Despite a surge in investment in Japan's increasingly popular anime industry, many of these funds do not make it to the production floor. This discrepancy appears rooted in numerous economic and structural issues, causing anime studios and workers to struggle financially. The cause and impact of this dissonance has stirred ongoing discussions within various sectors, urging action to resolve the gap.
The state of the anime industry is of major concern in Japan, as it significantly contributes to the national economy and is a vital aspect of cultural identity. The industry has been plagued by the issue of low wages and overwork, often attributed to the ill-distribution of investment funds. The topic touches legal and social factors, setting work norms, labor laws, and corporate decentralization in stark relief.
Unlike Japan, the US and EU entertainment industries typically see a direct correlation between investment influx and workplace conditions. This may be due to more stringent labor laws or the structure of the industries themselves. However, they aren't immune to budget allocation issues, shaping this as a universal challenge in the creative industry.