Japan Politician Pitches New Plan to Curb Anime Industry's Wage Gaps
The anime industry has created some amazing stories throughout the decades and it's no surprise that with technology continuing to advance, the medium is rising in popularity in North America and around the world. However, there's something of a dark cloud that hangs over the industry when it comes to the treatment of many of the creative minds behind countless series and movies. Now, one manga artist turned politician is proposing a controversial idea that he hopes will be able to make sure that artists and industry workers are paid their fair share.
Akamatsu has worked on anime franchises such as Love Hina, A.I. Love You, and a number of other properties, diving into the realm of politics via Japan's Liberal Democratic Party and running for office during this year's House of Councilors election in the country. In a recent blurb, the manga artist turned politician had this to say when it came to an idea as to how anime industry works can be better-taken care of:
"These days, Japanese anime works and movies are big hits! However, I also hear that the results have not been returned to the production for various reasons. This will cause the culture to decline! How about giving preferential treatment to the tax of the hit work and using the refund in the industry? It is not possible for the government to provide support from the beginning. We will support the work after it becomes successful."
Last year, Akamatsu joined voice actor Atsuko Enomoto to discuss problems that the industry is currently facing, with the actor having this to say about the current state of the industry that needs to repaired:
"The fees for animation work are too low. We can raise prices, but the reality is that there is dumping going on. Most companies cannot raise prices. Only those who have been performing for a long time and are confident can afford it. We have been asking for an improvement in the working environment, but we know that there is no money for production, so we have been saying for a long time that there might not be any improvement, and we have been wondering what to do."
Do you think the anime industry's wage problems can be solved in the future? Feel free to let us know in the comments or hit me up directly on Twitter @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.