Review of "Kuromi-chan's Anime Production Struggle: I'm Making Japanese Anime! 2"

Animation Production Assistant Kuromi-chan I'm Making Japanese Anime! 2 Review

Animation Production Progress Kuromi-chan Japanese Anime Made by Me! 2 (hereafter Kuromi-chan 2) was released as an OVA in 2004. This work is known as an industry anime that depicts the behind-the-scenes of animation production. It was directed by Heitarou Daichi, based on an original story by Yumeta Company, and released by Universal J. It is a short work with only one episode, 45 minutes, but the content is very dense and depicts the real world of the anime industry.

story

The story of Kuromi-chan 2 depicts Mikiko Oguro (known as Kuromi-chan), who joins the anime production company "Studio Petit" as a new graduate and struggles to work as a production desk. 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 new employee. In the first film, she is put in charge of the production desk soon after joining the company and overcomes the difficulties with her natural energy and cheerfulness, but in the second film, which is set three months later, she faces new hardships.

Kuromi-chan faces various difficulties together with the members of Studio Petit. Characters with unique personalities appear and support her growth, including animation director Hamako Yomponmatsu, the talented production staff member Takashimadaira Rei, who is an acquaintance of the president and is temporarily called upon, and the cheerful director Hassaku Hachigatsusaku. In particular, Hamako Yomponmatsu is cold towards Kuromi at first, but gradually opens up to her after seeing her efforts, becoming a reliable older sister figure.

character

Kuromi-chan, also known as Mikiko Oguro, is the main character who drives the story. She is a newcomer who just graduated from Daitokyo Animetic Academy and joined Studio Puchi, but she is given a responsible position as a production desk. Her cheerfulness and energy inspire those around her and help them overcome difficulties.

Hamako Yotsuba is an animator who mainly works as a character animation director at Studio Puchi. At first, she was cold towards Kuromi, but as she saw her efforts, she gradually opened up to her and became a good confidant for her. Her trademark is a cigarette in her mouth, and she supports Kuromi as a reliable older sister figure.

Takashimadaira Rei is an acquaintance of the president of Studio Petit and is a skilled producer who is temporarily called upon. He tries to take charge of the site in a forceful manner, which ends up causing trouble. He is also an acquaintance of Yommatsu Hamako, and his relationship with her adds depth to the story.

Hassaku August is a character who works as a director at Studio Puchi. He is cheerful and a bit cocky, but he is said to be the fastest checker in Japan. As he used to be a production assistant, he sometimes gives Kuromi advice, but it is unclear whether his advice is useful.

Mizuho Tanonaka is a key animator who lives in a rundown apartment but is deeply immersed in narcissism. He is by far the fastest at work, but the quality is not so good, making the animation director cry. His pretentious mannerisms, clothing, and lines add humor to the story.

Seiichiro Hariu is a key animator who lives in a room surrounded by figurines. He is a lazy person who never gets started on his work, which always causes problems for the production process. His character is a symbol of the reality of the anime industry.

Aoi Fukami is a housewife animator whose work is affected by the stress of her husband and she is always in a slump. She has a lot of experience and once she starts drawing, she is very fast, but at the same time, her speech is also powerful. Her character depicts the harshness and reality of the anime industry.

Horaguchi Yone is a character who lives in an old house and always has a gloomy mood. She has a lot of excuses and tries to avoid work by finding a reason, but she also has a simple side to her, and if you cheer her up in the right way, she will get into it. Her character depicts the human relationships in the anime industry.

The president is the president of Studio Puchi. He is always at his own pace and is strict with work, but he has high expectations of Kuromi because her joining the company has enlivened the workplace. His character symbolizes leadership in the anime industry.

Nobuki Hayama is an animator who enjoys surfing while working at Studio Offshore in Shonan. He basically puts work on the back burner and does his work in a free style. His character depicts the diversity of the anime industry.

Battobi is a character who appears out of nowhere. If you look for him on screen, you might find him somewhere. He also explains about anime, and there are many types (races). His character symbolizes the humor in the anime industry.

staff

The director of Kuromi-chan 2 is Heitarou Daichi, who is also in charge of storyboards. The character design and animation director is Hajime Watanabe, the scriptwriter is Aki Itami, the director is Harumi Tamano, the art director is Chikako Shibata (Studio Kanon), the music is Toshiro Masuda, the sound director is Kazuya Tanaka, the sound production is Dax, the original concept, planning and production are by Yumeta Company, and the producer is Satoshi Yamaguchi. These staff members worked together to create Kuromi-chan 2.

music

The ending theme of Kuromi-chan 2 is "Hidamari no Machi de", with lyrics and vocals by Kaori Aso and music and arrangement by Toshiro Masuda. This song symbolizes Kuromi-chan's brightness and hope, and makes you feel her growth.

Three songs are used as insert songs: "Time Journeys' Theme", "Taijani Ondo", and "Wings". The lyrics of "Time Journeys' Theme" are written by Heitaro Daichi, the music and arrangement are by Toshiro Masuda, and the song is by Kazuya Ichijo. The lyrics of "Taijani Ondo" are written by Heitaro Daichi, the music and arrangement are by Toshiro Masuda, and the song is by Reiko Yasuhara, Mieko Ichikawa, Mayumi Misawa, Rika Komatsu, Kazuya Ichijo, Eiji Ito, Masashi Yabe, and Yoshiro Matsumoto. The lyrics of "Wings" are written by Reiko Yasuhara, the music and arrangement are by Toshiro Masuda, and the song is by Reiko Yasuhara. These songs are used in accordance with the development of the story, enhancing the emotions of the viewer.

Ratings and Recommendations

Kuromi-chan 2 has been highly praised for its realistic portrayal of the anime industry. It has been especially praised for its realistic portrayal of the struggles of production and the human relationships of animators. In addition, the unique characters add excitement to the story and draw viewers in.

This work is recommended for those who are interested in the anime industry and those who want to know the behind-the-scenes of anime production. It can also be enjoyed as a story of Kuromi-chan's growth, so it is recommended for those who like youth dramas. In addition, it is recommended for those who like comedy anime, as it features humorous characters.

Kuromi-chan 2 is a short OVA, but the content is very dense and depicts the real world of the anime industry. It is a work that makes the viewer think and is deeply moving. Please give it a watch.

Related Titles

A related work to Kuromi-chan 2 is "Animation Production Progression Kuromi-chan." This work is the first work that depicts Kuromi-chan's struggles as a production desk after joining Studio Puchi. By watching the first work before watching Kuromi-chan 2, you can get a deeper understanding of her growth.

Conclusion

Animation Production Assistant Kuromi-chan Japanese Anime Made by Me! 2 is highly acclaimed as a work that depicts the real world of the anime industry. The unique characters liven up the story and have the power to draw viewers in. This work is recommended for those who are interested in the anime industry, those who want to know the behind-the-scenes of anime production, and those who like teen dramas and comedy anime. Please give it a watch.