SHIROBAKO (2014)
A heartfelt animated drama-comedy about five friends chasing their dream of creating anime together in Japan's demanding animation industry.
SHIROBAKO - Series Information
- Original Title: SHIROBAKO
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 9, 2014 (United States - TV-PG), October 9, 2014 (Germany - 12), October 9, 2014 (France - 12), October 9, 2014 (Australia - PG), October 9, 2014 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: Tokyo MX
- Alternative Titles: Shiro Bako (US), SHIROBAKO (TW), 시로바코 (KR), Shirobako (JP)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Japan, movic, Showgate, P.A.WORKS, Docomo Anime Store
- Production Countries: Japan
SHIROBAKO - Plot
In a school in northeastern Japan, five friends in the animation club, Aoi, Ema, Shizuka, Misa, and Midori swear to complete a new anime called "Shinbutsu Konkou SHICHIFUKUJIN" with some donuts. Since then, day after day, the five spend all of their time on anime production. The awe of going from rough sketches to animation, and the awkward acting in the after-recording session... The final product was finished at the cultural fair six months later. After they graduated they still pursued animation and swore on some donuts that they would make another anime together.
SHIROBAKO - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of anime production come alive:
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SHIROBAKO - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Juri Kimura
- Hiroyuki Yoshino
- Nobuyuki Hiyama
- Haruka Yoshimura
- Masaya Matsukaze
- Yuri Yamaoka
- Mai Nakahara
- Wataru Takagi
- Manami Numakura
- Hitomi Ohwada
Writers
- Michiko Yokote
- Reiko Yoshida
- Tatsuhiko Urahata
SHIROBAKO - FAQs
Where can you stream SHIROBAKO online?
SHIROBAKO is available to stream on HiDive via a flat-rate subscription. You can also check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming, rental, and purchase options available in your region.
Is SHIROBAKO based on a true story?
SHIROBAKO is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily on the real-world experiences of staff at P.A.WORKS. The series authentically depicts the pressures, workflows, and interpersonal dynamics of the Japanese anime production industry, giving it a strong documentary-like credibility.
What is SHIROBAKO about?
SHIROBAKO follows five high school friends who vow to create a professional anime together after completing a club project. The series tracks their separate journeys inside a real animation studio, exploring every department — from key animation and CG to production management and voice acting — with warmth and wit.
Who are the main voice actors in SHIROBAKO?
The principal voice cast includes Juri Kimura as Aoi Miyamori, Haruka Yoshimura as Ema Yasuhara, Hiroyuki Yoshino as Taro Takanashi, Nobuyuki Hiyama as director Seiichi Kinoshita, and Masaya Matsukaze as producer Shun Watanabe, among others.
Does SHIROBAKO have a satisfying ending?
Yes, SHIROBAKO is widely praised for its emotionally rewarding conclusion. The finale brings the five friends' shared dream full circle in a way that feels both earned and uplifting, making it one of the most satisfying endings in slice-of-life anime. Critics and fans consistently highlight it as a highlight of the series.
How many episodes does SHIROBAKO have?
SHIROBAKO consists of 24 episodes across one main season, which aired from October 2014 to March 2015. There are also 2 additional special episodes included in Season 0, bringing the total episode count to 26 including those bonus installments.
What is the content rating for SHIROBAKO?
SHIROBAKO carries a TV-14 content rating in the United States, indicating it may contain material unsuitable for children under 14. The series deals with workplace stress and adult themes but contains no graphic violence or explicit content, making it broadly accessible to teen and adult audiences.
How was SHIROBAKO received by critics?
SHIROBAKO earned widespread critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of the anime industry, strong ensemble cast, and balance of comedy and drama. It is frequently cited as one of the finest workplace anime ever produced and holds a devoted fanbase that considers it essential viewing for animation enthusiasts.
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