Despite the rise of CGI, hand-drawn anime is far from dead. We look at how studios like Kyoto Animation, MAPPA, and Wit Studio are preserving traditional artistry—and why it still matters in 2025.

Why 2D Still Shines

Anime has long embraced 2D as a defining trait. With streaming demand at an all-time high, many expected CGI to take over—but studios are proving otherwise. Audiences still love the human touch of traditional animation.

Even in digitally assisted workflows, the frame-by-frame attention of hand-drawn art gives anime its soul. From emotional closeups to dynamic fight scenes, 2D animators bring depth that can’t be fully replicated with rigs and models.

Studios Leading the Charge

MAPPA, Studio Trigger, and Kyoto Animation continue to invest in 2D craft. Even newcomers to the industry are trained with pencil and paper before transitioning to digital. Recent hits like Spy x Family, Frieren, and Demon Slayer showcase detailed, hand-drawn animation supported by light CGI.

These studios blend old techniques with new tech—not to replace hand-drawn work, but to enhance it.