Anime Industry in Decline?

Originally Posted by yevheniy

I've also noticed that this whole issue of Japanese anime companies struggling isn’t really that new of an issue. Sure the recent recession(s) may have been a contributing factor, but anime companies seem to have been struggling for several years now it seems. I don't know how many times I have had to watch and suffer as the animation of a series gets worse and worse as the season progresses to the point of having nothing but still frames or blacked out secondary characters by the end. I even recall a few series over the years having rather abrupt, seemingly forced endings due to rumored money problems.

Well, the anime industry is fairly saturated at the moment. On the plus side, it means that there's a lot of variety floating out there, so that means anyone can find a show or two that they'll enjoy. Ayakishei fans can enjoy shows like Natsume Yuujinchou, harem fans can take in Asu no Yoichi, and the action freaks can always depend on Sunrise. On the downside, there's going to be a whole lot of crap that they churn out as well ('sup Kurogane no Linebarrels).

My guess is that since the industry's been hit pretty hard, we're going to see a lot more sequels. That's already been happening (just check the Year in Review article over at the review site I staff) and with the incoming spring and summer seasons, I don't think the rate at which sequels/remakes will come out will stop.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

You're not the only one who thinks that public perception is still a cause (as well as the reason why awesome shows like Monster have yet to arrive stateside despite it being a perfectly good drama/mystery/thriller). I'd say give it about a generation and we'll see a change in the mindset as the hobby continues to grow.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Well, keep in mind the demographics too. Most of those who watch anime and read manga don't exactly have a lot of disposable income on hand to make such purchases (I know I wasn't buying much, if at all, in my teens and college years) and boxed sets are expensive as all hell. Once said fans begin entering the workforce and have some money to throw around, that's when they'll start purchasing.

At least that's how I started out. Maybe my experience is, as you said, one that's in the minority, regardless of age.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.