The Nippon Animation Film Culture Association (NAFCA) recently disclosed findings from its inaugural survey on the working conditions within the anime industry. Their objective was to validate whether the prevailing perception of low income and prolonged working hours in the industry held true.
Conducted from December 4, 2023, to January 31, 2024, the survey garnered 323 responses from individuals working in various capacities within the anime sector.
Of the respondents, 59% (191 individuals) identified as animators, making them the largest group, followed by 44 directors, 35 production-related staff, 27 character and mechanical designers, 23 prop and costume designers, 23 voice actors, 20 directors, 15 finishing artists, 14 in art, 11 in cinematography and CG respectively, and 10 in the sound department, with only 4 as scenario writers.
The survey outcomes validated the widespread belief of overwork and underpayment prevalent in the anime industry.
Luffy (Credits: Toei animation)
Staff in the Anime Industry: Long Hours of Work
According to the NAFCA survey, the average working hours for anime industry personnel stood at 219 hours, notably higher than the national average of 162.3 hours. The maximum recorded working hours in the anime industry reached 336 hours, with a median of 225 hours.
Out of the respondents, 71.4% reported working 8 hours or more per day, and 30.4% stated working 10 hours or more daily. Furthermore, 58.8% of respondents reported having only 6 days off per month on average.
Interestingly, even as individuals aged, the trend of working long hours persisted, with 69% of respondents in their 50s reporting 8 hours or more of work daily, and 21% working 10 hours or more.
Despite improvements over the past six years, with a notable decrease in the percentage of animators working excessive hours, the industry still faces chronic human resource shortages.
Average monthly working hours of anime industry staff (excluding VAs)
When broken down by job role, personnel in the sound department logged particularly long hours, with 38% working 12 hours or more daily. Directors followed at 22%, while across all job categories, over 30% reported working 10 hours or more daily.
However, the survey also highlighted that only directors, designers, CG artists, and scenario writers enjoyed relatively comfortable working hours, while other roles experienced significantly longer workdays.
Gender disparities were evident in the survey, with women more likely to work longer hours, although there was little difference in work patterns between men and women in anime production.
Eren (Credits: Mappa)
Earnings in the Anime Industry: Low Income
In terms of remuneration, the survey revealed that 37.7% of respondents earned less than 200,000 yen per month from their anime-related work. Of these, 77.6% did not engage in any work outside the anime industry, indicating they relied solely on an annual income of 2.4 million yen or less.
By job role, finishing and scenario writers reported notably low incomes, with over 60% earning less than 200,000 yen per month. Similarly, 43% of animators and 45% of art directors earned below 200,000 yen per month.
However, 11% of animators reported annual incomes exceeding 10 million yen, suggesting significant earning potential with honed skills. Additionally, approximately 15% of respondents in character/mechanical design and prop/costume design reported earning over 700,000 yen per month or 8.4 million yen annually, presenting career advancement opportunities for animators.
Tanjiro and Eren (Credits: Ufotable and Mappa)
Moreover, over 50% of those who transitioned to directing reported monthly earnings exceeding 500,000 yen (6 million yen annually), offering prospects for a stable career in the field. Nevertheless, compared to the average annual salary of project managers outside the anime industry (8.915 million yen), anime industry staff generally receive lower wages.
The survey highlighted disparities in hourly wages, with finishing and audio-related jobs offering the lowest wages at 667 yen and 875 yen, respectively, while directors earned the highest hourly wage at 2,111 yen. Nearly 14% of anime staff earned hourly wages ranging from 600 to 800 yen.
The median hourly wage in the anime industry, at 1,111 yen, barely exceeded the national average of 1,004 yen as of March 2024, and was slightly lower than Tokyo’s minimum wage of 1,113 yen.
Despite variations across roles, the survey underscored abnormally low wages in the anime industry, lending credence to arguments against exploitation.
April’s here, and with it comes a mix of emotions. Sometimes, words can’t quite express how we feel, but that’s where anime steps in! These animated tales are like friends who get it, making us laugh, cry, and everything in between.
