Legendary Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno thinks anime is in its final days. In an interview with RIA Novosti, Anno commented that he thinks the entire industry as we know it will see its end in the next five to 20 years—it's only a "matter of time," he said.

“Japanese animation is in decline. It’s already peaked ... After it does collapse, there will probably be a new resurgence," Anno remarked.

Anno is sure to clarify that he doesn't think animation in general will disappear—just anime. 

“I don’t think animation will vanish,” Anno continued. "But perhaps, there might not be the conditions that have existed up until now that have led to the creation of interesting films.”

Ammo, ever the optimist, thinks this so-called death of anime will be tied in with Japan's own downfall from its reign as a dominant Asian country. He states that other countries in Asia will be getting wealthier and wealthier... and therefore able to produce more animated films and television shows. Anno says the issue of a low population and less money in Japan will just aid in anime's last dying gasps. Jeesh. 

“Japan will just no longer be the center of world animation,” he said. “Maybe in five years, Taiwan will be such a center.”