Kenji Kamiyama Criticizes Cool Japan Fund Dissolution Amid Industry Labor Issues

Anime director Kenji Kamiyama recently addressed the ongoing challenges within the domestic animation sector during an interview ahead of ANIAFF 2026. He expressed frustration regarding the dissolution of the Cool Japan Fund, noting that creators rarely benefit from its investments despite headlines declaring the initiative a failure with significant financial losses. While acknowledging that investors still view the market as promising, Kamiyama highlighted the disconnect between global revenue records and the severe labor shortages, rising production costs, and studio closures facing actual producers.

He emphasized that while creative work remains the primary focus for artists, the industry must find ways to ensure financial stability without expecting talent to endure poverty. Kamiyama also suggested that constraints can sometimes foster creativity, though he stressed that widespread prosperity is still achievable. Additionally, he pointed out that only thirty percent of the fund’s capital targeted content creation, with most support directed toward distribution rather than production itself.