"SHIROBAKO": A moving story depicting the reality of anime production

SHIROBAKO - Shirobako - In-depth review and comprehensive guide

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

October 9, 2014 - March 26, 2015

■TV Broadcast

• TOKYO MX / October 9, 2014 - March 26, 2015 / Thursday 23:30 - 24:00
• TV Aichi / October 9, 2014 - March 26, 2015 / Thursday 26:05 - 26:35
• MBS / October 11, 2014 - March 28, 2015 / Saturday 27:28 - 27:58
• BS Fuji / October 12, 2014 - March 29, 2015 / Sunday 24:30 - 25:00
• AT-X / October 15, 2014 - April 1, 2015 / Wednesdays 23:00 - 23:30

■Broadcasting station

TOKYO MX

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 24

■Original Story

・Original work: Musashino Animation

■ Director

・Director: Tsutomu Mizushima

■ Production

・Animation production: PAWORKS

・Production/“SHIROBAKO” Production Committee

■Works

© “SHIROBAKO” Production Committee

■ Story

Shirobako is a videotape in a white box used in the video industry, and is the first product that a creator gets to touch when a work is completed. Compared to the sales packages that are made colorful with illustrations and photographs, a tape in a white box may seem plain. However, it is filled with the creators' thoughts.

This story is an ensemble drama that focuses on the daily life of the anime industry, focusing on five dream-chasing girls as they struggle to complete Shirobako, such as the daily troubles that arise, the conflicts and setbacks that come with being a creative job, and the unity and conflict that arise from working as a group.

And so, the five of them took on the challenge of achieving their dream together. A success story that leads to the hope they find beyond that. Yes, this is where anime is now...

■Cast

・Aoi Miyamori/Juri Kimura

・ Ema Yasuhara/Haruka Yoshimura

・Shizuka Sakaki/Haruka Chisuga

・Misa Todo/Asami Takano

・Midori Imai/Hitomi Owada

・Yutaka Honda/Shuya Nishiji

・Tatsuya Ochiai/Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

・Erika Yano/Yuri Yamaoka

・Taro Takanashi/Hiroyuki Yoshino

・Rinko Ogasawara/Ai Kayano

・Watanabe Jun/Matsukaze Masaya

・Yuka Okitsu/Mai Nakahara

■ Main staff

・Original work: Musashino Animation

・Director: Tsutomu Mizushima

・Series Composition: Michiko Yokote

・Character design/Ponkan(8)*

・Animation character design/Kanae Sekiguchi

Art director: Yusuke Takeda, Tsukasa Kakisa

・Color design: Katsue Inoue

・3D Director: Kazuya Sugo

Director of photography: Yukiyo Kajiwara

Edited by Ayumu Takahashi

・Music: Shiro Hamaguchi

・Music Production/Imagine

・Produced by Infinite

・Animation production: PAWORKS

・Production/“SHIROBAKO” Production Committee

■ Main Characters

・Aoi Miyamori

Production Manager

A production assistant at Musashino Animation. Currently in his first year. He has been interested in animation since his school days and joined a club, but graduated without finding a specific goal. He then entered Musashino Animation. He has a bright, cheerful personality and is always positive. His dream is to create an animation again with the friends he shared his aspirations with in his school days. Ema and Shizuka call him "Oichan," Midori and Misa call him "Oichan Senpai," and his coworkers call him "Myamori." He loves donuts.

・ Ema Yasuhara

animator

A key animator at Musashino Animation. In his student days, he made anime in a club with Aoi and the others. He is earnest, but quiet and shy. Although he was promoted to key animator in just a year and a half from indie, he continues to struggle because he cannot decide on a style of drawing due to his personality. His idol is Horiuchi from Naniwa Animation, who is good at everyday scenes.

・Shizuka Sakaki

New voice actors

Aspiring voice actor. A friend who made anime with Aoi during their school days. Although she was lucky enough to join Akaoni Production, a voice acting agency, she has not yet made her anime debut. Therefore, she continues to train on her own and work part-time at the izakaya that Aoi and her friends frequent. Aoi and Ema call her "Zuka-chan," and Midori and Misa call her "Zuka-senpai."

