MAPPA CEO Says Studio Won't Bend Too Far for Global Audiences

MAPPA President and CEO Manabu Otsuka said the studio is careful not to let international influence go too far, warning that doing so could mean giving up the distinctive appeal of Japanese anime. Otsuka made the comments in an interview at Germany's AniMagiC event, according to cbr.com.

Otsuka said MAPPA examines the international market and selectively takes in lessons from it rather than absorbing everything. He framed the approach as a deliberate choice to protect what makes Japanese animation distinctive.

Director Kaori Makita, who also took part in the interview, said adaptations are made so that both Japanese and overseas fans can enjoy the source material in the same way.

MAPPA is releasing Season 3 of Ranma 1/2 in the Fall 2026 anime season. The studio's upcoming slate also includes Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game Part 2, Chainsaw Man: International Assassins Arc, Fall in Love and You False Angels.

Studio marks 15 years

MAPPA was founded in June 2011 by Masao Maruyama, who was also involved in creating Studio Madhouse, and the studio is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary. Its credits include Jujutsu Kaisen, whose first season aired from October 3, 2020, as well as Yuri on Ice!, Banana Fish and Chainsaw Man.