Legendary One Piece animator defends One-Punch Man season 3: "They're not trying to make something poorly done"

1. Entertainment
2. TV
3. Anime Shows
4. One Punch Man

Legendary One Piece animator defends One-Punch Man season 3: "They're not trying to make something poorly done" News By Bradley Russell published 24 November 2025

Takashi Hashimoto speaks out over One-Punch Man criticisms

Comments (0) ()

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: J.C. STAFF)

One-Punch Man season 3 has received quite a kicking over recent weeks thanks to its perceived poor animation and lackluster action scenes.

However, acclaimed animator Takashi Hashimoto (who was worked on everything from One Piece to Ghost in the Shell, Dragon Ball, and Neon Genesis Evangelion) penned an impassioned response on Bluesky surrounding the controversy – and points the finger at one section of the fanbase in particular.

"One-Punch Man has received a lot of criticism, and by that I mean from people overseas who are watching illegally," Hashimoto wrote (via machine translation, H/T CBR). "I think the people [in the production] are probably feeling a lot of pain. Everyone agrees that they're not trying to make something poorly done, but they're being criticized for the smallest of details."

You may like

• One Piece animator defends studio behind fellow anime show One-Punch Man, following backlash over season 3's lackluster animation
• One-Punch Man fans aren't impressed with season 3 animation quality, comparing it to a "slideshow": "I'm scared how they'll handle the fights"
• After waiting 6 years for a new season, One-Punch Man fans continue to be let down by the third installment: "This episode was janky, rushed, and unbelievably disappointing"

Hashimoto continued, "Where should we put our motivation?... Please think about the people who are creating the footage behind the scenes. They're not doing it as volunteers, it's all a job. The more you bully them, the more staff will disappear."

One-Punch Man season 3, meanwhile, continues to chug along, all while receiving new lows on IMDb (remarkably, the latest episode is on a 2.7 rating, a jump from the prior week's 1.4 rating which stands as one of the lowest-rated anime episodes of all time).

Another One Piece staff member also came to animation studio J.C. Staff's aid in recent weeks, a clear sign that industry peers are sticking together to support a production that has been roundly mocked and belittled on social media. After a six-year wait, fans are becoming increasingly vocal in their displeasure, however.

If you're still keeping up week to week, you'll need our One-Punch Man season 3 release schedule. Then dive into our complete guide to new anime, plus an extended look at Jujutsu Kaisen season 3.

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Bradley RussellSocial Links Navigation

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more One Piece animator defends studio behind fellow anime show One-Punch Man, following backlash over season 3's lackluster animation    One-Punch Man fans aren't impressed with season 3 animation quality, comparing it to a "slideshow": "I'm scared how they'll handle the fights"    After waiting 6 years for a new season, One-Punch Man fans continue to be let down by the third installment: "This episode was janky, rushed, and unbelievably disappointing"    One-Punch Man season 3 director calls out "rage-baiters" and bad fans before deleting social media account: "Such despicable behavior is unforgivable"    One-Punch Man season 3's director says he had to hide his identity because he is "relatively unknown" and that might leave a "bad impression" with fans: "I sincerely apologize for keeping quiet about this"    One-Punch Man season 3 finally lands a release date after a six-year hiatus, but some fans think the animation needs improving    Latest in Anime Shows Frieren: Beyond Journey's End season 2 trailer is a magical reminder that anime's new GOAT won't give up its crown anytime soon    The artist behind Frieren's 'difficult angle' drawing thanks fans for their unlikely support after reaching cult meme status: "I didn't even know that drawing would touch that many people's soul"    One-Punch Man season 3 plummets to new depths with one of the lowest-rated anime episodes of all time    One Piece changing its release pattern is bittersweet, because the anime's filler episodes only add to the adventure    Hideo Kojima is executive producing a "mind-blowing" Death Stranding anime show for Disney Plus – and it seems to be completely separate from the upcoming Mosquito film    After waiting 6 years for a new season, One-Punch Man fans continue to be let down by the third installment: "This episode was janky, rushed, and unbelievably disappointing"    Latest in News 007: First Light's developers "don't really think about" the hype around the 13-year wait since the last James Bond game    Helldivers 2 players are suspicious of their Citizen Surveillance Center as divers start getting marked as dissidents after a recent Major Order    "We can't make Bloodlines 2, we can't make Skyrim, but we can make Dishonored" – After Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines sequel's critical flop, studio co-founder says "you couldn't get away with it now"    Legendary One Piece animator defends One-Punch Man season 3: "They're not trying to make something poorly done"    Deadpool and Wolverine director Shawn Levy says his "freedom" on his Star Wars movie Starfighter is "equal to any other movie [he's] made"    Hytale will feature a "meaningful tribute" to Minecraft legend Technoblade: "He was a big part of our journey"    GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1. 1Constance review: "If Hollow Knight: Silksong seems too daunting, this wonderful paint powered adventure should do nicely"
2. 2This enthralling team board game is perfect for playing with family this Thanksgiving
3. 3Kirby Air Riders review: "This racer is also equal parts fighting game, minigame collection, and roguelike – and I'm shocked at how well that works"
4. 4Demonschool review: "This Persona-inspired RPG is full of fun, flair, and ready to chomp away at your free time"
5. 5Morsels review: "The Binding of Isaac style roguelike shooting gets somehow grosser, but struggles to set itself apart"

1. 1Wicked: For Good review: "Builds to an incredibly cathartic conclusion, but isn't quite as captivating as Part 1"
2. 2The Running Man review: "Some fun action and Glen Powell's star power aren't enough to energize this disappointing Stephen King adaptation"
3. 3Predator: Badlands review: "Die-hard fans may be disappointed, but as a blockbuster action-adventure, Badlands kills it"
4. 4Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review "Storytelling just as compelling as the chainsaws, devils, and visually excessive fight scenes"
5. 5Tron: Ares review: "Misses out by swapping the Grid for the real world"

1. 1Pluribus season 1 review: "Easily one of the year's best dramas"
2. 2The Witcher season 4 review: "The Henry Cavill-less fourth season is the best yet"
3. 3IT: Welcome to Derry review: "A supremely confident step back into the history of Stephen King's cursed town and killer clown"
4. 4Splinter Cell: Deathwatch review: "A pale imitation of the long-dormant stealth franchise"
5. 5Marvel Zombies review: "A fun expansion of the What If episode with delightful MCU Easter eggs and truly gross R-rated kills"