The appeal and reviews of anime production assistant Kuromi-chan: A thorough explanation of the recommended points

Animation Production Assistant Kuromi-chan - The appeal of animation that depicts the reality of the industry

Overview

"Animation Production Progress Kuromi-chan" is an OVA released by Universal Studios Japan on March 30, 2001. It is a short, 40-minute episode, but is known for its dense content and realistic portrayal of the animation industry. The original work is an original anime, and Yumeta Company was in charge of the original concept, planning, and production. The director is Daichi Heitarou, and the character design and animation director are Watanabe Hajime.

■ Story

The main character, Mikiko Oguro (known as Kuromi-chan), graduates from Daitokyo Animetic Academy and joins the animation production company Studio Petit. She comes to work full of hope, but her boss Oppama gives her the nickname "Kuromi" and puts her in charge of the production desk despite being a newbie. The story depicts Kuromi-chan's growth as she experiences the rigors and excitement of the animation industry.

■Explanation

"Animation Production Progress Kuromi-chan" is a work by director Heitaro Daichi that depicts the real world of the animation industry. From funny episodes to serious episodes, the show aims to give viewers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of anime production by realistically depicting the inner workings of the industry. As the industry's first industry anime, it was loved by many fans.

■Cast

・Mikiko Oguro (Oguro Mikiko)/Kahori Aso ・Hamako Shihonmatsu (Shihonmatsu Hamako)/Reiko Yasuhara ・Rei Takashimadaira (Takashimadaira Rei)/Kouji Ishii ・The first day of August (Hozumi Hassaku)/Yoshiro Matsumoto ・Mizuho Tanonaka (Tanonaka Mizuho)/Eiji Ito ・Seiichiro Haryuu (Haryuu Seiichiro)/Kazuya Ichijo ・Aoi Fukami (Fukami Aoi)/Akemi Okamura ・Mai Horaguchi (Horaguchi Mai)/Mayumi Misawa ・The President (Shacho)/Kouji Ishii ・Nonki Hayama (Hayama Nonki)/Kazuya Ichijo ・Battobi (Battobi)/Mieko Ichikawa

■ Main staff

・Director, Storyboard: Heitarou Daichi ・Character design, Animation Director: Hajime Watanabe ・Scriptwriter: Aki Itami ・Director: Harumi Tamano ・Art Director: Chika Shibata (Studio Kanon)
・Music: Toshiro Masuda ・Sound Director: Kazuya Tanaka ・Sound Production: Dax ・Original Concept, Planning, and Production: Yumeta Company ・Producer: Satoshi Yamaguchi

■ Main Characters

・Mikiko Oguro
The main character is Kuromi-chan. After graduating from Daitokyo Animetic Academy, she joins the animation production company Studio Petit. In the first film, she is put in charge of the production desk (head of production progress) soon after joining the company, but she somehow manages to overcome the difficulties with her natural energy and cheerfulness. The second film is set three months later, and she faces new hardships.
・Shihonmatsu Hamako
An animator who mainly works as a character animation director at Studio Puchi. At first, she was cold towards the newcomer Kuromi, but her hard-working attitude reminded her of her past self, and she gradually became more open with her. Currently, she is a good confidant for Kuromi and acts as a reliable older sister figure. Her trademark is a cigarette in her mouth.
・Takashimadaira Rei
A skilled producer who is an acquaintance of the president of Studio Petit and has been temporarily called in. Apparently, he also knows Hamako Yonmatsu. This time, he tries to take charge of the scene in a forceful way, which ends up causing trouble.
・First day of August: Hassaku orange (Hozumi/Hassaku)
He is a director at Studio Petit. He is cheerful and a little cocky, but is he the fastest checker in Japan? As he used to be a production assistant, he sometimes gives Kuromi advice, but I wonder if it helps...
・Mizuho Tanonaka
Although he lives in a rundown apartment, he is somehow immersed in narcissism, so his mannerisms, clothing, and lines are all pretentious. He is by far the fastest animator, but the quality is lacking, making him a pain for the animation director.
・Seiichiro Haryu
He lives in a room surrounded by figures, and is the type of key animator you might see somewhere in this industry. He's lazy and never gets started on his work, which is always a problem for the production process.
・Fukam Aoi
A housewife animator whose work is affected by the stress of her husband and who is always in a slump. She has a lot of experience, so once she starts drawing, she is very fast. But at the same time, her speaking skills have also improved!
・Horaguchi rice
He lives in an old house and always has a gloomy vibe about him. He makes lots of excuses and always tries to avoid work, but he also has a simple side to him, and if you cheer him up just right, he'll get into it.
・President
The president of Studio Petit. He is usually laid-back and laid-back, but strict when it comes to work. Kuromi's joining the company has enlivened the workplace, so are there high expectations for her?
・Hayama Carefree
An animator who enjoys working while surfing at Studio Offshore in Shonan. Work generally takes a back seat.
・A character that appears out of nowhere. If you look for him on the screen, he might be somewhere. He will also explain about the anime. By the way, there are many types (races) of him.

