The anime industry has reached a point where its rapid growth is raising concerns even among those who helped shape it. In a recent interview, the founder of a well-known anime studio admitted that he feels a “sense of crisis” about the state of the industry.
His main worry is that the overwhelming number of anime being produced every year is harming creativity and reducing the passion to create original works. While anime is more popular globally than ever before, this growth may be coming at a cost to originality and artistic spirit.
The founder explained that the current industry environment puts pressure on studios to keep producing more titles at a fast pace. With streaming platforms demanding constant new content and international audiences eager for the next big hit, studios often turn to adapting existing manga, light novels, or games instead of creating original projects.
Adaptations are seen as safer investments since they already have a built-in fan base, but the result is that original anime concepts are becoming increasingly rare. According to the founder, this shift is dangerous because it weakens the industry’s long-term health by discouraging risk-taking and innovation.
He described how, in earlier decades, many anime creators entered the field with a strong desire to tell original stories, even if success was uncertain. Works like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, and Revolutionary Girl Utena stood out because they were unique and daring, shaping anime culture in lasting ways.
Today, however, the environment has changed. Studios hesitate to fund projects that do not guarantee returns, especially given the high costs of production. This leaves less room for ambitious creators to push boundaries, resulting in more formula-driven shows that can blend together over time.
Anime Studio Founder Warns of Crisis in Creativity
The founder also pointed out the emotional side of the issue. For animators, writers, and directors, passion is an essential part of the creative process. When projects are chosen mainly for their commercial value, that passion can be replaced by fatigue or disinterest.
Working endlessly on projects designed only to fill schedules or ride on existing popularity can leave creators feeling disconnected from their own art. In his words, too much focus on quantity risks draining the energy that originally drew people into the industry.
Fans have also noticed the shift. Many viewers complain that seasonal anime schedules are filled with too many similar isekai or fantasy series, while fresh, original ideas appear less often. Although there are still standout works, the saturation makes it harder for unique titles to get noticed. The founder fears that if this continues, audiences themselves may lose interest in anime over time because the sense of surprise and discovery will fade.
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At the same time, he acknowledged the difficulties studios face. Producing anime is expensive, and financial risks can easily threaten smaller companies. Adapting known titles offers a level of security that original works cannot. He admitted that finding the right balance is not easy, but he emphasized that ignoring originality entirely would be a mistake. For him, protecting the spirit of creativity is just as important as financial stability.
Reactions to his comments have been strong across anime communities. Many fans praised his honesty, agreeing that anime today sometimes feels repetitive. They pointed out that some of the industry’s greatest works came from creators who dared to be different, and they worry that current conditions do not encourage that kind of boldness.
On the other hand, some fans argued that adaptations are not inherently bad and that many beloved series also came from manga or novels. For them, the problem is not adaptations themselves but the lack of variety in what gets adapted.
Flood of New Anime Raises Fears Over Original Works
The founder’s concerns also echo other industry voices who have warned about overproduction in recent years. With too many anime airing each season, animators are spread thin across projects, and the quality can suffer.
Audiences may find themselves overwhelmed by sheer volume, making it harder for any one series to stand out. This combination of fatigue for both creators and fans paints a worrying picture of where the industry could be heading.
Despite his concerns, the founder ended his remarks with cautious hope. He expressed his belief that passion still exists within the industry and that many creators continue to dream of making original anime.
He urged studios and investors to remember that anime became a global phenomenon not only because of quantity but because of the unique artistry behind it. Supporting originality, even in small ways, could ensure that anime continues to evolve rather than stagnate.
The anime industry may be thriving on the surface, with global audiences larger than ever before, but voices like his remind us that success should not come at the cost of creativity. The challenge moving forward will be finding ways to balance commercial demands with the need for originality.
Without that balance, the “sense of crisis” he described could become a reality, changing anime’s future in ways that fans and creators alike would regret.
