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[Anime Expo 2025] Interview with Shibuya Ryousuke: Mushoku Tensei Director and Reflections on the Industry

Juli 8, 2025
At Anime Expo 2025, several interview sessions were held with various key figures in the anime industry. One of the most surprising and honest conversations came from Shibuya Ryousuke, a key figure behind the popular anime series Mushoku Tensei. During a brief session with Cheirush, Ryousuke shared his thoughts on Season 3, industry stagnation, and even a bit of professional envy.

Here’s a full rundown of what we learned:

Will Mushoku Tensei Season 3 Include an OVA Episode?

When asked about the possibility of an OVA episode like in previous seasons, Ryousuke didn’t hesitate:

“Absolutely. There’s a strong possibility it will focus on Eris’s journey and serve as a conclusion that also introduces the character Nina Farion.”

Fans of the series have been eager for more side stories and character development, so this is great news for long-time followers of the franchise.

Is He Jealous of Lord of Mysteries’ Donghua Visuals?

One of the more candid moments came when Ryousuke was asked about the visuals of the Chinese donghua Lord of Mysteries, which has recently received a lot of praise for its stunning animation:

“Of course. The studio working on it isn’t under the same kind of intense deadlines that we at Bind Studio are facing right now.”

It’s a rare moment of honesty that highlights the differences in production pacing between studios in Japan and China.

Is the Anime Industry Becoming Stagnant?

The conversation then shifted to broader industry trends, particularly around adaptation formats:

“When it comes to manga or light novel adaptations, yes—the industry is stagnant. The storytelling patterns haven’t changed, and it feels like overseas anime fans are starting to get tired of seeing the same formula over and over again in recent years.”

This kind of introspective comment reflects what many international fans have been discussing for a while—an oversaturation of isekai and formulaic narratives.

What Kind of Anime Would He Create if Given an Original Project?

Given the chance to create something from scratch, Ryousuke’s answer might surprise fans:

“Right now, I’d probably go with an iyashikei (healing/comfort) series.”

In contrast to the action-heavy, emotionally intense nature of Mushoku Tensei, an iyashikei project would be a calm and heartwarming departure—a welcome change for audiences craving something lighter.