The anime industry in Japan has blossomed into a global phenomenon, captivating audiences far and wide. As the interest in the behind-the-scenes workings grows, fans are eager to learn more about the art of anime creation. Recent collaborations between American companies like Crunchyroll and Netflix with Japanese production houses, such as the original series In/Spectre, have sparked even more curiosity. Crunchyroll has further enriched this dialogue with initiatives like the Anime in America podcast and behind-the-scenes documentaries for popular shows like Tower of God and The God of High School.
While this might be a fresh perspective for Western audiences, in Japan, the fascination with the anime industry has deep roots. There’s an entire genre of manga and anime dedicated to the intricacies of creating these beloved stories, showcasing everything from teens dreaming of becoming mangaka to seasoned professionals navigating the animation world. Whether you’re a budding creator or an avid fan, there’s an anime title that resonates with every level of otaku. For those looking to explore this unique aspect of anime culture, this list compiles the top 10 anime about the anime industry, highlighting AnimeKing’s recommendations for the Latest Popular Anime. Whether you’re seeking insight into the creative process or simply looking for an Anime recommendation for beginner, these titles provide an engaging glimpse into the passion and dedication that fuels the world of anime. Let’s dive into the Anime Ranking 2024 and uncover the stories that celebrate the art of animation!
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10. Bakuman: The Dream and Struggle of Becoming a Mangaka
Anime: Bakuman
In Bakuman, Moritaka Mashiro once dreamed of being a famous mangaka like his late uncle. However, his uncle’s death from overwork caused him to give up on this ambition—until he meets Akito Takagi. With Akito’s determination and Moritaka’s artistic talent, the duo embarks on a challenging journey to make it as manga creators, aiming to get published in Weekly Shōnen Jump. While Akito is fueled by fame, Moritaka finds his motivation in his love for Miho Azuki, who aspires to become a voice actress.
Through their trials and teamwork, Bakuman offers an insider’s look at the highs and lows of the manga industry, depicting the intense deadlines, creative conflicts, and personal sacrifices involved. It’s a story about resilience, friendship, and the passion needed to turn dreams into reality, making it a must-watch for anyone curious about the manga world.
9. Seiyu’s Life!: Behind the Scenes of Voice Acting
Anime: Seiyu’s Life!
Voice acting may seem glamorous, but Seiyu’s Life! reveals the harsh realities and dedication required in this competitive field. Created by voice actress Masumi Asano, the anime follows Futaba Ichinose and her friends Rin Kohana and Ichigo Moesaki as they navigate the challenges of becoming professional voice actors. From audition nerves to intense rehearsals, they experience both the excitement and the struggles behind the scenes.
Along the way, they meet industry veterans (voiced by real-life voice actors), offering a realistic perspective on the industry’s highs and lows. Seiyu’s Life! dives into the journey of finding one’s voice, balancing life and career, and the camaraderie that forms between fellow actors in this highly competitive environment.
8. Animation Runner Kuromi: Managing the Madness of Production
Animation Seisaku Shinkou Kuromi-chan 2Anime: Animation Runner Kuromi
In Animation Runner Kuromi, Mikiko “Kuromi” Oguro lands her dream job at Studio Petit, only to find herself suddenly promoted to Production Manager after the director falls ill. Now responsible for overseeing the production of an anime episode, Kuromi must manage a team of unmotivated animators and keep everything on schedule—a task far more chaotic than she ever imagined.
The anime is a humorous yet honest depiction of the animation industry, showing the stressful deadlines, complex logistics, and occasional last-minute disasters that can make or break a project. Kuromi’s journey highlights the pressures of production work and the teamwork needed to bring anime to life, making it a relatable and eye-opening experience for animation fans.
7. Girlish Number: The Darker Side of the Voice Acting World
Anime: Girlish Number
Chitose Karasuma dreams of becoming a famous voice actress, convinced she’s destined for greatness. But in reality, she’s stuck in minor roles, frustrated by the lack of recognition and opportunities. Working under her older brother’s agency, she grapples with the tough realities of the voice acting industry, from dealing with difficult actors to receiving harsh audience feedback.
Girlish Number explores the less glamorous side of showbiz, shedding light on the difficulties that aspiring voice actors face, including limited roles, competitive peers, and audience criticism. Through Chitose’s journey, the anime delves into the frustrations and disappointments that come with pursuing fame in a highly competitive field, offering a sobering look at the industry.
6. Shirobako: Dreams, Hard Work, and Friendships in Animation
Anime: Shirobako
Five friends, Aoi, Ema, Shizuka, Midori, and Misa, share a dream of working in the anime industry. In high school, they formed an animation club and created their first project, vowing to enter the industry as adults. Now, only Aoi and Ema have jobs in animation, while the others face their own struggles trying to break in.
