The world of anime found itself once again at the center of a controversy, and this time it was Chainsaw Man. The new compilation project Chainsaw Man – The Compilation, currently playing in Japanese cinemas, has drawn attention for an unexpected reason: Mappa Animation studio controversially removed director Ryu Nakayama from its official credits.
The origin of this dispute lies in the release format and personnel recognition of the compilation film. This decision by Mappa Animation has sparked immediate backlash within the anime community, especially after Director Kazuomi Koga (known as “Uncle”) personally denounced it on social media. According to reports from Koga himself, Nakayama’s name was completely erased from any mention in the credits despite his foundational role in the original Chainsaw Man anime season.
This action by Mappa is particularly significant because it follows a similar pattern during their work on Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, which already had tensions regarding studio practices and creator acknowledgment. The incident has now been confirmed as more than just a simple credit omission – it’s perceived by many fans as a significant blow to the legacy of key creative figures in anime production.
What Exactly Changed?
The compilation film, titled Chainsaw Man – The Compilation, is reviewing the events from the first season released in 2022. What made this decision controversial was Mappa’s complete removal of Ryu Nakayama and his original team from all official credit roles, as confirmed by Director Koga himself.
“This shows that anime directors do not have moral or integrity rights,” wrote Koga in a resounding message that quickly went viral among the community. “A studio that does not protect its director’s credits does not deserve confidence.”
The Impact on Industry Perception
This case adds to Mappa’s controversial history surrounding working conditions during Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 production, where animators reportedly faced challenging circumstances. The decision now raises questions about the boundaries between studios and their credited teams.
The debate on recognition in anime is particularly relevant here: to what extent do creative directors and teams have the right to maintain their credit in alternative compilations or re-edited versions? For some, the work should speak for itself independently of the creators’ involvement. Others consider it unacceptable to erase the contributions of those who shaped both the visual style and narrative identity of a series.
An Industry Crossroads
As we look at this situation unfolding in September 2025, the question remains: did Mappa make an error by removing Nakayama from the credits? Or is it valid for them to focus recognition on their current team working specifically on this compilation project?
This controversy has already ignited industry discussions and could significantly impact how anime studios approach similar projects in the future. The fate of directors like Koga might depend on whether they can maintain creative control while ensuring proper credit acknowledgment from production studios.
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