In a recent interview with Anime Corner, George Wada, the president of WIT Studio, known for its work on the first three seasons of Attack on Titan and the upcoming One Piece remake, expressed concerns about the sustainability of the anime industry’s current pace of production compared to the expectations for quality. When asked about the industry’s trajectory towards higher standards and whether such levels of quality were feasible in the long term, Wada emphasized the importance of expanding the global anime fanbase. He stated that maintaining the current pace might not be viable and suggested that the key to ensuring high-quality productions lies in attracting more anime fans worldwide. Wada suggested that as the fanbase grows, businesses would be more inclined to invest in anime creation, enabling the industry to sustain its standards of excellence. Thus, he emphasized the critical role of increasing the number of anime enthusiasts to support the continued production of top-tier anime content.
In discussing potential investments in the anime industry, WIT Studio president George Wada emphasized the importance of directing resources towards nurturing talent. He advocated for prioritizing the growth of personnel and expanding the talent pool as the most effective use of funds. This perspective resonates with recent sentiments expressed by Keirou Itsumi, the director of Studio Pierrot behind Naruto, who emphasized the significance of increased overtime pay and the desire for personnel to receive direct recognition from fans through events. Additionally, Wada’s viewpoint aligns with ongoing initiatives at MAPPA, such as wage increases and the annual MAPPA STAGE events, which aim to support and celebrate the talent within the industry. These efforts underscore a growing awareness of the value of investing in the people behind anime production as a means to sustain and enhance the industry’s future.