・Misa Todo

3DCG

She works at the CG production company Super Media Creations. She and Aoi were friends when they made anime together in their student days, and are one year younger than her. She joined the company because she felt that CG, which is beginning to play an important role in comparison to 2D animation, had a promising future. She is constantly experimenting within the company. Aoi, Ema, and Shizuka call her "Mii-chan," and Midori calls her "Mii-senpai."

・Midori Imai

Aspiring scriptwriter

Aspiring scriptwriter. Aoi's junior by two years, she was a friend who worked on anime with her. Currently a university student. She wants to enter the anime industry after graduation, but has not been able to find the right opportunity. When it comes to things she likes, she is the type who will thoroughly research and pursue them, becoming completely absorbed in them. She has a distinctive athletic way of speaking. Aoi and her friends call her "Rii-chan."

・Yutaka Honda

Production Desk

He is a member of Musashino Animation. He is in charge of the animation production as the "Exo Das!" desk. He is calm and excellent, but his one flaw is that he is an extreme worrier. His catchphrase is "I've run out of options!" He is especially passionate about "Exo Das!", which is Musashino Animation's first prime contractor work in seven years.

・Taro Takanashi

Production Manager

A first-year production assistant at Musashino Animation. Almost the same age as Aoi. He has unfounded confidence and is the type to unconsciously cause trouble for others. This can also cause chaos on set. He often uses unique youthful (?) slang, such as "Thanks!". He also has a fangirl side, such as when he speaks enthusiastically about voice actors, and enjoys his work accordingly.

・Erika Yano

Production Manager

Production manager at Musashino Animation. Her appearance and behavior may make her seem tough at first glance, but that's because she takes her work seriously. In reality, she's a reliable big sister type, and she subtly teaches Aoi and Taro the ABCs of production and their resolve. She also speaks her mind to her editor, Honda, and often plays a part in easing chaos on-site.

・Tatsuya Ochiai

Production Manager

Production manager at Musashino Animation. Like Yano, he has experience as a producer. He doesn't show much emotion and does his job calmly, but he is trusted by the production team because he sticks to what needs to be done.

・Watanabe Jun

Line Producer

A line producer at Musashino Animation. Known as Nabe-P. He loves mahjong and spends most of his working hours at a mahjong parlor. Because of this, people tend to think he doesn't do much...

・Rinko Ogasawara

Animation Director

Character designer and chief animation director for "Exodus!". In both name and reality, she is Musashino Animation's flagship animator. She is also known as "Gothic Lolita Lady" because she always wears Gothic Lolita clothing. She is known for her graceful manners, and even when submitting the chief animation director's corrections, she draws with beautiful gestures like a calligrapher.

・Yuka Okitsu

general affairs

General affairs at Musashino Animation. A cool beauty who is in charge of all clerical and administrative matters. She always works while paying attention to the situation around her, and will come to the rescue when things get rough on the set. She has a no overtime policy, which is rare in a production company that tends to become a sleepless city.

・Masato Maruyama

president

President of Musashino Animation. His trademark is his shaved head and round glasses. He has a calm personality and is always smiling. His hobby is cooking. He enjoys nothing more than serving his specialty dishes to people in the office, and is often seen wearing an apron. His various connections with old friends sometimes save the production team from a difficult situation!

・Seiichi Kinoshita

director

He is the director of Musashino Animation's "Exodus!". He is slightly overweight. He has had many hits up until now, but made a huge mistake with his previous work "Purun Purun Tengoku". With "Exodus!", he is directing a TV animation series for the first time in a long time. He has a special passion for his work, but it takes a long time for him to get going, which can eat up his schedule. He loves fried chicken.

・Hironori Yen

Director

Freelance director. He is in charge of directing "Exodus!" at Musashino Animation. He comes from a photography background and is strong in the digital field. That's why he is able to draw digital storyboards and is highly valued. He isn't the type to get too excited, but rather, he is the type who calmly handles cuts. He enjoys reading online opinions and live commentary from a distance, and does his job with a relaxed mind.

・Masashi Yamada

Director

A freelance director with a background in animation, he is currently directing "Exodus!" at Musashino Animation. He is usually calm, but can also show a stubborn side. He made his directorial debut in the ninth episode of Director Kinoshita's previous work "Purun Purun Tengoku." That episode became legendary (in a bad way). He loves Japanese movies, and you can see glimpses of that in his character acting and other scenes.

