Yoshiyuki Tomino, the legendary creator of the iconic Gundam series, has dedicated his entire career to the art of hand-drawn animation, and he isn’t shy about his concerns over the industry’s shift toward digitalization. At 82 years old, Tomino remains a staunch advocate for traditional animation techniques, expressing deep apprehension about the future of anime in the digital age.
The Art of Hand-Drawn Animation
Tomino’s dedication to hand-drawn animation is well-known, particularly through his work on Mobile Suit Gundam, a cornerstone of the mecha genre. Every frame of the original series was painstakingly crafted by hand, a process that, while labor-intensive, produced what many consider one of the greatest achievements in anime history. In a recent interview, Tomino lamented the move towards digital techniques, citing the decline in quality he perceives in modern animation, with Disney as a prime example. “After switching from hand-drawn animation to digital, Disney’s works became disappointing and made me think, ‘Huh?'”, he remarked.
A Grim Forecast for the Industry
Tomino’s concerns extend beyond just the quality of animation. He believes the current boom in the anime industry may be short-lived, predicting a significant downturn in the future. In an interview with Toyo Keizai, he reflected on the cyclical nature of cultural phenomena, stating, “This is true for novels and movies alike, but there is always a rise and fall that comes with the waves of the times… If now is the peak, from now on, it will be a dead end.”
His skepticism also touches on the working environments in the digital age. The shift from small, intimate studios to large, air-conditioned spaces, in his view, has diluted the spiritual connection between creators and their work. “Nowadays, craftsmanship can be bought with money,” Tomino observed, suggesting that the soul of animation is at risk of being lost in the pursuit of efficiency and profit.
Acknowledging the Perks of Modernization
Despite his reservations, Tomino does acknowledge some benefits of the industry’s modernization. When Mobile Suit Gundam first premiered, anime and manga were far from mainstream, and Tomino often found himself having to explain his profession to others, including tax officials. However, the recent explosion of anime’s popularity has brought a new level of recognition and respect to the field. “The industry went mainstream, and more people came to know about its existence,” Tomino noted, adding that this newfound fame is one aspect of the modern era he enjoys.
Looking Ahead
As Netflix prepares to release its live-action adaptation of One Piece, Tomino’s warnings resonate more strongly than ever. His insights serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and tradition, urging the industry to consider the long-term consequences of its rapid digital transformation. While Tomino may never fully embrace digitalization, his legacy and influence continue to shape the discourse on the future of anime.