MAPPA, a Japanese animation studio founded in 2011 by Masao Maruyama after he left Madhouse, is marking its fifteenth anniversary. Maruyama started the studio to regain the creative freedom and flexibility he felt had been lost at Madhouse. The studio’s first project was Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope), released in 2012. Its major breakthrough came in 2014 with Terror in Resonance, directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, a well-known figure in the anime industry. In 2016, Maruyama stepped down as CEO and founded a new studio, Studio M2, while Manabu Otsuka took over as president of MAPPA. Otsuka shifted the studio’s focus toward adapting popular manga and expanding into international markets. Under his leadership, MAPPA became well-known for Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, both of which achieved significant commercial success. In 2020, the studio took over the production of Attack on Titan, a popular series previously handled by Wit Studio. MAPPA has also received recognition for its original series, including Yuri!!! on Ice and Lazarus, the latter also directed by Shinichiro Watanabe. Key contributors like Yuichirô Hayashi, who directed Kakegurui and Dorohedoro, took over the direction of Attack on Titan in 2020. Shôta Goshozono, who began as a key animator on Jujutsu Kaisen, became its director for the second season in 2023. His direction was noted for its experimental style, especially in the Shibuya arc of the series. However, the studio has faced criticism regarding working conditions. Animators have spoken out about long hours, simultaneous production of multiple projects, and low pay. The production of Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which was completed in just four months, became a symbol of these issues. Sota Shigetsugu, an animator, reported that episode 17 of the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen was only 30% complete due to the tight deadlines. Vincent Chansard, a French animator, also criticized the working conditions at MAPPA. Currently, MAPPA is working on the fourth season of Jujutsu Kaisen, the Assassins arc of Chainsaw Man, and the continuation of Dorohedoro and Ranma 1/2. The studio is also producing new original content for Netflix. With over 560 employees, MAPPA has grown significantly since its founding. Manabu Otsuka has emphasized the importance of financial independence, such as for Chainsaw Man, which was self-funded by the studio. The film Reze arc has grossed $100 million at the box office. MAPPA’s growth contrasts with Madhouse, which has become more restricted after Maruyama’s departure. Both studios, however, reflect the legacy of Maruyama, who sought to regain creative freedom but inadvertently contributed to the rise of a fast-paced, high-pressure animation industry.