Jujutsu Kaisen director hospitalised after 'exploitative' MAPPA working conditions
In a shocking turn of events, the dark underbelly of the anime industry has been exposed with the hospitalisation of Hokuto Sadamoto, the director responsible for the latest set of episodes in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2.
What
This latest development sheds a disconcerting light on the exploitative working conditions and relentless schedules faced by animators at MAPPA - one of Japan's leading animation studios - and raises urgent questions about the well-being of those responsible for bringing beloved anime to life.
- The discontent among MAPPA animators came to the forefront following the success of the Hidden Inventory arc, with a notable downturn after the Shibuya Incident arc.
- Despite the acclaim for the animation quality, a growing sense of dissatisfaction permeated the production staff, pushing some animators, including Vincent Chansard and now Hokuto Sadamoto, to risk their jobs by speaking out on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Take a break bruh… MAPPA we PROMISE you we can wait an extra few weeks #呪術廻戦 pic.twitter.com/hyKDx2Sn1R
— 𝕐𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕟🕊️ (@KashimoCT) October 26, 2023
The Twitter breakdown
Sadamoto's recent breakdown on X is a depressing testament to the tremendous pressures faced by animators and directors. His revelation provides a harrowing glimpse into the deceptive practices within the industry.
- Assigned the herculean task of completing 250 cuts of animation in a mere two weeks, Sadamoto's workload epitomises the industry's unreasonable demands.
- To exacerbate matters, he was initially misled into believing that he would not be credited for the episode, an attempt to shield him from potential backlash.
- However, a leak exposed his involvement, triggering fan scrutiny and intensifying the pressure on Sadamoto.
In a heartfelt X post, Sadamoto expressed his dissatisfaction with the work, stating, "Everyone is not trash like me… I'll make up for it in my future work. Until then, I will live my life as the worst animator who has ruined a masterpiece."
みんなは俺みたいなクズじゃないから、みんなの言う同情や励みが本心からのものだろうとは分かるが、納得のいかないものを世に出してしまった直後にそういうのは逆に効くので、今はただ…そっとしといて欲しい。
— 貞元北斗 Hokuto. S (@azureoekaki) October 26, 2023
今後の仕事で巻き返す。それまでは大作を汚した最低アニメーターとして生きる。
The admission not only speaks to Sadamoto's personal struggle but also highlights the toll on animators who, despite their dedication, find themselves caught in the crossfire of an industry notorious for its demanding work culture.
Hospitalisation
As recently as this morning, Sadamoto has taken to X to post a series of concerning updates regarding his hospitalisation, accompanied with images of hospital drips.
数やばい pic.twitter.com/it9YB0BZLN
— 貞元北斗 Hokuto. S (@azureoekaki) November 22, 2023
His admission, "I was so scared of this that I couldn't go to the hospital," reflects the pervasive fear within the industry that seeking medical attention may jeopardise one's standing or job security.
これが怖くてずっと病院行けなかった。仕事やってる場合じゃないから入院しなさいと言われるのが怖かった。とりあえず全て終わらせたから、悔いは無い。今のところは。
— 貞元北斗 Hokuto. S (@azureoekaki) November 21, 2023
- This fear, deeply ingrained in Japan's work culture, has long been a deterrent for individuals facing health challenges to speak out.
Mental health in jeapordy
Further tweets revealed the extent of Sadamoto's physical and emotional distress.
Describing the doctor's reaction as "It's already too late," he painted a chilling picture of the toll on his health. "I don't want to die," he candidly shared, exposing the profound impact of the industry's demands on mental well-being.
死にたくねぇなあ
— 貞元北斗 Hokuto. S (@azureoekaki) November 21, 2023
The admission, "I almost passed out in the taxi on the way to the hospital," also provides a stark illustration of the physical toll of the industry's demanding schedules and the revelation of his entire lung being affected with the risk of potential heart failure underscore the severity of his condition.
病院に向かうタクシーの中で息絶えそう
— 貞元北斗 Hokuto. S (@azureoekaki) November 22, 2023
ちょっと高くても民間の救急でも呼べばよかった
But what makes it worse is his latest tweet absolving MAPPA Studios of any blame, seemingly taking the onus of responsibility upon himself entirely.
流石に俺の入院までMAPPAのせいみたいに言われるのは可哀想だな。
— 貞元北斗 Hokuto. S (@azureoekaki) November 22, 2023
これに関しては100%自己責任。スケジュールと給料は確かにヤバだったけど、スケジュールが潤沢だったら病院行けたってわけでもないし……元から体調は悪い方だったからさっさと断ればよかっただけだし。
Sadamoto's hospitalisation is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of an industry grappling with exploitative practices that compromise the health and creativity of its talent.
In the wake of this crisis, industry stakeholders, fans, and creators alike are left grappling with a fundamental question: how can one of Japan's premier animation studios, responsible for bringing joy to millions worldwide, continue to operate in a manner that jeopardises the very lives of those crafting these animated masterpieces?