In a recent conversation on a Japanese radio program, the president of Studio Ghibli, Toshio Suzuki and producer of the renowned director Hayao Miyazakithe director and screenwriter Gen Urobuchi (Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero, Psycho-Pass) and the director Mamoru Oshii (director of Ghost in the Shell) discussed the anime industry’s shift in focus in recent years.
Oshii stated that the “history” disappeared from the industry and now the “characters” gain more importance. urobuchi agreed with Oshii, adding that creators and production companies no longer want to get rid of successful characters. Suzuki offered a more nuanced perspective, noting that Madoka Magicaan anime series that combines a well-told story with engaging characters, was a hit with both audiences.
These comments reflect a growing trend in anime that focuses more on characters than stories. This trend is due to several factors, such as the growing popularity of social networks, which has made fans identify more with individual characters. Additionally, the anime industry has become more commercial and producers are more interested in creating characters that can be explored across multiple products.
This trend has been criticized by some fans and critics, who claim that the anime lost focus on narrative and exploring complex themes. However, there are also those who defend it, arguing that current anime is more accessible and attractive to a wider audience.
The conversation between Oshii, urobuchi It is Suzuki It’s a reminder that anime is a constantly evolving medium and that changes to its approach can have a significant impact on its quality.
Some specific arguments supporting the claim that Oshii, urobuchi It is Suzuki that current anime focuses more on characters than stories:
- The success of character-focused anime franchises such as Love Live!, Vocaloid and Fate.
- The popularity of “isekai” anime, which transport protagonists to fantasy worlds, often without a coherent story.
- The tendency to create characters that are easily identifiable and with whom fans can “connect” on social media.
Of course, there are exceptions to this trend. There are current animes that have well-told stories, however, in general, it is true that current animes give more importance to the characters than to the stories.
