Japan’s anime industry, long criticized for its demanding work environment and low pay, is showing signs of improving conditions for some workers as the sector experiences sustained revenue growth and expanding global popularity.
In 2024, anime-related revenue reached a record ¥3.8 trillion (approximately $25 billion), according to recent industry data. The Japanese government has set an ambitious target of ¥6 trillion by 2033, viewing anime as a key cultural export and economic driver. Despite this commercial success, the workforce behind anime production—comprising animators, character designers, and other creative professionals—has traditionally faced long hours, below-minimum wages, and unstable freelance employment.
A comprehensive survey conducted in 2026 by the Japan Animation Creators' Association (JAniCA), which collected responses from 9,385 industry workers, indicates gradual progress. For instance, individuals in their 40s and older now earn salaries exceeding the national average for their age group. Entry-level workers aged 20 to 24 reported annual incomes averaging ¥2 million ($12,700), a notable increase from the ¥1.5 million ($9,500) recorded in 2019, though still below the national average.
Working hours have also seen improvement. Sixty-four percent of respondents reported receiving eight or more days off per month, a significant rise from 23 percent in 2019. The share of workers logging between 260 and 300 hours monthly—approximately 65 to 75 hours weekly—fell sharply from nearly 20 percent in 2021 to just 4.3 percent in 2026.
Several factors contribute to these positive changes. Although the total volume of anime produced annually has remained around 2,076 hours for over a decade, production times for episodes have lengthened due to higher quality animation standards, requiring more labor per project. At the same time, demographic shifts in Japan have tightened the labor market. The country’s declining birthrate has reduced the available talent pool, intensifying competition among employers to attract and retain skilled workers.
To respond, more companies are offering full-time, permanent employment—an uncommon practice historically in the industry, where freelance work predominates. The percentage of full-time employees among survey respondents rose to 44.9 percent in 2026, up from 15.5 percent in 2015. Contract employees accounted for an additional 13.1 percent. Industry representatives note that full-time employment has become a key differentiator in recruiting top talent, with companies lacking such offerings experiencing a sharp decline in applications.
However, improvements are uneven across the industry. While some large companies report record profits—such as Aniplex, owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan—many smaller studios continue to struggle, with over half of anime companies reporting profit decreases or losses in fiscal 2025. Rising costs pose significant challenges, including investments in digitalization tools like data servers and graphics tablets, which have become essential amid the global semiconductor shortage and a weaker yen. These overheads disproportionately affect smaller studios, limiting their ability to keep skilled workers and meet production schedules.
Consolidation efforts are underway as studios seek more efficient resource use. MAPPA, known for titles like “Chainsaw Man” and “Jujutsu Kaisen,” recently merged with a sister company to centralize operations, while publisher Kadokawa is consolidating multiple studios into a single location in Tokyo.
Industry leaders caution that while progress is evident, many challenges remain. The latest survey may underrepresent the most overworked employees due to the time required to participate. Nevertheless, the trend toward better employment conditions and sustainable business practices reflects growing recognition that securing top creative talent requires improved working environments in an increasingly competitive landscape.