Susumu Mitsunaka and Production I.G Discuss Anime Industry Shifts

Japanese director and animator Susumu Mitsunaka attended Anime India Kolkata 2026. At the event, he discussed expectations surrounding the upcoming Haikyu!! films and the growing influence of investors in anime production. The conversation also covered evolving studio strategies, discussed with a representative from Production I.G.

Following the event, Mitsunaka posted on X that India’s anime enthusiasm was “incredible,” noting that many attendees identified Haikyu!! as their favorite sports anime. He also added that fan interactions made the visit a positive experience.

Speaking to Outlook Respawn, Mitsunaka addressed expectations for upcoming sequel films following recent anime box office momentum. He pointed to the creative challenge of escalating excitement beyond the first film. 

“I've done a lot of things I wanted to do in the first film; it's much more of a challenge for me to make something like that exciting again. But I'm trying my best,” he said, framing the pressure around sustaining theatrical excitement.

Haikyu!! Films, Investor Influence, and Production I.G Strategy

Production conditions were also discussed by an executive from Production I.G. The Tokyo-based studio, founded Dec 15, 1987, operates under IG Port. It has since expanded from subcontracted animation into financing, copyright ownership, and international partnerships.

A Production I.G executive said rising investor participation is shaping production timelines and budgets, pointing to increased attention toward the animation market. The executive described the trend as a positive development.

"It's a good thing that a lot of people are looking towards the animation market," the executive said, noting the studio is open to collaborating beyond existing industry partners. He added that investor shifts would influence production structures, citing “influences” from the change.

Meanwhile, the executive stated that output scaling across studios is driving structural reassessment. “I think there’s a big change coming. Studios are looking for different options as well— not just MAPPA, us, and other productions as well,’ he said.

He added, “I think things will start to change in the next few years, but we're not sure of anything yet.”

Mitsunaka, meanwhile, outlined his directing workflow, highlighting storyboard development as the most rewarding phase. He noted that the process becomes especially fulfilling “when I storyboard something, and then the animator makes something greater than he imagined.” The remark pointed to the creative lift animators bring to the final sequences. 

Altogether, Mitsunaka’s appearance at Anime India Kolkata reflects growing overseas demand for anime. The trend is influencing film performance, financing structures, and long-term studio planning.