A startling revelation from a Japanese anime industry animator has exposed the harsh reality of the profession, with a shocking starting wage of just $1.47 per drawing.

In a now-deleted social media post, the animator shared an invoice slip from the previous year, indicating a payment of 220 yen (approximately $1.47) per in-between drawing.

The images of the invoice highlighted the meager unit price for each drawing, sparking concern and discussions about the precarious financial situation many animators face in the industry.

The revelation sheds light on the persistent issue of low wages within the anime sector, raising questions about the sustainability of such practices.

Despite the alarming disclosure, the animator later mentioned that the current situation has improved, and they are presently earning between 150,000 to 200,000 yen (approximately $1,000 to $1,330) per month.

However, this figure still aligns with the reported earnings of many animators in the industry, as revealed in a report by NAFCA, where 40% of animators make less than $16,000 annually.

The low wages prevalent in the anime industry have been attributed to specific practices and legal nuances. Animators are often paid below minimum wage, exploiting the distinct treatment of unit prices in comparison to minimum wages for permanent employees.

This exploitation allows employers to pay unlivable wages, with younger animators typically bearing the brunt of these financial challenges.

Veteran industry figures, including chief animation directors and animation directors of popular anime series, have explained that the laws governing unit prices contribute to the issue.

Furthermore, there are accusations that older animators, by accepting low-quality cuts, have set a precedent that newer generations struggle to challenge due to a lack of force and negotiation ability.

While the anime industry explores new avenues for revenue generation, such as pre-screenings and theatrical releases, concerns persist about the equitable distribution of earnings to the actual staff.

The revelations about low wages underscore the need for systemic changes to ensure fair compensation and better working conditions for animators who contribute significantly to the industry’s success.

In the face of growing international interest and marketability of anime, addressing the longstanding issue of low animator wages becomes imperative for the industry’s sustained growth and success.