Ask John: What’s John’s Take on the Gurren Lagann Controversy?

Question:
Among all the comments and insults thrown about by everyone involved, do you think any lines were crossed by any of the parties involved? And in the end, what will be the long-term repercussions over this incident?

Answer:
For reference, Anime News Network has published a thorough explanation and chronology of the events and controversy that climaxed with Gainax co-founder Takami Akai resigning his involvement with the Gurren Lagann anime series and Gainax itself.

As an outside observer, my perspective on this unfortunate incident is no more valid than that of any other uninvolved party. I want to clarify that at the outset to avoid any accusation of conceit. I do think that this has been an unfortunate event because I’m sad to see an artist forced to remove himself from a project he’s been instrumental in composing.

Without knowing all of the precise details surrounding this incident, I can only speculate that there’s plenty of blame to go around. But at the same time there’s probably a lot of just rationale. And that conflict is why this situation is unfortunate. I don’t know exactly what criticisms Japanese viewers made about the Gurren Lagann anime, or how their criticisms were phrased. On one hand I respect the right of viewers to develop reactions to anime, and share those reactions. However, I also believe that anime fans frequently have a tendency toward negativity. In my experience, I see anime fans point out flaws in anime, explain why they don’t like particular series, or approach series with negative preconceptions far more frequently than I see fans praise anime or approach new series with hopeful and positive expectations. I believe that anime fans should approach new series receptively, expecting to be entertained and satisfied, instead of approaching new series with the insistence that the show overcome preconceived resentment. Anime fans are supposed to like anime. Demanding that each and every new program earn respect instead of approaching new shows hopefully seems like the antithesis of anime fandom.

But anime is intended for an audience, and it’s the audience that determines a show’s success and quality. Any animator will naturally be proud of his work. It’s the objective critique of an observer that genuinely determines a work’s quality. So while Japanese viewers have a right and obligation to judge an anime’s quality, the original artist also has a right to be proud of his creation. Although I’m not an artist, I can sympathize with any artist who’s work is harshly criticized by seemingly uninformed or unsympathetic viewers. I sympathize with the outrage Gainax animators Keiko Mimori and Takami Akai felt in response to seemingly unjust and ignorant criticism of their work. Furthermore, I can’t blame Gainax for feeling resentful that its new anime, which the studio is apparently very proud of, was less successful than the Yes! Precure 5 anime that it directly competed for viewers with. But, as professionals, the Gainax staff should have restrained and internalized its frustration. Takami Akai acted in an unprofessional manner by reacting to criticism with an offensive public statement. In typical Japanese fashion, Akai made amends for his indiscretion by resigning his position.

I may not know enough about the Japanese fan community or anime industry to make valid predictions. Based on my limited knowledge and sentiment, I think this will be an isolated incident. If we can learn anything from this situation, I think that anime fans should try to be more receptive and respectful to anime. Anime is a commercial product designed to appeal to consumers, but it’s also a personal work of art created by self-sacrificing artists. Criticism of anime enhances one’s appreciation of art, and constructively conveyed criticism may lead to improved art. But anime fans should avoid approaching anime with a cynical perspective. Expecting every new anime to be unoriginal or inferior, and demanding that every new anime exceed expectations seems contrary to the definition of “anime fan.” I think this event should remind viewers that we’re supposed to like anime; not insist that each show convince us to like it.

And this may serve as a reminder to artists that quality is determined by objective critics, not by subjective artists themselves. Every parent loves his child. It takes an impartial observer to say that the child is good. Animators need also remember that the fan community is fickle and unpredictable. I’d like to think that these lessons will be enforced by this controversy, but in reality I fully expect Japan’s fan community and anime industry to go back to business as usual almost immediately, if such hasn’t already happened.