・Yumi Iguchi

Assistant Chief Animation Director

Assistant Chief Animation Director for "Exodus!". He learned from Ogasawara from a young age and has gained experience up to now. He has a bright and cheerful way of speaking, but his attitude towards work is completely serious. His skills are on a par with Ogasawara, and he is considered one of Musashino Animation's leading animators.

・Ryosuke Endo

animator

Freelance animator. While working at Musashino Animation, he is the animation director for each episode of "Exodus!". He likes animation that emphasizes physiological pleasure, and excels at action scenes that make use of that. He is particularly particular about effect cuts such as missiles and explosions.

・Misato Segawa

animator

Freelance animator. He is the animation director for each episode of "Exodus!". He is highly regarded in the industry for both the quality and speed of his drawings, and is highly trusted by Musashino Animation. He draws character movements based on logic that is based on reality, rather than on intuition.

・ Shigeru Sugie

animator

He is an animator affiliated with Musashino Animation. He is one of the oldest veterans at Musashino Animation. He is currently in charge of children's animation outside the company, and is not involved in "Exodus!" He picks up his pencil every day with the hope that "I hope I can bring smiles to the faces of children around the world."

・Yuichiro Shimoyanagi

3D Director

He is a member of Musashino Animation and the 3D director of "Exodus!". He has a gentle personality and is friendly, and as the chief of the 3D team at Musashino Animation, he started out in the industry with "Legendary Giant Robot Idepon."

・Yoshiki Sakura

Director of Photography

He is affiliated with Musashino Animation. He is the director of photography for "Exodus!". Since his position is close to the final stage of animation production, when production gets tight, the burden often falls on him. However, even in times like these, he remains calm and carries out his work calmly and collectedly. His hobby is origami.

・Tomomi Domoto

Video Inspection

She is a member of Musashino Animation. She is an animation inspector. She is a woman with a gentle and warm smile. As the chief of the animation department, she checks the movements. She is also in charge of training new animation staff.

・Nao Shinkawa

Color designation and inspection manager

He is in charge of color specification and inspection. He decides on the colors for each cut and gives instructions. He also checks whether the picture is painted according to his instructions. He can be a little harsh on the production, but that is to encourage the person in question to understand the work. In reality, he has a caring personality and is well-trusted by those around him.

・Gotaro Katsuragi

Manufacturer Producer

Manufacturer producer. In charge of "Exodus!". He always has to be aware of the dangers of delivery, but he also has feelings for the work, so he is often caught between a rock and a hard place. As a manufacturer producer, he also approaches the original author together with Nabe-P.

・Tsubaki Ando

Production Manager

A new employee at Musashino Animation. He joined the company as a production assistant. He is a genuine anime fan and was involved in doujin activities in high school. Because of this, he knows a lot about the anime staff. His strong point is his energy, and although he is a new employee, he shows a vital work ethic, but because of his personality, he sometimes speaks only with momentum... Also, as a new employee, he makes careless mistakes and has many challenges.

・Sara Sato

Production Manager

A new employee at Musashino Animation. He joined the company as a production assistant. He worked in customer service and administration at a shopping mall in Makuhari for three years before changing jobs. He doesn't watch much anime, but he decided to work at Musashino Animation, which was close to his home, to shorten his commute. He has work experience, so he knows common sense and works with a polite attitude, but he sometimes confuses those around him because he doesn't know the real world.

・Daisuke Hiraoka

Production Manager

He is a production assistant who joined Musashino Animation mid-career. He already has five years of experience as an assistant, and has worked at various studios such as Studio Amin, Ruin Film, Kimon Productions, and Capek. Because of this, he has connections at certain studios. His approach to work is focused on efficiency. He can be a bit cynical, and his way of speaking is blunt, which can sometimes cause friction with those around him.

・Kunoki Ai

Original Artwork

A new key animator at Musashino Animation. He was an animator in "Exodus!" but became a key animator from "The Third Flying Girls Squadron". He is extremely bad at communicating with people and is very quiet. He also gets flustered and panics easily when someone starts talking to him. Since Ema is in charge of training new employees, he communicates with others through her.

