The Early Days
MAPPA Studio was established in 2011, with the mission of producing Japanese director Sunao Katabuchi's In This Corner of the World. Unfortunately, despite having a new studio in its corner, this movie didn't see the light of day until five years after the studio had been set up. The studio's first production that got out the door was an anime adaptation of Yuki Kodoma's manga Kids on the Slope, directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, the creative mind behind the breakout anime series Cowboy Bebop. The series is centered around music and the effect that jazz has on the lives of a group of seemingly disparate young people.
MAPPA Studio's early success with Kids on the Slope helped to set the tone for the future of the studio. From these beginnings, MAPPA went on to produce more notable anime series over the next few years, earning a reputation as a hothouse of talented artists and directors.
The Rise to Prominence
MAPPA Studio's rise to prominence is marked by its ability to take on series previously produced by other studios and maintain their excellence. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking narratives, MAPPA has produced some of the most memorable and critically acclaimed anime of recent years.
In 2016, MAPPA Studio gained worldwide recognition with the release of Yuri!!! On Ice, which became a media franchise in Japan in 2017. The show centers around a Japanese figure skater called Yuri Katsuki, and how he decided to quit his skating career after finishing last in a competition. The show won a legion of fans for how it approached the portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and mental health issues.
MAPPA Studio's reputation continued to grow with the release of other notable anime series, including Terror in Resonance, Kakegurui, and The God of Highschool. The studio's ability to capture the essence of each story, deliver vibrant animation, and compelling characters has made it a force to be reckoned with in the anime industry.
Notable Works
MAPPA Studio has produced a diverse range of anime series, each showcasing the studio's exceptional talent and commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation. Here are some of MAPPA's most notable works:
Attack on Titan: The Final Season
MAPPA Studio took over the reins of the final season of the widely popular anime Attack on Titan. The show continued the story of Eren Yeager and other characters in their post-apocalyptic world where the ongoing conflict between humans and titans continues to deepen and develop difficult contexts. The series was praised for its incredible animation, action-packed scenes, and philosophical pursuits.
Chainsaw Man
Based on Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga series of the same name, Chainsaw Man tells the story of a young man named Denji, who obtains the ability to merge with evil spirits, known as devils, after his untimely death. Denji uses his newfound powers to become a weapon against devils. The show explores humanity's dark side and themes of power and responsibility.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen follows the story of Yuji Itadori, who inadvertently falls into the world of jujutsu sorcerers after swallowing a cursed item. The show tells the exciting story of Yuji's journey to protect humans from the evil of cursed spirits. With enthralling action sequences and emotional scenes, the show is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Vinland Saga Season 2
MAPPA Studio took over the reins of the second season of Makoto Yukimura's award-winning manga of the same name. The show continues the story of Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior who embarks on a journey of redemption and self-discovery. The show is known for its brutal violence, intense action, and attention to detail.
Yuri!!! on Ice
Yuri!!! on Ice follows Japanese skater Yuuri Katsuki as he struggles with self-doubt and a losing streak. The show covers Yuuri's quest to rediscover success as well as his rivalry with Yuri Plisetsky, a rising Russian celebrity. Yuri!!! on Ice is known for its notable same-sex representation, realistic figure skating, and strong character development.
The Controversies
Despite MAPPA Studio's success and much-loved anime series and films, the studio has repeatedly come under fire for the working conditions that the animators, directors, and producers have to work under. Reports have emerged of very long working hours, tight deadlines, and low pay rates.
In response to these criticisms, MAPPA Studio has been working hard to improve its working conditions, including opening a new studio in Tokyo with the aim of improving the working environment for its teams.
Looking Ahead
MAPPA Studio's future looks bright, with several exciting projects in the works. The studio is currently working on the anime adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga series Chainsaw Man, which has already generated a lot of buzz among anime fans. The studio is also set to produce the anime adaptation of Junji Ito's horror manga series, Tomie.
MAPPA Studio's incredible rise to prominence is a testament to its exceptional talent, vision, and commitment to delivering captivating, diverse, and visually stunning anime series. As the studio continues to push the boundaries of animation, we can't wait to see what they come up with next.