Kunihiko Hamada says Madhouse let him go after 35 years

Anime veteran Kunihiko Hamada has revealed he is no longer employed by Madhouse after a decades-long stint at the studio. "No attempts to retain me, just ended abruptly," Hamada wrote. "35 years with Madhouse. Over 20 years as an employee, severance pay: 0 yen."

Hamada is perhaps best known for his work as animation director on Chihayafuru and Monster, and his resume also includes One-Punch Man and '90s cult classic Cardcaptor Sakura. He says he found new employment almost immediately, adding: "Already employed at a different company. Starting fresh with a new mindset, studying diligently like a newbie while poring over Shibayama-san's works collection."

It appears, then, that Hamada has gone to work at animation studio Aijado – or at least is being influenced by its former president Tsutomu Shibayama, who passed away earlier this year.

Japan

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