Bibury Animation Studios CEO Says the Era of Low Wages and Overtime in Anime Is Over

Motoki Tanaka, founder and CEO of Bibury Animation Studios (Chainsmoker Cat, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You), spoke out on X about the current state of the anime industry. According to the executive, working conditions and compensation, particularly for animators and production coordinators, have improved considerably in recent years.

Tanaka cited higher salaries, punctual payments from employers, and fewer overtime hours and overnight stays as examples of the change. "The era when low wages were the norm and overtime was a given in the anime industry is over," he declared.

The CEO also noted that the stigma of working in animation is fading. The industry has become such an important cultural asset of Japan that those who work in it should feel proud of their profession. Even so, he admitted that animation is not an easy job: cases of low pay, delays, and overtime still exist, although it can be a lot of fun.

The context of precariousness

The statements come after years of reports about the poor conditions of animators in Japan. In July 2023, an Oricon News article showed that veteran artists were often the only ones benefiting from the global economic success of anime. Newcomers earned around 50,000 yen per month (about 350 dollars) and were encouraged to practice their craft in their free time, which prevented them from holding part-time jobs.

In March 2024, a Japanese animator shared on social media that his first month's pay at an anime studio amounted to 132 dollars. Other colleagues recounted similar experiences, such as a three-day deadline to do in-between frames for a popular anime for about 103 dollars.

In 2025, a report by the UN human rights committee revealed that more than 30% of freelance animators were vulnerable to excessive working hours and unfair relationships with their employers. The report also highlighted that contracts often did not protect the intellectual property rights of artists.

Despite Tanaka's optimism, the very outlet that reported his statements warns that there are likely discrepancies between production companies and job positions.

Originally published on Anitsu by Eduardo Casanova. Text reviewed and fact-checked for DonOtaku on November 5, 2026; the original date is preserved.