“Jujutsu 0 probably shouldn’t have been completed in terms of production time. If we set a precedent that it can be made in that time frame, it will only make things more difficult in the future.“ (Itsuki Tsuchigami, episode director)

“The worst cycle is when the staff members all somehow manage to complete a schedule that would be impossible to meet under normal circumstances, while seeing hell, and the higher-ups who only saw the results misunderstand and neglect to improve, thinking ‘It’s not that bad, it can be done!’ I wonder if the beginning of this was when they completed a movie in four months…“ (Sota Shigetsugu, key animator)

I’m sure we’ve all met that boss at work who saw you bust your ass 150% one time then somehow expects that to be the norm every day, all day. Expectations like this are unreasonable, dehumanizing, utterly lacking in empathy, and also ignorant of the actual expertise required for the job at hand.

Seeing these opinions come to light puts me as a fan into a bad position. I really love this anime series and wish to support the art, but I disagree with the way the studio treats its animators and also the way the studio attempts to silence them when they do speak out. If you enjoy the show and praise it, then you are indirectly supporting MAPPA’s poor policies - on the other hand, if you choose to boycott the show, does it even accomplish anything?

In the event there is a lengthy production delay like Ojisan, Zom100 or Nier, at least I made the right call by not starting season 2 yet. Though… I might feel icky while watching it, despite how much I like the story itself.