The industry’s success is also its greatest paradox. While global streaming giants (Netflix, Crunchyroll) pour billions into licensing, the animators themselves remain notoriously underpaid. Stories of junior animators earning less than minimum wage while working 80-hour weeks are commonplace. Yet, the cultural prestige is undeniable. Studio Ghibli has become a brand synonymous with gentle environmentalism and childhood wonder, while the Pokémon franchise remains the highest-grossing media franchise in human history.