Leaving an animation studio is not uncommon in the Japanese animation industry. Often, animators or other employees depart if they are dissatisfied with their working schedule or other studio-related issues. For instance, the co-founder of Studio Madhouse left the studio for similar reasons and started Studio MAPPA. However, sometimes such departures can impact the anime series of that studio, as seen with the director of Jujutsu Kaisen leaving studio Mappa. Recently, a key staff member from a popular anime left their studio for another, raising concerns among fans about potential impacts on the series’ quality.
Shuhei Nakata, the production manager of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, left Studio Pierrot for a new start at Wit Studio. He announced his resignation from Studio Pierrot on Twitter.
On 30 March 2023, Shuhei Nakata (@n_s8000) tweeted about his resignation from Studio Pierrot. In the tweet, he explained that he was retiring from Pierrot Co. Ltd. after almost seven years and would start working at a new studio in a new position next month.
Shuhei didn’t mention his new studio and position in the tweet but updated his Twitter bio to indicate that he would be working as an Assistant Producer at Wit Studio.
Shuhei Nakata and his work on Boruto
Shuhei Nakata began working for Studio Pierrot almost seven years ago. In 2017, he joined the anime Boruto: Naruto Next Generations panel. In 2021, he was promoted to Production Desk (Production Manager), and his input on the anime increased even more. At the Production Desk, he managed the work schedule of different production assistants designated to the anime.
Upon being appointed Production Desk, he outlined six goals to achieve as the Production Manager of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations by the end of 2021. These goals included reviewing the unit price, increasing the number of staff, incorporating new drawing techniques into the production team, facilitating overseas animators to participate in the production, improving the anime schedule, and reducing the workload of the Production Assistant.
In addition to these goals, his duties included ensuring the production of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations was on track and organizing the budget for each anime episode. With part 1 of Boruto now complete with some hits and misses regarding the animation of the series, Shuhei Nakata will now work as an Assistant Producer for Studio Wit.
The impact of this change on the production of the Boruto anime series is still uncertain. The production committee has already announced that Boruto Part 2 is in development. Shuhei Nakata’s departure from the studio may have been due to differing opinions on the direction the production should take.
Wit Studio is a renowned Japanese animation studio known for series like Attack on Titan (First three parts), Spy x Family, Ranking of the Kings, Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song, and more. Their upcoming projects include the Spy x Family sequel and movie and the anime original Moonrise. Recently, Wit Studio collaborated with CloverWorks Animation Studio to create a new company.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it was a wise decision by Shuhei to leave Studio Pierrot for Wit Studio? Let us know in the comments down below.
Source: Shuhei Nakata Twitter
