Day in the Life of a Japanese Anime Director

A day in the life of a Japanese Anime Director in Tokyo Japan working in an Anime Production Studio. This is the typical work day in Japan of an anime director from morning his morning routine, daily work activities, all the way to nighttime. The Japanese work culture in an animation production studio is unique on it's own as it requires 200 people to make one episode alone. This average work day in Japan at an anime studio highlights the passion each worker has for their job and how they all work together to create a Japanese anime series. Shu, the anime director, is currently directing an anime called, MAYONAKA PUNCH, meaning Midnight Punch. Working directly for the P.A. works animation studio and the Kadokawa publishing company. On his 2nd series he worked at this studio for about 10 years now. So Shu works as a freelancer, which is rather typical in Japan’s anime industry as they make up almost 70% of its workers. For Shu, this means his work location changes depending on his client projects. Currently, his primary studio though is in Kodaira which allows him to bike to work, but this morning he needs to head directly to the voice recording studio first. Today, the team is recording one episode which is 24 minutes long with the Seiyu voice actors. It takes about 4-5 hours on average but if there’s an issue, it’ll take as long as it needs until they can get it right. That is how this anime director's day starts, but then will move onto more tasks throught the day.

Anime English Title: MAYONAKA PUNCH
Synopsis: Meet Masaki, the now former member of a popular NewTuber group. After getting fired unexpectedly via a livestream, she joins forces with a partner with superhuman abilities. Together, they aim to create sensational content and hit 1 million subscribers.

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I'm from TOKYO JAPAN, I've been living here for a long time. I'll be your Tokyo Travel Guide, taking you to the spots I love as well as showing you what to do all around Japan and maybe sometimes overseas. I'm also into Tech so you'll see a few videos about my drone and other cool toys I discover. In short, the channel is all about what I Love, Japan, Food, Travel, Tech and most likely coming FROM-TOKYO, my home.

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[PaolofromTOKYO]

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[adampervez]

1 day for 5 seconds of animation just really makes you think how hard these animators need to work to make 1 episode. Now I won't complain for when we only get 1 episode a week.

[ayelll]

I know that gaining permissions from P.A Works & Kadokawa to film in their studio is indeed hard. Appreciate your content as always, Paulo.

[amasterfuldesktop]

The awkwardness of being watched with Paolo's eagle Lens has never been so vividly felt in Shu's face, love it

[Darkstar]

This is gonna be a future classic "day in the life" for sure

[chuongdo]

If Paolo did a “Day in the life” episode of a Kyoto Animation staff member next, I’d cry in happiness

[nehmee_]

Paolo hella lucky to see Ai Fairouz in person! And all of the behind the scene action for Mayonaka Punch! I’m jealous! 😭

[JericBrual]

Mayonaka Punch is really good! I honestly believe it's a hidden gem this season. So cool that you were able to tour P.A. Works! It was great to see so many shows I love from them on display around the office: Paripi Koumei, The Aquatope on White Sand, Akiba Maid War, and Skip and Loafer. That being said, a 17 hour work day is INSANE!

[Crazy-floor]

I love this series because you get to see how life really is in the respective careers. There’s no exaggeration, no one really living over the top lives, it’s honest. I’m currently studying animation too, so this one in particular is really inspiring for me !

[llkeozu]

確かに好きな事をやっている時は時間を忘れますが、
まずは健康第一です。
お母さん世代は体が心配です😮
無理せず邁進してくださいね🤗

[thomasji]

OMG, the GOAT series return with the topic that I love 200%!!! Thanks for another awesome video Paolo, have a great weekend!

[shiroganekazuya]

Dang, never realized making anime is hard work. Thank you for releasing these daily in the life contents. Keep up the good work man. Really appreciate these works❤❤❤

[Lumen_lune]

Omg it’s Midnight Punch! That’s awesome! This is such a hidden gem in the West from my perspective, so glad you go to cover how this anime came to fruition.

[Heorua]

I love to see voice actors in the act, great video!

[cav]

animators deserves a huge respect like the amount of work that is put into an episode is crazy. hopefully, they get the rest they need. 1 episode per week is tough.

[furrantee]

I thought it was such a luxury he got up at 8:30, I'm already at work and had my first break by then. Then we watched his day go by and dang how the heck does he not just fall over?! At work by 10am and not getting off until after 1am the next day is insane! Plus he's a freelancer so no matter how long he works there's no overtime? He didn't even stop for proper meal breaks, just nibbled two snacks and kept going.

[MrWescottX]

Yes. He is back with day in life in Japan.😊 nice video by the way

[kyokioshii]

This is gonna be as legendary as the "Day in the Life of a Mangaka" who turns out to be the author of Rent-a-Girlfriend

[CloudNinePage]

I'm just watching the latest episode of this Anime, and we get a Day in the Life of the Director and how things are made is so cool

[cyberqueen]

Wow, huge respect to Shu and all anime directors for all the work that has to be put in to make the anime that we all love to watch. I'm glad Shu knows when to take care of himself. Yikes, staying up till 2 AM. That's pretty late. I'll have to check out Mayonaka Punch! I would love to be a seiyuu, but I'm sure my voice would be hoarse by the end of recording if they have to go hours and hours on even just a single line!