Anime Powerhouse Masao Maruyama Warns Japan is at Risk of Losing its Edge to China

Protege of the manga great Osamu Tezuka tells a sign of change in anime

Photo: AFP-JIJI

In a recent interview, Masao Maruyama, the founder of the renowned anime studio, Madhouse, expressed concerns that Japan's dominance in the anime and manga industry may be at risk due to the rising competition from China.

Maruyama, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the anime industry, warned that China's rapid growth in the sector could pose a significant threat to Japan's position as the world's leading producer of anime and manga. He noted that China has been investing heavily in its own animation industry and has been producing a growing number of anime series and films.

"In Japan, people are no longer trained in animation," Maruyama said in the interview. "The only reason China hasn’t quite caught up with Japan yet is because of a bunch of restrictions imposed on free expression there," he said. "If more freedom is unleashed, Japan will be overtaken in no time."

Maruyama went on to say that Japan needs to continue innovating and producing high-quality content to maintain its dominance in the industry. He also stressed the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

Maruyama's warning comes at a time when the anime and manga industry in Japan is already facing several challenges, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a shrinking domestic market. The industry has also been criticized for its lack of diversity and representation, and many young creators are struggling to make a living in the industry.

Despite these challenges, Maruyama remains optimistic about the future of anime and manga in Japan. He believes that with the right investment and support, Japan can continue to produce world-class content and maintain its position as the global leader in the industry.