Anime animators in Japan earn about 1.1 million yen per year. But the minimum wage is meager in Japan, and Animators make 100% of the revenue of the anime series they create. This situation is unfair, and they need to demand more money.
The average annual income of a Japanese anime animator is about 1.1 million yen.
According to a survey by the JAniCA, the average annual income of a Japanese anime animator stands at about 1.1 million yen, with higher earnings for key and intermediate animators. However, the average wage for an animator in Japan is lower than that in China. While this is a fact, it does not necessarily mean that the Japanese animation industry is undervalued.
The average annual income of a Japanese anime animator falls below that of an American animator. Some of these artists do not have the luxury of working as part-time freelancers and, therefore, do not enjoy the benefits of a salary. Animators who work for companies like Ufotable are primarily independent contractors and, as such, are not eligible for benefits. However, they can get high-quality work and great direction.
It is important to note that creating animations is a costly process. A typical thirteen-episode anime season costs 250 million yen or about $2 million. Despite the low cost, the industry still depends on a few big hits to profit. In addition to paying artists a hefty salary, Japanese animators are often paid on commission. Entry-level animators earn around 200 yen per drawing, which is about $1.83 in the United States.
The minimum wage is low in Japan.
Japanese animation animators earn a meager minimum wage, and many struggles to meet ends. According to a survey conducted by the Japan Animation Creators Association, the average annual salary of first-year animators is around one million yen, or about US$14,000, a significant percentage below the national average. Minimum wages in Japan range from 664 yen per hour to 888 yen per hour.
The Japanese labor code requires companies to pay their animators a minimum wage, but that amount is often insufficient. The frames pay many animators they complete, not by the hour or the month. This is illegal, but the industry in Japan doesn't seem willing to make any changes unless the animators become studio employees officially. In Tokyo, the minimum wage for animators is Y=932 a month, which is about US$900 a month.
This crisis has led to an unsustainable situation for many Japanese animators. Because they are overworked and underpaid, most of them work on commission. An entry-level position pays around 200 yen per drawing - roughly equivalent to $1.84 US Dollars. However, an average illustration can take over an hour to make. That means an animator working nine-to-five jobs could produce eight drawings daily.
Animators earn 100% of the revenue.
The Japanese animation industry generates a staggering amount of money, with an average annual salary of over four million yen (US$44,370) per animator. However, there are some issues with the industry's organization, working culture, and funding. The animation industry in Japan generates over one trillion yen per year overseas, with the largest share coming from video games and theatrical screenings. In addition, over forty percent of the industry's revenue comes from outside Japan. As of 2012, a master collective bargaining agreement for the sector in Japan set a minimum wage of 3837 yen per hour, which is more than $11,000 per week.
However, the situation has changed a bit. There are no longer any studios struggling to stay afloat. While many countries in Asia can maintain the highest wages for their animators, the working conditions are not as good as in Japan. Many animators in Japan work up to eleven hours a day, and many have only four days off per month.
Animators are mistreated.
Animators in Japan are subjected to horrific working conditions. They are overworked and underpaid. Many continue to create art despite the conditions. However, these problems are difficult to fix because of the nature of the anime industry. Animators need our help and advocacy to raise awareness about these issues and make the anime industry a better place to work.
The government tries to use the popularity of anime and manga to promote tourism and international trade in Japan. However, the term anime has a broader meaning, which is difficult to pin down. In Japan, the word means different things to different people. As a result, there is no one universal definition of the term.
According to the Japan Animation Creators Association, key illustrators earn approximately $36,000 annually. In contrast, top-line talent makes about $29,000 a year. Many people working in the animation industry are not aware they are mistreated in Japan. Animators are known for working long hours and not meeting minimum requirements, which is against the laws in Japan.