MAPPA is the cradle of a series of famous anime such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan: The Final Season and Chainsaw Man... However, this studio has become the center of many controversies when MAPPA staff spoke up to denounce MAPPA's brutal workload. Recently, when the studio released the Trailer of Zenshu, it immediately caused more backlash.
The content of the anime Zenshu is posted by MAPPA
After MAPPA released the trailer for Zenshu - an upcoming anime, it caused a wave of outrage everywhere. The reason is because of the way the story is built. The main character of the anime is Natsuko Hirose. After graduating from high school, she started working as an animator. Her natural talent, which can even be called "genius", allowed her to climb the career ladder and make her directorial debut - a romantic comedy about first love.
However, Natsuko Hirose, who has never been in love, struggled to grasp this vague concept in order to create a plausible story. This delayed the production of what was supposed to be her masterpiece. In the trailer, viewers witnessed the character rudely ordering the animators working under her to "Do it all again!" without providing any ideas or instructions. This action immediately reminded the audience of the MAPPA scandal.
Why are audiences angry?
On X (formerly Twitter), there were a lot of responses to the trailer, pointing out that this MAPPA anime is reflecting real life. Comments were left from both Japanese and international fans:
"Mappa told the animators: you can't publicize your struggles on social media, then just put it in the studio's new anime. Now get to work on that thing!"
"An anime about MAPPA animators produced by MAPPA animators themselves. This is a cry for help."
"Why don't you guys overwork the animators?"
"What a shameless person."
The post on X contained a series of sarcastic memes, expressing people's anger towards MAPPA's working style.
Honestly, Zenshu is a pretty promising anime because:
Directed by Mitsue Yamazaki (director of Gekkan Shojo Nozaki-kun, Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Bleach and Mawaru Penguindrum)
The screenplay is written by Kimiko Ueno (screenwriter of Carole & Tuesday, Yurei Deco, Delicious in Dungeon).
The character designs were adapted by Kayoko Ishikawa, who was also the chief animation director of Sarazanmai, Maboroshi
The music is composed by Yukari Hashimoto (music for Toradora!, March Comes in Like a Lion, Komi Can't Communicate).
Zenshu does not have a release date yet.
Although it is known as one of the top studios in Japan, if MAPPA does not change and continues to "challenge" fans like this, the future of the studio will be difficult to guarantee. And you, what do you think about this move of MAPPA?
