The second season of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen generated heated debates due to allegations of harsh and inhumane working conditions imposed on MAPPA animators. One animator in particular found a unique way to express his dissatisfaction with the studio.
During the intense battle between Sukuna and Makora/Mahoraga in episode 17, a large area of Shibuya was depicted as being destroyed. The animator responsible for this scene, known as HoneHone, inserted a curious easter egg into the scene. This was later revealed on Twitter.
This easter egg was a representation of one of MAPPA's buildings amid the ruins in Shibuya, which generated positive reactions among team members and sparked outrage among the fan community.
In particular, HoneHone, one of the most prominent animators on the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen, frequently expressed his dissatisfaction with the heavy workload and insufficient pay. Despite the difficulties, he continued to contribute to episodes, working to tight deadlines, often receiving requests to complete each episode within a few days.
The animation team tried to create an authentic Shibuya for the series. In the context in question, HoneHone chose to model the interior of MAPPA, which coincidentally has similar dimensions to the real Shibuya building.
While HoneHone's actions provoke humor, it also highlights the animator's underlying dissatisfaction with MAPPA. The company is notorious for its questionable labor practices, an issue that is not unique to companies in the animation industry.
The current season of Jujutsu Kaisen is just one example of many where workers have spoken out against the brutality of the industry. For HoneHone, the only way to express her frustration is through humor and a little creative freedom.
As the Shibuya incident nears its end, many viewers are still concerned about the controversy surrounding the production process. However, it seems that the animators, including HoneHone, are still determined to complete their work despite the circumstances. Although MAPPA's practices were criticized, the dedication and courage of the animators, especially those who were outspoken about harsh working conditions, earned them respect and admiration. fan.