Shirobako

Shirobako is an original Japanese anime series produced by P.A. Works and directed by Tsutomu Mizushima. It aired in Japan from October 2014 to March 2015, with a total of 24 episodes. The story revolves around five friends – Aoi Miyamori, Ema Yasuhara, Shizuka Sakaki, Misa Tōdō, and Midori Imai – who once worked together in their high school animation club and now strive to achieve their dream of creating an anime together as professionals. The narrative primarily focuses on Aoi Miyamori’s experiences at Musashino Animation, where she works as a production assistant and encounters various challenges and difficulties. The anime offers an in-depth look into the behind-the-scenes process of anime production, including time management, staff coordination, creative clashes, and the final presentation of a project. In addition to the TV series, Shirobako also has manga and novel adaptations, as well as a theatrical film released in 2020. The movie is set four years after the events of the TV series and follows Aoi as she leads a team to create a new anime film. The series is praised for its realistic depiction of the anime industry and has received numerous awards.