot inefficiencies and structural flaws that insiders overlook.The hope is that his appointment marks the beginning of smarter production planning and healthier work conditions for MAPPA’s animators and staff.
Will It Actually Make a Difference?
Will This New Staffing Decision Make MAPPA More Successful?
Of course, simply hiring an outside director does not guarantee real change.The anime industry as a whole is built on tight deadlines, low pay, and a demanding work culture that is difficult to reform overnight. MAPPA’s decision is admirable, but unless it translates into action, like longer lead times, better wages, or more realistic schedules, it could easily become a PR move rather than a meaningful shift.
Still, MAPPA is in a rare position. With its global popularity and financial success,MAPPA has the resources and influence to set a new industry standard. If Fukushima’s involvement leads to better management practices, other studios may follow. For now, anime fans and industry insiders will be watching closely.Jujutsu Kaisen’sstudio, MAPPA’s, next steps could help determine whether the studio is truly ready to lead not just in animation quality, but in changing the industry from within.
