At the start of the year, AMC Networks — the U.S. company behind shows like “The Walking Dead” and “Breaking Bad” — acquired anime distributor Sentai, and with it the anime-streaming service Hidive. In August 2021, Sony bought the anime-streaming service Crunchyroll for almost $1.2 billion. And streaming giants such as Netflix and Disney have been pouring money into original anime programming over the past few years. Interest in anime around the world has never been higher.  

Behind the scenes, though, animators struggle to make a living and many insiders are calling the industry unsustainable as studios struggle to keep up with demand and the pandemic slows production. 

The Japan Times' culture editor Alyssa I. Smith talks with contributor Matt Schley about why Japan’s anime industry is booming and the challenges it faces in 2022. 

The push to go digital opens new doors for anime (Matt Schley, The Japan Times)

Streaming heavyweights made big moves into the world of anime in 2021 (Matt Schley, The Japan Times)

Younger animators still struggling amid anime boom (Matt Schley, The Japan Times)

‘Akira’: Looking back at the future (Matt Schley, The Japan Times)

Kyoto Animation: A unique force in Japan's anime industry (Matt Schley, The Japan Times)

Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today.

Matt Schley: Articles | Twitter

Alyssa I. Smith: Articles

Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram

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