These animated stories are like friends who understand exactly what you’re going through. So, as we settle into April, let’s see ten anime series that’ll hit you right in the feels. From heartbreak to hope, these shows cover it all, offering a shoulder to lean on when emotions run high.
Fans of Japanese anime find themselves drawn to heartbreaking series just as much as producers aim to evoke cathartic sadness in their audiences. While there are countless upbeat and joyful anime series that instantly lift spirits, there’s an equally abundant supply of sad anime that leave viewers reaching for tissues.
Some sad anime (Credits: Crunchyroll)
Fans seeking an emotional rollercoaster ride have a plethora of options to choose from. Whether it’s dramas delving into teenage romance or narratives tackling profound subjects like illness and war, there’s something to tug at every heartstring in anime’s extensive library.
These anime series offer a range of emotional intensity, ensuring that viewers are kept on the edge of their seats with tears streaming down their faces.
As fans get into the diverse selection available, they’re in for an emotional journey that’s sure to leave a lasting impact. So, grab your popcorn and tissues, and prepare to experience the full spectrum of human emotions with collection of sad anime.
10 Sad Animes to Watch in April: A Journey Through Emotional Rollercoasters
10. Clannad (2007)
Clannad (Credits: Crunchyroll)
“Clannad” is a quintessential tearjerker that follows the story of Tomoya Okazaki, a high school delinquent who finds purpose and love through his encounters with a group of girls.
The series finds themes of family, friendship, and loss, with each episode leaving a lasting impact on the viewer’s heart. Be prepared for emotional highs and lows as you follow Tomoya’s journey through life’s trials and tribulations.
9. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Grave of the Fireflies (Credits: Netflix)
Directed by the renowned Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata, “Grave of the Fireflies” is a hauntingly beautiful tale set in the backdrop of World War II.
The film follows the heartbreaking story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, as they struggle to survive in war-torn Japan. With its poignant narrative and stunning animation, “Grave of the Fireflies” is a cinematic masterpiece that will leave you reaching for the tissues.
8. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (Credits: Prime Video)
“Anohana” is a poignant tale of friendship, guilt, and redemption that will tug at your heartstrings from start to finish. The series follows a group of childhood friends who drift apart after the tragic death of their friend Meiko “Menma” Honma.
Years later, Menma’s ghost appears to one of the friends, Jinta Yadomi, urging him to fulfill her unfulfilled wish. As the friends reunite to grant Menma’s wish, they must confront their own unresolved feelings and come to terms with their grief.
7. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 (2009)
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 (Credits: Prime Video)
“Takao Magnitude 8.0” is a thought-provoking anime that finds the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Tokyo. The series follows siblings Mirai and Yuuki as they guide the chaos and destruction in the wake of the disaster, searching for their family amidst the rubble.
As they encounter strangers who offer help and support, Mirai and Yuuki must confront their own fears and insecurities in order to survive. With its realistic portrayal of natural disaster and its impact on human lives, “Tokyo Magnitude 8.0” is a gripping and emotional journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
6. A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)
A Silent Voice (Credits: Crunchyroll)
Prepare to confront themes of bullying, guilt, and redemption in A Silent Voice. The film follows Shoya Ishida, a high school student who ostracized a deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya, in their elementary school days. Years later, Shoya seeks redemption and attempts to reconnect with Shoko.
A Silent Voice is a powerful and emotional story that tackles complex themes. Watching it alone allows you to fully engage with the characters’ struggles and appreciate the film’s message of empathy and forgiveness.
5. Orange (2016)
Orange (Credits: Crunchyroll)
Orange is a bittersweet anime that combines elements of romance, science fiction, and drama to deliver a compelling narrative about second chances and the power of friendship.
The series follows Naho Takamiya, a high school student who receives a letter from her future self, urging her to save her new classmate, Kakeru Naruse, from a tragic fate.