■Subtitle

・I will make Japanese anime! (2001/03/30)

■ Related works

・Animation Production Progression Kuromi-chan I'm the one who makes Japanese anime! 2

■ Theme songs and music

・ED1
・In the town of Hidamari ・Lyrics by Kaori Aso ・Music by Toshiro Masuda ・Arrangement by Toshiro Masuda ・Singer by Kaori Aso

・Insert song 1
・Time Journeys Theme ・Lyrics by Heitaro Daichi ・Music by Toshiro Masuda ・Arrangement by Toshiro Masuda ・Singer by Kazuya Ichijo

・Insert song 2
・Taijani Ondo・Lyrics by Heitaro Daichi・Composition by Toshiro Masuda・Arrangement by Toshiro Masuda・Singers by Reiko Yasuhara, Mieko Ichikawa, Mayumi Misawa, Satoga Komatsu, Kazuya Ichijo, Eiji Ito, Masashi Yabe, and Yoshiro Matsumoto

・Insert song 3
・Tsubasa・Lyrics by Reiko Yasuhara・Music by Toshiro Masuda・Arrangement by Toshiro Masuda・Singer by Reiko Yasuhara

■Detailed review

"Animation Production Progress Kuromi-chan" is loved by many fans as a work that depicts the realistic state of the animation industry. In particular, the story of the protagonist Mikiko Oguro (Kuromi-chan)'s growth is deeply moving to viewers. Her joining Studio Puchi as a newcomer and facing various difficulties while shouldering the heavy responsibilities of the production desk have resonated with many people.

The appeal of this work is, above all, its realism. By portraying the inner workings of the animation industry realistically, viewers can learn about what goes on behind the scenes in anime production. For example, the human relationships and work processes in the industry are depicted realistically, such as the narcissism of key animator Mizuho Tanonaka and the lazy nature of Seiichiro Hariu. The presence of veteran animators such as Hamako Yomomatsu also adds depth to the work.

Also, don't miss the direction of director Heitaro Daichi. He skillfully depicts both funny and serious episodes. In particular, the scene in which Kuromi-chan struggles as a production desk is wonderfully directed, creating tension in the viewer while also conveying her brightness and power. The work of character designer and animation director Hajime Watanabe is also highly praised. The characters he designs are full of personality and are charming.

The music also adds to the appeal of this work. The theme song "Hidamari no Machi de" composed by Toshiro Masuda is a beautiful melody that symbolizes Kuromi-chan's growth and will surely touch the hearts of viewers. In addition, the inserted songs "Time Journeys' Theme" and "Taijani Ondo" are also important elements that liven up the atmosphere of the work.

■Reasons for recommendation

"Animation Production Progress Kuromi-chan" is loved by many fans as a work that depicts the real world of the animation industry. It is a must-see work, especially for those who are interested in anime production or who want to work in the anime industry. The story of the protagonist, Mikiko Oguro's growth, will surely inspire many people. In addition, don't miss the skillful direction of director Heitaro Daichi, the charming character designs of Hajime Watanabe, and the beautiful music of Toshiro Masuda. Be sure to watch this work and get a feel for the real world of the animation industry.