・Mimzy & Roro

A fashion doll with an eyepatch and a teddy bear that are always with Aoi. When Aoi is troubled, they speak for her (actually, Aoi manipulates them to speak for her). Most of the time, Mimzy raises questions or complaints about the problem, and Roro admonishes them with a touch of resignation.

■Subtitle

・#01/Let's get excited towards tomorrow!

・#02/Arupin is here!

・#03/I don't want to see any more compilations

・#04／I made a mistake

・#05/If you're the type of person who always blames others, quit!

・#06／Idepon Miyamori Activation

・#07/Retake with cats

・#08/I'm not blaming you

・#09/What do you think he was trying to convey?

・#10/Just one more drink

・#11/The girl selling original drawings

・#12／Exodus Christmas

#13 What is your favorite cloud?

・#14/Audition meeting without any honor!

・#15/Is this kind of picture okay?

・#16／Chabudai Gaeshi

・#17/Where am I…?

・#18/You've set me up!

・#19/Can you catch any fish?

・#20/Good luck Mustang!

・#21/Don't hold quality hostage

・#22/Noah is in underwear.

・#23／Continuation of the Chabudai Gaeshi

#24/Delivery too far away

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1

・I'm Sorry EXODUS

・1

Lyrics by Tsutomu Mizushima

・Composer: Ryuji Takagi

・Arrangement: Ryuji Takagi

・Singer: Tracy (Mai Nakahara, Shizuka Ito, Ai Kayano)

・OP2

・COLORFUL BOX

2 to 11

Lyrics by Kanon Wakeshima

・Composer: Kayoko

・Arrangement/Naoki Chiba "naotyu-"

・Song: Yoko Ishida

・OP3

・Treasure Box

13 to 22

Lyrics by Masami Okui

・Composer: Kayoko

・Arrangement/Naoki Chiba "naotyu-"

・Singer: Masami Okui

・ED1

・Animetic Love Letter

2 to 12

・Lyrics by Haruko Momoi

・Composer: Haruko Momoi

Arrangement: Tsuyoshi Watanabe

Singers: Aoi Miyamori (played by Juri Kimura), Ema Yasuhara (played by Haruka Yoshimura), Shizuka Sakaki (played by Haruka Chisuga)

・ED2

・Platinum Jet

13, 15-18, 20-24

・Lyrics by Haruko Momoi

・Composer: Haruko Momoi

・Arrangement: Tsuyoshi Watanabe

・Song: Donuts◎Quinette (Aoi Miyamori (Juri Kimura), Ema Yasuhara (Haruka Yoshimura), Shizuka Sakaki (Haruka Chisuga), Misa Toudou (Asami Takano), Midori Imai (Hitomi Owada))

・ED3

・Mountain hedgehog Andean Chucky

19

Lyrics by Tsutomu Mizushima

・Composer: Shiro Hamaguchi

・Arrangement: Hayato Matsuo

・Song: Kunitake Miyuki

SHIROBAKO - Shirobako - In-depth review

"SHIROBAKO" is an anime series that aired from 2014 to 2015, and is loved by many fans for its realistic depiction of the inner workings of the anime industry. The series is set in a fictional studio called Musashino Animation, and follows five dream-chasing women as they attempt to make anime. This series, which depicts their growth and failures, as well as the behind-the-scenes aspects of anime production, is extremely interesting not only for anime fans, but also for those interested in the anime industry.

Story and Themes

The story of "SHIROBAKO" centers around five women: Aoi Miyamori, Ema Yasuhara, Shizuka Sakaki, Misa Toudou, and Midori Imai. They were friends who were in an anime production club together in high school, and after graduating, they continue to work in the anime industry, pursuing their own dreams. The story depicts the various problems and difficulties they face in the anime production industry, as well as their friendship, growth, and the challenges they face in order to achieve their dreams.