As Naho and her friends work together to change the course of destiny, they must confront their own regrets and fears along the way. “Orange” is a heartwarming and emotional journey that reminds us of the importance of cherishing every moment and seizing the opportunities life presents us with.
4. Angel Beats! (2010)
Angel Beats! (Credits: Crunchyroll)
“Angel Beats!” is a unique blend of action, comedy, and drama that get the concept of life after death in a high school setting. The series follows a group of students who find themselves trapped in a mysterious purgatory-like world, where they must battle against an enigmatic girl known as Angel.
As they uncover the truth about their existence and confront their past traumas, the students form bonds of friendship and camaraderie that transcend death itself. With its compelling characters and emotional depth, “Angel Beats!” is a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you laughing, crying, and everything in between.
3. Charlotte (2015)
Charlotte (Credits: Crunchyroll)
In “Charlotte,” viewers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and redemption alongside protagonist Yuu Otosaka. Blessed with supernatural abilities, Yuu initially uses his powers for personal gain, manipulating those around him for his own benefit.
However, when he encounters others with similar abilities, Yuu’s perspective begins to shift, and he embarks on a quest to right the wrongs of his past. As he grapples with the weight of responsibility and the consequences of his actions, Yuu learns valuable lessons about empathy, sacrifice, and the true meaning of power.
“Charlotte” is a thought-provoking series that delves into themes of loss, redemption, and the search for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty. Through its compelling narrative and well-developed characters, it prompts viewers to ponder their own values and choices, ultimately leaving a lasting impact long after the final credits roll.
2. Violet Evergarden (2018)
Violet Evergarden (Credits: Crunchyroll)
“Violet Evergarden” is a visually stunning anime series that follows the titular character, Violet Evergarden, a former soldier who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing in the aftermath of a devastating war.
As Violet takes on the role of an Auto Memory Doll, a profession that specializes in ghostwriting heartfelt letters for others, she learns to understand the complexities of human emotions and the power of words to convey love, grief, and longing.
With its breathtaking animation and poignant storytelling, “Violet Evergarden” is a mesmerizing and emotionally resonant anime that will leave you in awe of its beauty and depth.
1. Wolf Children (2012)
Wolf Children (Credits: Crunchyroll)
In “Wolf Children,” director Mamoru Hosoda invites viewers into a world where the line between human and beast blurs,finding the intricacies of family dynamics and the challenges of identity. The story revolves around Hana, a young woman who finds herself raising her extraordinary children alone after the tragic loss of their father, who was a werewolf.
As she finds the joys and struggles of motherhood, Hana must confront societal prejudices and her own fears while nurturing her half-wolf, half-human offspring, Ame and Yuki.
Through breathtaking animation and heartfelt storytelling, Wolf Children get deep into themes of love, acceptance, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us together. It’s a poignant reminder that family transcends species and that true strength lies in embracing our differences.
Must Watch Anime in April:
Your Lie in April (2014)
Your Lie In April (Credits: Crunchyroll)
Rewatch it if you have already watch it since its April, and there won’t any better time to binge in again.
“Your Lie in April” is a music-themed anime that get the themes of love, loss, and the healing power of art. The series follows Kousei Arima, a talented pianist who lost his ability to hear the music after a traumatic event.
When he meets the free-spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, Kousei’s world is turned upside down as he learns to rediscover his passion for music and life. Prepare to be swept away by the emotional performances and heart-wrenching revelations in this beautiful anime.
As we set on the journey of April, let these ten sad anime series accompany us through the highs and lows of life. From heart-wrenching tragedies to tales of redemption and hope, each of these anime offers a unique perspective on the human experience and the myriad of emotions that come with it.
So grab your tissues, immerse yourself in these beautiful stories, and let yourself be moved by the power of anime to touch our hearts and souls.
Memes of the Day
Blackmailing My Boss Using My Power To Recognize Women By Their As*es
Senoo Chizuru-san no Ichinichi
Honorable Mention
Hatsukoi Time
Pay with Sperm Pay
The Hole Is Open
