The appeal and reputation of "WORKING!!": A thorough analysis of a masterpiece workplace comedy

The appeal and reviews of "WORKING!!": A masterpiece of a family restaurant part-time job comedy

"WORKING!!" is a TV anime series that aired in 2010, a part-time comedy set in the family restaurant "Wagnaria" in Hokkaido. It is based on a manga by Takatsu Karino and serialized in "Young Gangan". Directed by Hiraike Yoshimasa and produced by A-1 Pictures, the humor and warm story woven by the unique characters has captivated many fans.

Story and setting

The setting of "WORKING!!" is a family restaurant called "Wagnaria" located somewhere in Hokkaido. The protagonist, Takanashi Souta, ends up working part-time at this restaurant through an unexpected turn of events. However, the staff working there are all extremely unique. As Souta lives his daily part-time life with them, he gets caught up in various events.

The story depicts the daily life of Souta and the unique characters that surround him. By setting the story in a familiar setting, a family restaurant, viewers can enjoy the show while relating it to their own experiences. Also, the story unfolds from the perspective of a different character in each episode, so you won't get bored of watching it.

Character Introduction

The appeal of "WORKING!!" is, above all, its unique characters. Below are the main characters.

• Takanashi Souta : Voiced by Fukuyama Jun. He is in charge of the hall and loves small things. He is especially attracted to Poplar. He is the main character of this work.
• Taneshima Popura : Voiced by Kana Asumi. She is in charge of the dining area and is the mascot of the store. She is as tall as an elementary school student, which is a source of worry for her, but she is a bright and energetic 17-year-old.
• Mahiru Inami : Voiced by Saki Fujita. She is afraid of men and hits any man she sees. However, she is at an age where she wants to fall in love.
• Yachiyo Todoroki : Voiced by Eri Kitamura. A simple-minded hall chief who loves Kyoko. She always carries a sword.
• Kyoko Shirafuji : Voiced by Kumiko Watanabe. The store manager who is always eating something. She is a former delinquent and has many useful juniors.
• Jun Sato : Voiced by Daisuke Ono. He looks like he's hard to understand, but he's actually a very kind person in charge of the kitchen.
• Hiroomi Souma : Voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya. He is in charge of the kitchen and is very knowledgeable about things. He is a very gentle sadist.
• Kazue Takanashi : Voiced by Ryoko Shiraishi. A 31-year-old lawyer and the eldest daughter of the Takanashi family. She uses the Complete Law Book as her weapon.
• Takanashi Izumi : Voiced by Yoko Hikasa. A 28-year-old romance novelist and the second daughter of the Takanashi family. She is frail and withdrawn.
• Takanashi Kozue : Voiced by Itou Shizuka. A 25-year-old female self-defense instructor, she is the third daughter of the Takanashi family. She is always drunk.
• Nazuna Takanashi : Voiced by Momoko Saito. A 12-year-old elementary school student, she is the fourth daughter of the Takanashi family. She loves Souta and has a devilish side.
• Heigo Otoo : Voiced by Jouji Nakata. Wagnaria's manager, a rare character you rarely find.
• Yamada Aoi : Voiced by Hirohashi Ryo. A shady hall manager, her age and background are also questionable.
• Maya Matsumoto : Voiced by Akiko Kawase. She is in charge of the regular hall.

Anime production and staff

WORKING!! was produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Yoshimasa Hiraike. Character design and chief animation director was Shingo Adachi, prop design was Usaku Myochin, color design was Izumi Sakamoto, art direction was Kenichi Tajiri, director of photography was Takeru Hirooka, editing was Kentaro Tsubone, sound direction was Yota Tsuruoka, and music was by MONACA. Music production was by Aniplex, sound effects by Hidemi Tanaka, recording adjustment by Misao Shiihara, assistant recording artist Shizuka Nagano, sound production by Yoshimi Sugiyama, recording studio Studio Gong, and sound production by Rakuonsha.

Additionally, promotion was handled by Hayashi Kaoru, with promotional assistance from Sugiura Ryoichi, Yamamoto Kazuko, Motoki Madoka, and Sato Shigekaoru (Quorus). Planning assistance was provided by Hasegawa Hiromi, executive marketing producer was Ishikawa Keiko, marketing supervisor was Takahashi Yuma, and sales promotion was handled by Minabe Naoki and Onogi Wataru. The official website was designed by Tsuda Takeo, design assistance was provided by Sweets, logo design was produced by Watsuji Satoshi, planning and sales producer was Takesue Osamu, production office supervision was Seo Masaru, production office work was Kitamura Yoshiko and Saito Akiko, system management was Yoshioka Masayoshi, production desk and setting production was Nakamura Hiroshi, executive producers were Katsumata Hideo and Ochikoshi Tomonori, associate producers were Kurashige Nobuyuki and Kimura Yasutaka, supervisor was Akagi Naho, promotional producer was Jinguji Manabu, producers were Shimizu Hiroyuki, Saito Tomoyuki, and Saito Shunsuke, and animation producer was Igarashi Mamoru.

