The Japanese animation industry is calling for the first step! The production staff of Children of the Sea sued the company for refusing to pay overtime

Although Japan, a powerful country in animation, has produced countless classic animations and brought joy to people around the world, negative news about animation company employees being "cruelly oppressed" is often reported. Today, on December 16, a case that can be regarded as the first step in correcting the injustice and chaos in the island country's animation industry went to trial. The producers of "Children of the Sea" sued the company STUDIO4℃ for refusing to pay overtime.

STUDIO4℃ is a famous Japanese animation company, founded in 1986. One of the founders, Eiko Tanaka, was previously a producer at Ghibli, another famous animation company. She was in charge of the planning and production of "My Neighbor Totoro". Her recent new work "Children of the Sea" finally ignited the pent-up anger of the employees.

·The employee who bravely took the first step was named A. He participated in the production of "Children of the Sea" and sued STUDIO4℃ for owing overtime pay and other derivative expenses of up to 2,867,375 yen from April 1, 2017 to July 31, 2019. A said that he joined STUDIO4℃ after graduating from university in 2016 and participated in the production of the famous animated film "Children of the Sea", which led to long-term lack of sleep, physical deterioration, and frequent free overtime as usual in the industry.

Mr. A's litigation costs came from donations from 151 caring people. The first court hearing ended today, and the next court hearing is scheduled for January 30. Please stay tuned for follow-up reports. If the plaintiff wins this case, it may directly affect Japan's diligent overtime culture that has continued for many years.