Shirobako is a heartfelt exploration of the animation industry, showing the different roles and paths that lead to anime creation. From production management to voice acting, the anime dives deep into the teamwork, passion, and dedication required to make an anime. With its balance of humor and realism, Shirobako captures the bittersweet reality of chasing a dream while navigating the challenges of adulthood.
5. Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!: The Creativity of Young Animators
Anime: Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!
Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! follows three high schoolers—Midori Asakusa, Tsubame Mizusaki, and Sayaka Kanamori—who team up to create their own anime. With Midori’s passion for backgrounds and landscapes, Tsubame’s skill for character animation, and Sayaka’s business-minded approach, they form an animation club disguised as a motion picture club.
The anime celebrates creativity, teamwork, and the endless possibilities of animation. Each member’s unique strengths and motivations shape their project, showing how different talents come together to create something meaningful. Eizouken! is an inspiring journey into the world of animation, reminding viewers of the magic that fuels each frame.
4. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou: Finding Passion and Purpose Together
Anime: The Pet Girl of Sakurasou
Sorata Kanda is sent to live in Sakura Hall, a dormitory for the school’s eccentric and artistically gifted students, after he refuses to part with his pet cats. There, he meets a colorful cast of characters who are deeply committed to their creative pursuits. Mashiro Shiina, a talented artist and aspiring mangaka, is so absorbed in her work that she struggles with daily life tasks. Nanami Aoyama dreams of becoming a voice actress despite her parents’ disapproval, and Misaki Kamiigusa and Jin Mitaka pursue animation and scriptwriting, respectively.
The Pet Girl of Sakurasou is a story of ambition, friendship, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a dream. The characters push each other to grow and overcome their personal obstacles, illustrating the power of community in helping artists find their way.
3. Comic Girls: Supporting Each Other in the World of Manga
Anime: Comic Girls
Young mangaka Kaoruko Moeta, who goes by the pen name “Chaos,” finds herself struggling after her work receives poor reviews. She moves into a dormitory for young female manga artists, where she meets three roommates, each excelling in a different genre: Tsubasa, a popular shōnen manga artist; Koyume, a shōjo artist with no experience in romance; and Ruki, who creates erotic manga despite her own innocence.
Comic Girls highlights the struggles and camaraderie that come with being a young manga artist. The characters bond over their challenges, supporting each other’s creative growth and offering encouragement in a demanding industry. It’s a lighthearted yet realistic look at the manga industry, showing the importance of friendship and perseverance.
2. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun: Creating Comedy Through Creative Chaos
Anime: Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun
When high schooler Chiyo Sakura confesses her love to Umetarou Nozaki, he mistakenly thinks she’s a fan of his manga work and asks her to become his assistant. Nozaki, who secretly writes shōjo manga under a pen name, enlists Chiyo and other quirky friends to help him with character inspiration and story ideas.
The anime humorously showcases the creative process behind manga, with each character providing a unique perspective on love and romance. Through the chaos of brainstorming, referencing real-life experiences, and navigating the absurdities of manga creation, Nozaki-kun brings lighthearted charm and humor to the realities of the creative process.
1. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku – Exploring Otaku Culture and Relationships
Anime: Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
While Wotakoi may not focus on the anime and manga production process, it highlights the culture that drives the industry. Narumi and Hirotaka, both otaku, navigate a new romantic relationship while balancing their obsessions—Narumi with anime and boys’ love manga, and Hirotaka with video games. Along with their friends Hanako and Kabakura, they attend conventions, cosplay, write doujinshi, and explore otaku culture together.
Wotakoi provides a charming look at otaku life, celebrating fandom and the joy it brings to those who embrace it. By exploring how each character’s passion affects their personal lives, Wotakoi shows that fandom is a vital part of anime culture, supporting the industry and connecting fans in unique ways.
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Conclusion:
Anime about the anime industry offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes, challenges, and triumphs of making anime. This ranking of the top 10 anime about the anime industry features titles like Shirobako, which provides a realistic portrayal of the animation production process, and Genshiken, which delves into the lives of otaku and their passions. Each of these series captures the dedication, teamwork, and artistry involved in bringing animated stories to life.
As these insightful and entertaining titles continue to resonate with fans in latest popular anime discussions, they carve out their places in the anime rankings of 2024. They not only celebrate the art of anime but also highlight the personal and professional journeys of those within the industry, making them a must-watch for any anime enthusiast. For more recommendations, insights, and updates on the anime industry, stay connected with Animeking for the latest content!