MAPPA went from underdog studio to anime’s most prolific producer. In a decade, they’ve released more hits than studios twice their age. Here’s how MAPPA changed the industry.
The Origin
Founded in 2011 by Masao Maruyama after leaving Madhouse. MAPPA (Maruyama Animation Produce Project Association) started small, gradually building reputation through quality over quantity.
The Breakout: Yuri on Ice
2016’s figure skating series proved MAPPA could produce mainstream hits. The animation quality for a TV anime stunned viewers. It signaled ambition beyond typical studio output.
Taking Attack on Titan
When WIT Studio dropped Attack on Titan, MAPPA accepted the poisoned chalice. The Final Season’s CGI titan controversies aside, they delivered one of anime’s most anticipated conclusions. Few studios could have managed it at all.
Jujutsu Kaisen Phenomenon
JJK established MAPPA as modern action anime’s premier studio. The fight animation—Gojo vs. Jogo, Yuji vs. Todo, Shibuya’s chaos—set new standards. They proved they could match Ufotable’s spectacle.
Chainsaw Man Adaptation
The most anticipated adaptation of 2022 delivered divisively. Some loved the cinematic style; others wanted more traditional approach. Either way, MAPPA’s direction defined discourse for months.
Production Concerns
MAPPA’s output raises questions. Simultaneous productions strain staff. Animators have spoken about crunch. The studio’s success comes with ethical concerns about working conditions.
Style Over House
Unlike Ufotable’s consistent aesthetic, MAPPA adapts to source material. Chainsaw Man looks nothing like JJK which looks nothing like Dororo. This flexibility enables diverse projects.
Current Slate
MAPPA continues producing at breakneck pace. Hell’s Paradise, Vinland Saga continuation, and future projects maintain their dominance. Sustainability remains questionable.
Industry Impact
MAPPA proved studios could handle multiple prestige projects simultaneously (at cost). They raised TV anime’s quality ceiling while potentially lowering worker welfare floor. Their influence is undeniable—their practices are debatable.
Legacy
For better or worse, MAPPA defined 2020s anime production. When the decade’s history is written, they’ll be central—as innovators, as cautionary tale, or both.