Broadcast information

"WORKING!!" was broadcast from April 4th to June 27th, 2010. It was broadcast on TOKYO MX, UHF, and AT-X, and the broadcast schedule for each station is as follows:

• TOKYO MX: April 4, 2010 to June 27, 2010, every Sunday from 23:00 to 23:30
• Sapporo Television: April 6, 2010 to June 29, 2010, every Tuesday from 1:29 to 1:59 (Monday night)
• Yomiuri TV: April 6, 2010 to June 29, 2010, every Tuesday from 1:44 to 2:14 (late Monday night)
• Chukyo TV: April 7, 2010 to June 30, 2010, every Wednesday from 2:44 to 3:14 (late Tuesday night)
• AT-X: April 27, 2010 to July 20, 2010, every Tuesday from 8:00 to 8:30

The broadcast dates and subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• 1st item: Welcome to Wagnaria♪ Takanashi, working. (2010/04/04)
• 2nd item: Inami, androphobia. Because it's scary... (2010/04/11)
• 3rd dish: Yachiyo, Kyoko, Sato, and Otoo-san's return (2010/04/18)
• 4th item: Soma, a refreshing young man (2010/04/25)
• 5th dish: On a cold day... a different Wagnaria than usual (2010/05/02)
• 6th dish: Souta's Melancholy, the women of the Takanashi family (2010/05/09)
• 7th item: Otoo after a long time and my new part-time job = Yamada (!?) (2010/05/16)
• 8th item: Inami's first trip! (2010/05/23)
• 9th dish: Kotori-chan appears!! (2010/05/30)
• 10th item: The truth behind the allegations... Nazuna works. (2010/06/06)
• 11th item: The two of them back then, Yachiyo and Sato. Welcome to the Takanashi family (2010/06/13)
• 12th item: Why?! The night before the final battle. Taneshima's gratitude (2010/06/20)
• 13th item: The "decisive battle" called a date, and what happened to Takanashi and Inami afterwards... (2010/06/27)

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for "WORKING!!" are as follows.

• OP1
  • Period: 2-12
  • Song Name: SOMEONE ELSE
  • Lyricist: Kenzo Saeki
  • Composer: Akira Kamisaki
  • Arrangement: Akira Kamisaki
  • Sung by: Taneshima Popura (Asumi Kana), Inami Mahiru (Fujita Saki), Todoroki Yachiyo (Kitamura Eri)
• ED1
  • Period: 1, 13
  • Song Name: SOMEONE ELSE
  • Lyricist: Kenzo Saeki
  • Composer: Akira Kamisaki
  • Arrangement: Akira Kamisaki
  • Sung by: Taneshima Popura (Asumi Kana), Inami Mahiru (Fujita Saki), Todoroki Yachiyo (Kitamura Eri)
• ED2
  • Period: 2-8, 10-12
  • Song Name: Go to Heart Edge
  • Lyricist: Kenzo Saeki
  • Composer: Akira Kamisaki
  • Arrangement: Akira Kamisaki
  • Sung by: Takanashi Souta (Fukuyama Jun), Sato Jun (Ono Daisuke), Souma Hiroomi (Kamiya Hiroshi)
• ED3
  • Duration: 9
  • Song Name: Golden Day
  • Lyricist: Kenzo Saeki
  • Composer: Sho Ishihama
  • Arrangement: Sho Ishihama
  • Sung by: Mahiru Inami (Saki Fujita)

Related Titles

"WORKING!!" is a series and includes the following related works:

• WORKING!! Advance broadcast
• WORKING'!! Advance broadcast
• WORKING'!!
• WORKING!!!
• WORKING!!! Final episode special "Lord of the Takanashi"
• WWW.WORKING!!

Ratings and Recommendations

"WORKING!!" has gained many fans thanks to its humor and the charm of its characters. In particular, the dialogue between the unique characters and the small events that occur in their daily lives resonate with viewers. The familiar setting of a family restaurant also makes it easy for viewers to relate to the show.

The animation is also of a high standard, with the character designs, background art, music, and more all working together to enhance the appeal of the work. In particular, the work of character designer Shingo Adachi succeeds in bringing out the individuality of the characters to the fullest. The music by MONACA also matches the atmosphere of the work.

This work is recommended not only for those who like comedy anime, but also for those who like slice-of-life anime and works that depict the growth of characters. In particular, those who have experience working in a family restaurant or have memories of spending time in such places will enjoy it even more. Also, since it is a series, you can enjoy the sequels.

"WORKING!!" is a work filled with laughter and warmth, and is a work that will give healing and energy to the viewer. Please give it a watch.