Animator trashes WIT Studio following AI controversy

If you thought the apology statement was going to calm the waters, you were wrong. The recent scandal involving WIT Studio for using artificial intelligence in the opening of Ascendance of a Bookworm (Honzuki no Gekokujou) has just opened a true Pandora's box regarding the company's internal conditions. A renowned animator who worked closely with the studio on the acclaimed series Koutetsujou no Kabaneri (Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress) decided to break his silence and publicly expose why he has no intention of ever setting foot in those offices again.

A toxic environment and the rejection of Vinland Saga

Through his social media, the creative professional held nothing back and claimed that the production company's problems go far beyond a simple "inspection error." He described his past experience as an extremely draining work environment, noting that it is a place where the staff constantly shifts blame onto others and even scolds workers when they try to correct their own mistakes. It was precisely this poor corporate culture that led him to make the drastic decision to reject the offer to work on the first season of the majestic Vinland Saga.

Someone had to approve that opening

Regarding the current AI controversy, the animator tore apart the company's excuse, highlighting a point that any fan of the anime industry would suspect: it is impossible for such an error to reach television by accident. He explained that, being an opening sequence, the director, producers, and other high-ranking officials must have reviewed the footage multiple times before its broadcast; therefore, the director should be the one taking real responsibility. Finally, he clarified that his intention is not to launch a hate campaign against the company, but simply to explain that WIT Studio lacks a sense of responsibility when it comes to owning up to its faults.

Considering that creatives are finally losing their fear of speaking out about Japanese production companies, do you think these types of statements will force studios to improve their treatment of animators?