The theme of this work is the real world of anime production and the people who work there. Anime production may look glamorous at first glance, but in reality there are many difficulties and conflicts. "SHIROBAKO" conveys the reality of the anime industry to viewers by depicting the real side of it. It also depicts the difficulty of chasing your dreams and the importance of continuing to challenge yourself without giving up.

character

Each character in "SHIROBAKO" is unique and leaves a strong impression on viewers. The main character, Miyamori Aoi, has a bright and positive personality and struggles in the anime production field as a production assistant. Her growth and efforts move viewers. Yasuhara Ema works as an animator and continues to struggle to find her own style of drawing. Her seriousness and sensitivity attract viewers' hearts. Sakaki Shizuka is depicted as working hard at a part-time job while aiming to become a voice actress. Her efforts and failures evoke sympathy from people who are chasing their dreams. Todo Misa is involved in the production of 3DCG and approaches her work while feeling the difference from 2D animation. Imai Midori is depicted as studying hard as a university student while aiming to become a screenwriter. Their personalities and growth enhance the appeal of "SHIROBAKO".

Production and direction

"SHIROBAKO" was produced by PAWORKS and directed by Tsutomu Mizushima. Tsutomu Mizushima is well known for his realistic portrayals of the anime industry, and "SHIROBAKO" is no exception. The series was written by Michiko Yokote, the original character designs were by Ponkan(8)*, and the animation character designs were by Kanami Sekiguchi. The art directors were Yusuke Takeda and Tsukasa Kakizaki, the color designer was Katsue Inoue, the 3D director was Kazuya Sugo, the director of photography was Yukiyo Kajiwara, the editor was Ayumu Takahashi, and the music was by Shiro Hamaguchi. This team worked together to create the realistic worldview and fascinating characters of "SHIROBAKO".

music

The music for "SHIROBAKO" was written by Shiro Hamaguchi. The opening theme is "I'm Sorry EXODUS" (sung by Tracy), "COLORFUL BOX" (sung by Yoko Ishida), and "Treasure Box -TREASURE BOX-" (sung by Masami Okui). The ending theme is "Animetic Love Letter" (sung by Aoi Miyamori, Ema Yasuhara, Shizuka Sakaki), "Platinum Jet" (sung by Donuts◎Quinette), and "Mountain Hedgehog Andes Chucky" (sung by Miyuki Kunitake). These songs play a role in further deepening the worldview of "SHIROBAKO".

Evaluation and impact

"SHIROBAKO" was highly praised for its realistic depiction of the anime industry. In particular, the realistic depiction of the behind-the-scenes of anime production resonated with many viewers. The story of the characters' growth and friendship also touched viewers. "SHIROBAKO" is a very interesting work not only for anime fans, but also for people who are interested in the anime industry.

By depicting the reality of the anime industry, this work conveyed to viewers the difficulties of anime production and the importance of continuing to challenge yourself without giving up. It also gave courage to many people by depicting the difficulties of chasing your dreams and the importance of continuing to challenge yourself without giving up. "SHIROBAKO" will continue to be loved by many people as a work that depicts the real world of the anime industry.

SHIROBAKO - Recommendations and related information

Reasons for recommendation

"SHIROBAKO" is a work that can be recommended to many people as it depicts the real world of the anime industry. It is especially recommended for people who are interested in the behind-the-scenes of anime production and those who want to feel the difficulty of chasing your dreams and the importance of continuing to try without giving up. In addition, the story depicting the characters' growth and friendship will surely move the viewer. "SHIROBAKO" is a very interesting work not only for anime fans but also for those who are interested in the anime industry.

Related information

"SHIROBAKO" is an anime series that aired from 2014 to 2015. It is set in a fictional studio called Musashino Animation and depicts five dream-chasing women trying their hand at anime production. The series was highly praised for its realistic portrayal of the anime industry. The story also touched viewers with its depiction of the characters' growth and friendship. "SHIROBAKO" is a very interesting work not only for anime fans but also for those who are interested in the anime industry.

By depicting the reality of the anime industry, this work conveyed to viewers the difficulties of anime production and the importance of continuing to challenge yourself without giving up. It also gave courage to many people by depicting the difficulties of chasing your dreams and the importance of continuing to challenge yourself without giving up. "SHIROBAKO" will continue to be loved by many people as a work that depicts the real world of the anime industry.

"SHIROBAKO" is a work that can be recommended to many people as it depicts the real world of the anime industry. It is especially recommended for people who are interested in the behind-the-scenes of anime production and those who want to feel the difficulty of chasing your dreams and the importance of continuing to try without giving up. In addition, the story depicting the characters' growth and friendship will surely move the viewer. "SHIROBAKO" is a very interesting work not only for anime fans but also for those who are interested in the anime industry.