Thank you animators: A National Anime Day Special

National Anime Day is celebrated every 15th of April of each year. It was first observed way back in 1975 in Tokyo, Japan due to the rising popularity of the media that has attracted a lot of people which is evident of the 700 participants that attended the event. To why it was designated every April 15 is a question we may never be able to get an answer, but the date is here to stay as anime fans around the world celebrate it by doing a lot of activities related to the event like watching anime, reading manga, attending cons, or dressing up as your favorite character found on any medium.

I was not aware of this occasion until I accidentally read something about it on a social media site in which it prompted me to write this article since I want to celebrate it in a way that I will thank the unsung martyrs responsible for making any episode of anime be possible for viewing. I know this is a team effort when it comes to making anime since we they all need to work as one: from the directors, to the anime composers, to the voice actors, and so on. It may already be obvious to whom I will give my deepest thanks in the anime industry, and it goes to the humble animators.

Compared to the ones I mentioned earlier, they are underpaid and very much unknown although they make up the bulk of the workforce when it comes to producing anime. Directors are praised for how they directed the show, which includes the key animation, mood, and storyboard, just to name a few; voice actors are considered as the super stars for the show with their impeccable voice acting giving life to the characters; anime composers are given recognition for their music and setting the tone to the show. The animators on the other hand, although the backbone of anime, is a different case since they earn lesser and lesser over the years, are working in terrible conditions, and are barely able to sustain their financial responsibilities due to things that the anime companies are adamant on changing.

I’m not trying to be a cynic, but if this will continue, then as many people had predicted, it will just be a matter of time before we can see a huge decline in anime due to the scarcity of animators or they will go to other countries like China where they will have better opportunities. To all animators out there, I thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Your passion fuels the animation industry which is evident to the anime people are able to watch all over the world. You give us entertainment to watch, a world to escape, a place to relax, and most importantly, memories to share with everyone. Thank you!