The Great Passage (2016)
A quiet, beautifully crafted anime drama about the unlikely heroes behind one of humanity's most ambitious literary undertakings: the dictionary.
The Great Passage - Series Information
- Original Title: 舟を編む
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 11
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 14, 2016 (United States - TV-14), October 14, 2016 (Canada - 18+), October 14, 2016 (Australia - M), October 14, 2016 (Brazil - 12), October 14, 2016 (Mexico - C)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: Мы строим корабль (RU), El Gran Pasaje (MX), Compiling a Ship (US), Fune wo Amu (JP), 启航吧！编舟计划 (CN), فصول المجد (SA)
- Production Companies: ZEXCS, Fuji Television Network, Aniplex, Kyoraku Industrial Holdings, Kansai Television, Kobunsha, dentsu
- Production Countries: Japan
The Great Passage - Plot
The publication of a new dictionary titled The Great Passage progresses. Mitsuya Majime, originally from publisher Genbu Shobo's sales department, has been recruited by Kouhei Araki, a veteran editor of the dictionary department who is looking to retire soon. The dictionary department is known internally as the "money-eating insect," but Mitsuya uses his perseverance and attachment to the words in order to become a great editor. Mitsuya, who has poor social skills, finds himself working with another man named Masashi Nishioka, who is able to express himself better.
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The Great Passage - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Yoko Hikasa
- Hiroshi Kamiya
- Yoshiko Sakakibara
- Tetsuo Kanao
- Maaya Sakamoto
- Takahiro Sakurai
- Mugihito
- Chiwa Saito
Writers
- Yoriko Tomita
- Toshizo Nemoto
- Toshimasa Kuroyanagi
The Great Passage - FAQs
Is The Great Passage based on a book?
The Great Passage is adapted from the acclaimed novel Fune wo Amu by Shion Miura, published in 2011. The novel won the Honda Hiroshi Literary Prize and was also adapted into a live-action film in 2013, before this anime series brought the story to life in 2016.
What makes The Great Passage worth watching?
Rare among anime, The Great Passage finds genuine drama in the quiet world of dictionary editing. Its warmth, meticulous attention to language, and deeply human characters make it a standout slice-of-life series. If you appreciate thoughtful storytelling over spectacle, this show rewards patience beautifully.
What is The Great Passage anime about?
The series follows Mitsuya Majime, a socially awkward but word-obsessed editor recruited to help compile a major new dictionary called The Great Passage. Working alongside the more outgoing Masashi Nishioka, Majime pours his heart into the project, discovering purpose, friendship, and love along the way.
Where can I watch The Great Passage?
Streaming availability for The Great Passage varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your country, including any subscription streaming, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
Who voices the main characters in The Great Passage?
Takahiro Sakurai voices the earnest protagonist Majime Mitsuya, while Hiroshi Kamiya brings the charismatic Nishioka Masashi to life. Maaya Sakamoto voices Hayashi Kaguya, and Yoko Hikasa portrays Kishibe Midori. All four are among the most celebrated voice actors in the Japanese anime industry.
How was The Great Passage received by critics?
The Great Passage earned strong praise for its gentle pacing, emotional sincerity, and faithful adaptation of Shion Miura's beloved novel. Critics highlighted its mature, literary sensibility as a refreshing departure from mainstream anime, making it a favourite among viewers who appreciate character-driven, workplace-focused storytelling.
Why does the dictionary project take so long in The Great Passage?
Compiling a comprehensive dictionary is an extraordinarily labour-intensive process, often spanning over a decade. The series captures this reality faithfully — from selecting and defining hundreds of thousands of words to navigating editorial debates and funding pressures — making the eventual completion feel genuinely earned and emotionally resonant.
What anime are similar to The Great Passage?
Fans of The Great Passage often enjoy SHIROBAKO, another workplace anime set in the creative industry, and Bakuman, which follows two young manga creators chasing their dreams. NEW GAME! and Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san also share its affectionate, detail-rich look at professional life in Japan.
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