Aikatsu Anime Director Ryuichi Kimura Says the Animator Shortage Is Forcing Studios to Offer Better Working Conditions

The growing shortage of skilled animators is beginning to change how Japan’s anime industry treats its workforce. Ryuichi Kimura, director of Aikatsu! and representative director of the Japan Animation Creators’ Association (JAniCA), says studios increasingly have to provide better working conditions if they want to attract and retain talented creators. Kimura discussed the issue with The Japan Times, explaining that the anime industry’s labor shortage has made competition for workers significantly more intense. His comments come as anime production continues…