The Best Anime About Animation

Key Takeaways

Shirobako & Eizouken showcase a passion for animation through different perspectives.
Shirobako focuses on professional challenges, while Eizouken embodies youthful creativity.
Both anime explore love for animation, with Shirobako offering realism & Eizouken exuding exuberance.

As a seasoned anime connoisseur with over two decades of dedication under my belt, I must say that both “Shirobako” and “Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!” are absolute gems in the vast ocean of animation. While they share a common thread – the passion for the art form we all adore, they each offer unique perspectives that resonate with different stages of life.

One of anime’s major advantages lies in its ability to serve as a vessel for creators’ enthusiasm towards various activities. Many anime delve into the intricacies of diverse professions, while some of the most captivating narratives within this medium revolve around hobbies, personal interests, or artistic expressions. Interestingly, there are two anime that focus on the art form itself, each offering unique perspectives, yet both share a common thread of fervor that resonates throughout their titles.

Shirobako (2014), produced by P.A.WORKS (Ya Boy Kongming!), is a 2014 anime series that chronicles the journey of a novice in the anime industry, working at a renowned animation studio called Musashino Animation. On the other hand, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020) tells the story of a group of high school girls who set up an animation club and strive to realize their aspirations of becoming professional animators. The unique appeal of these two anime titles lies in their portrayal of the behind-the-scenes aspects and dreams of those working in the animation industry.

What Is Shirobako?

What’s It Like To Work in Animation Production?

Shirobako, created by P.A.WORKS, tells the story of Aoi Miyamori, along with her four friends from high school – Ema Yasuhara, Shizuka Sakaki, Misa Tōdō, and Midori Imai, who were all part of the animation club together. They vowed to create their own anime someday.

In the passage of time, Aoi now holds a position as a production assistant at Musashino Animation. Ema, previously, was an animator there, but now she has moved on to other roles. Meanwhile, Shizuka, Misa and Midori have transitioned into voice acting, 3D graphics artistry, and writing respectively. The story revolves around Aoi’s team as they tackle the challenges and hurdles in the animation production industry while working on both an adaptation of a manga into an anime and an original anime project at Musashino Animation.

The animated series “Shirobako” originated from a unique concept, but a manga adaptation was published in the Dengeki Bunko imprint of ASCII Media Works between September 2014 and November 2015, spanning across two volumes. From October 2014 to March 2015, the anime consisted of 24 episodes, with Tsutomu Mizushima (known for his work on “Genshiken”) serving as director. The scriptwriting duties were handled by Michiko Yokote, who is in charge of series composition, along with Reiko Yoshida and Tatsuhiko Urahata.

In this production, Juri Kimura plays Aoi Miyamori; Haruka Yoshimura takes on Ema Yasuhara; Asami Takano portrays Misa Tōdō; Haruka Chisuga assumes the role of Shizuka Sakaki and Hitomi Ōwada embodies Midori Imai. The movie, titled “Shirobako,” produced by P.A.WORKS, was released in February 2020 and is a follow-up to the TV series, with the same team behind it. The name “Shirobako” comes from the blank white video cases that were given to anime production teams before they were distributed, back during the VHS era.

About Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!

“A Love Letter to Animation”

The anime “Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken” is adapted from the manga of Sumito Ōwara and focuses on high school freshman Midori Asakusa, a girl who adores animation above all else and spends countless hours crafting concept art and filling notebooks. However, she thinks that creating animation on her own isn’t feasible for her.>

In simpler terms, Midori’s closest friend, Sayaka Kanamori, a strategic thinker who values money, recognizes Midori’s untapped abilities and contemplates the potential financial benefits of a career in animation for her. At school, they encounter a classmate, Tsubame Mizusaki, who aspires to be an animator but is barred by her parents from joining the school’s anime club. The trio then forms their own animation club at school, pooling their efforts to bring their creative visions to life.

The anime show, titled “Masaaki Yuasa’s production at Science SARU,” was helmed by Masaaki Yuasa along with Yūichirō Kido for scriptwriting. Naoyuki Asano handled the character designs, and Oorutaichi composed the music. It spanned 12 episodes, airing from January to March 2020. The anime is based on Sumito Ōwara’s manga, which has been serialized in Shogakukan’s monthly magazine for adult manga readers, Monthly Big Comic Spirits, since 2016. Actress Sairi Itō portrayed Midori Asakusa, Mutsumi Tamura took on the role of Sayaka Kanamori, and Misato Matsuoka voiced Tsubame Mizusaki.

The show gained tremendous popularity upon its release, thanks to its captivating opening theme song, “Easy Breezy” by chelmico, and its visually stunning graphics and meticulous attention to detail. Its main character was incredibly driven, and the series showed a deep appreciation and affection for all things animation. Each episode served as an animated masterclass, and it’s rare to find anime adaptations that embody the essence of a story as effectively as Eizouken . That’s why this show is frequently referred to as “a love letter to animation.

How Do They Differ In Their Approach?

The Passion of a Novice vs The Passion of a Professional

In both stories, the characters are deeply committed to their love for animation. They each offer an insightful look at how these individuals strive to realize their aspirations. While Shirobako maintains a more realistic tone as it delves into the challenges and rewards of working within the animation industry, particularly focusing on a young woman’s journey in her dream career.

As a fan, I must admit that my initial excitement for Eizouken doesn’t quite mirror the raw, adolescent passion experienced when discovering one’s calling, as it focuses on the protagonist’s adulthood journey. However, what sets Eizouken apart is its intricate portrayal of the animation production process, revealing an unexpected depth that I had not anticipated during my aspiring years in this field.

As an animation enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by both “Shirobako” and “Eizouken”. While “Shirobako” offers a mix of optimism and humor, occasionally serving as a sobering reminder of the challenges in the industry, “Eizouken” bursts with unbridled passion for animation. It’s not just about the career, but rather the sheer joy it brings, a sentiment that gleams through its vibrant and imaginative visual storytelling. Yet, don’t be fooled by its playful tone; “Eizouken” does present conflicts and high stakes. However, its focus lies in showcasing the creativity, imagination, and teamwork that are the very essence of animation.

Shirobako is engaging because it explores Aoi’s life beyond the idealistic and romantic aspects typical of adolescence, delving instead into her professional animation journey as she navigates through her experiences. Whether you’re a casual anime fan or aspire to be part of a significant animation project like Tezuka, Shirobako and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! are exceptional series that offer insights into the world of anime creation, making them highly recommended for anyone captivated by this art form.

You can stream “Shirobako”, “Shirobako the Movie”, and “Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!” on Crunchyroll.

2024-09-26 20:04