Glass Mask (2005)
A passionate young girl with extraordinary acting talent is taken under the wing of a reclusive theatrical legend in this beloved Japanese anime drama.
Glass Mask - Series Information
- Original Title: ガラスの仮面
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 51
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 5, 2005 (Australia - G), April 5, 2005 (South Korea - 12)
- Networks: TV Tokyo
- Alternative Titles: 千面女郎 (CN), 玻璃面具 (HK), Glass no Kamen (JP)
- Production Countries: Japan
Glass Mask - Plot
Her father passed away very early and her mother lives and works in a crowded Chinese restaurant. Kitajima Maya, a 13-year old girl, has to carry the burden of making ends meet as she fights against her ill fate. However, she is able to overcome the trials and tribulations in her life with her passion and enthusiasm. She happens to encounter the reclusive actress Tsukikage who decides to train and mould her into the foremost actress of her generation.
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Glass Mask - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Sanae Kobayashi
- Megumi Toyoguchi
- Toshiyuki Morikawa
- Toshiko Fujita
- Akiko Yajima
- Ayumi Kinoshita
- Fumiko Orikasa
- Iemasa Kayumi
- Jun Fukuyama
- Masako Katsuki
Glass Mask - FAQs
Is Glass Mask based on a manga?
Glass Mask is adapted from the long-running manga series ガラスの仮面 (Glass no Kamen) by Suzue Miuchi, which began serialization in 1976. The manga is celebrated as one of the most iconic works in the shōjo genre, following Maya Kitajima's passionate pursuit of theatrical greatness across decades of storytelling.
Is Glass Mask worth watching for anime fans?
Absolutely worth your time if you enjoy character-driven drama. Glass Mask delivers an emotionally rich story of ambition, rivalry, and artistic passion. Maya's relentless determination and the intense dynamic between her and rival Ayumi Himekawa make for compelling viewing, especially for fans of classic shōjo storytelling and performing arts themes.
Where can you stream Glass Mask online?
Glass Mask is available to stream on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, both offering the series as part of their subscription libraries. For a full overview of viewing options available in your region, JustWatch is a great resource to check current availability.
Who voices Maya Kitajima in Glass Mask?
Maya Kitajima, the passionate young protagonist at the heart of the series, is voiced by Sanae Kobayashi. The supporting cast is equally strong, with Toshiko Fujita bringing gravitas to the enigmatic mentor Chigusa Tsukikage and Akiko Yajima voicing Maya's fierce rival Ayumi Himekawa.
What makes the rivalry between Maya and Ayumi compelling?
The rivalry between Maya and Ayumi is one of anime's most nuanced, built on mutual respect rather than pure antagonism. Maya comes from poverty and raw instinct, while Ayumi is polished and privileged — yet both are chasing the same legendary role. Their competition pushes each other to extraordinary artistic heights throughout the series.
How many episodes does Glass Mask have?
The 2005 anime adaptation of Glass Mask runs for 51 episodes across a single season, airing on TV Tokyo from April 2005 through 2006. The episode count gives the series ample room to develop its characters and theatrical storylines with genuine depth and emotional payoff.
What is the role of Chigusa Tsukikage in Glass Mask?
Chigusa Tsukikage is a once-legendary actress who withdrew from the spotlight after a disfiguring accident. Recognizing Maya's extraordinary raw talent, she takes the girl under her wing as her final student, determined to shape her into the actress worthy of performing the elusive lead role in the mythical play 'The Crimson Goddess.'
What anime series are similar to Glass Mask?
Fans of Glass Mask tend to enjoy Kaleido Star, another series centered on a young woman's rise through the performing arts world. Candy Candy and His and Her Circumstances also share the emotional intensity and shōjo sensibility. For something more recent, Smile Down the Runway and Bakuman explore similar themes of artistic ambition and personal sacrifice.
More About Glass Mask
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