MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka Labels AI ‘Nothing More Than Tools’ for Future Anime Projects

MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka has affirmed a “human-first” philosophy for the studio’s future, describing artificial intelligence and digital assets as strictly secondary to the emotional weight provided by human creators. Speaking in an interview with AnimeCorner, Otsuka clarified that while technology continues to evolve, the studio views AI, 3D, and digital tools as “nothing more than tools” used to support the primary creative workforce.

Otsuka emphasized that quality capable of moving an audience emotionally can only be generated by human beings. This stance serves as a definitive manifesto for the studio as it marks its 15th anniversary, a milestone that has seen MAPPA rise to the top of the industry through high-intensity productions like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man.

The studio views technology as a tool to support, rather than replace, human artistry.

Human Emotion vs. Synthetic Efficiency

The CEO’s comments come at a pivotal time for the anime industry, which has recently grappled with the reputational consequences of synthetic media. In late 2025, Amazon Prime Video was forced to remove an AI-generated English dub for the series Banana Fish following a widespread backlash from viewers and professional voice actors. The controversy highlighted a growing rift between corporate efficiency goals and the creative standards expected by the global anime community.

MAPPA is not alone in its public rejection of generative AI as a creative engine. Earlier in 2026, director Toma Kimura confirmed that the Science SARU remake of The Ghost in the Shell utilized “zero GenAI,” a commitment that earned a standing ovation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Otsuka’s recent statements align MAPPA with this broader movement of premier studios prioritizing traditional craftsmanship over automated shortcuts.

The studio’s cultural relevance was further highlighted on October 9, 2026, when Hollywood star Tom Cruise visited the MAPPA EXPO 15th Anniversary exhibition in Tokyo. Cruise was filmed specifically studying the production processes behind Jujutsu Kaisen, underscoring the international prestige currently associated with the studio’s hand-crafted animation techniques.

Future Productions and Leadership Transitions

As MAPPA moves forward with its most anticipated sequels, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 4, titled “The Culling Game Part 2,” is currently in production at the studio. This production follows the conclusion of Season 3 in March 2026.

In addition to Jujutsu Kaisen, MAPPA is currently developing Chainsaw Man Season 2. This follow-up project is expected to adapt the “International Assassins Arc,” continuing the narrative after the 2025 Reze Arc film. By maintaining a human-centric production pipeline for these high-profile titles, Otsuka intends to ensure that the visceral and emotional storytelling that defined the first seasons remains intact as the studio enters its next decade.

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