UlasanAnime.com – A recent blog post has sparked discussion regarding the working conditions of Japanese animators, highlighting the complexities and nuances involved in addressing these issues.
The author of the blog post, which can be read in full [here](https://medium.com/@sasugastudios/actionable-ways-to-improve-working-conditions-in-the-anime-industry-6a7212583363), expresses agreement with its core premise: it’s inappropriate to shame individuals for piracy by using the plight of underpaid animators as leverage. Furthermore, the post argues that simply consuming content legally doesn’t significantly impact the problem, as it’s not the primary driver of change. These points are presented as fundamental understanding, or “table stakes,” for any constructive discussion on the matter.
While the blog post is acknowledged for its helpfulness in listing known issues like the “anime dorm thing” and referencing sources like Janica and Sakugablog, it is also critiqued for its attempts to criticize anime press and the perceived lack of information available to fans.
Several key points are raised in response to the blog post:
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- Information and Misinformation: The author agrees that information and misinformation are significant issues, having experienced both being misinformed and witnessing it in others. However, they question the blog post’s authoritativeness, suggesting an overreach in applying international labor models to Japan’s unique context, which often proves ineffective even for large corporations. The complex relationship between press and advertisers is also noted as a factor contributing to this obtuse outside view.
- Understated Information Problem: The lack of readily available, plain PR-style information in English is highlighted. A selection bias exists due to industrial relationships between localizers, press, and Japanese content producers. Crucially, these organizations do not typically aim to educate consumers. Fandom, despite its potential as an information source, often lacks organization or focuses on aspects beyond fundamental education, leading to the misuse of decontextualized data and concepts.
- Sakugablog’s Role: The relationship between Sakugablog, its exposure of individual animators to the Western public, and the specific post in question is cited as an example of poor information and disinformation. It’s noted that the truth cannot always be simply disclosed, and Sakugablog’s primary purpose is not whistleblowing. While Sakugabooru and Sakugablog cater to their niche fan base, they also aspire to be public outreach platforms. The author suggests a need for a news-like site to explain industry realities, a role Sakugablog has attempted to fill. However, a “tortured whistleblowing” example from Sakugabooru’s blog concerning “Marchen Madchen” is presented to illustrate the difficulties. The post argues that one cannot act as a “bull in a china shop” within the close-knit Japanese sakuga-making community. The accusatory nature of such posts is seen as unbalanced, with significant “couching” and defense preceding actual accusations. The public, it is argued, is not ready for such disclosures due to widespread misinformation about this niche industry. Misunderstandings can arise even with lengthy explanations, affecting casual and semi-casual fans, as well as the broader public, including non-otaku Japanese citizens. Discussions about animator working conditions are sensitive, and it’s questioned whether they can be addressed without diluting the message or causing further problems. The systemic nature of these issues, intertwined with other problems, requires a deep understanding of the system’s underpinnings, far beyond mere appreciation of animators.
- Missing Unions: The blog post overlooked other relevant unions. The Japanese actors union, which governs voice acting rates, guarantees, and royalties, is mentioned as an example. Musicians also have unions, but their arrangements often take precedence due to affiliations with major labels or freelance status. The author points to the Seiyuu union as an illustration of how unionization in Japan has limited impact on improving working conditions, referencing the character in “Shirobako” as a poignant example of its limitations.
- Employer Role and Citizen Action: The blog post’s critique of “neoliberal traps of market correction” is countered by the acknowledgment that companies like PA Works and Kyoto Animation are actively involved in improving the working conditions of their employees and contractors. This is seen as contradictory to Sakugablog’s generally supportive stance on positive industry changes. The author emphasizes that improvement requires compromise from both labor and employers, and dismissing the employer side as mere “neoliberalism” demonstrates a poor understanding of their role in the ecosystem. The fact that animation companies are trying to improve the situation implies other crucial factors that should be discussed, and these are the very changes citizen actions should advocate for. The omission of this aspect from the blog post is considered critical, especially in light of mentions like the “Young Animators Project.”
The author wholeheartedly agrees that a firm grasp of fundamentals, such as how citizen action drives systemic change, is essential for a sensible discussion on improving Japanese animators’ working conditions. However, they stress the necessity of extensive data and a keen understanding of Japanese work culture, business practices, societal attitudes, demographics, industry structures, and patterns. Blanketly applying solutions that worked elsewhere without addressing localized concerns is deemed ineffective. While emotional appeals might be persuasive, the author advocates for focusing on tangible, albeit potentially temporary, solutions to help animators, moving away from excessive “SJW-ing.”
Despite the critiques, the author reiterates their overall agreement with the blog post’s sentiments and deems it a worthwhile read.
PS. The author inquires if anyone is attending the WUG Bus Tour.
