SHIROBAKO
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Episodes (24)
EP 1Aoi Miyamori faces production challenges at Musashino Animation while managing studio dynamics.
Oct 9, 2014Two and a half years after promising to create an animated feature, Aoi Miyamori works as a production assistant at Musashino Animation on the fall series Exodus!. She retrieves checked animation from supervisor Misato Segawa and attends a premiere meeting with friends Ema Yasuhara and others. The show receives a lukewarm response, bringing relief. During previews of the third episode, the crew discovers that production assistant Tarou Takanashi failed to complete key frames, causing erratic animation quality. With no other animators available, Segawa reluctantly accepts the extra work at the request of her rival, animation supervisor Ryousuke Endou. After Aoi retrieves the finished frames and takes animation director Hironori Madoka to a dubbing session, she visits Segawa’s home to find her unconscious on the floor.
EP 2Arupin Arrives as Production Challenges Mount for the Team
Oct 16, 2014Aoi cares for the feverish Segawa and secures Ryousuke for episode four key frames. Ema contacts Shizuka, a restaurant worker and new voice actress, to plan their monthly gathering, noting Aoi’s heavy workload managing two episodes. During sound design for an Exodus! episode, director Seiichi Kinoshita demands character design changes based on new visions. Hironori resists this, citing the need to redo key frames and recalling how Kinoshita’s past series, Jiggly Jiggly Heaven, faced ridicule for similar decisions. To resolve the conflict, Aoi proposes a staff meeting to define character personalities and backstories. Following debate, the team reaches a consensus and agrees to implement the requested changes.
EP 3Production staff coordinate retakes and resolve technical delays before the fourth episode airs.
Oct 23, 2014Assistant Yumi Iguchi initiates retakes for the fourth episode, prompting a heavy workload for production assistant Aoi. Aoi delivers key frames for the ninth episode to director Masashi Yamada, who requests early review of pending materials. She subsequently passes these to supervisor Rinko Ogasawara, then to inspector Chiemi Doumoto, after correcting a misdirected file. Aoi contacts freelance animator Mitsuhide Kisa to complete missing frames, but his laziness causes delays compounded by a truck stuck in roadworks. On the eve of the broadcast, an FTP server issue delays color shots from an external studio. Production assistant Erika Yano comforts a panicked Aoi, and the team ultimately delivers the episode on time, with the retakes receiving positive feedback.
EP 4Shizuka Auditions at Prussia Studio While Friends Reconnect and Office Drama Escalates
Oct 30, 2014Shizuka auditions at Prussia Studio, feeling nervous against Rena Souma but impressing the director. Aoi receives congratulations from her parents for her work on Exodus!, triggering a flashback to high school when she, Ema, Shizuka, Misa, and Midori presented their club anime. The group reunites, with Misa now a 3D computer graphics operator and Midori aspiring to be a scriptwriter. They watch a movie, visit a park, shop, and drink. At work, Aoi, Ema, and Misa discuss their struggles, while Shizuka laments her lack of significant achievements and poor audition performance. Aoi ignores two calls from Tarou seeking help. Riding the train home, Aoi admits she lacks a concrete anime-related goal. The next day, the office faces chaos as Seiichi falls behind on storyboards and Ryousuke quits directing the eighth episode after arguing with Tarou.
EP 5Tarou vents to Aoi while Honda cages Seiichi to finish delayed storyboards for the final episode.
Nov 6, 2014Tarou argues with Ryousuke, who refuses to listen, then blames Aoi for the situation while explaining the conflict involving key frames and CGI. With storyboards for the final episode a month late, chief production assistant Yutaka Honda locks Seiichi in a storage room cage to force progress. Tarou details how he mediated between Ryousuke and 3D director Yuuichirou Shimoyanagi, leading Ryousuke to quit directing the eighth episode due to perceived bias against 2D. Aoi confronts Tarou but is dissuaded from reporting Honda. Seiichi reflects on his career decline after Jiggly Jiggly Heaven and notes that Exodus! is his first official anime in six years. Ryousuke discusses 3D integration with animator Saburou Kitano, while Aoi and Ema talk about 3D's influence on Misa's career. Aoi later discovers that the beginning of episode nine was completed using key animation.
EP 6Ryousuke Returns to Work After Exhibition Resolves Feud with Yuuichirou
Nov 13, 2014Ryousuke refuses to return to work despite seeing the 3D explosion scene, prompting Aoi to report his failure to Honda. Honda discovers Seiichi has escaped confinement to attend an after-recording session. Meanwhile, Tatsuya Ochiai declines a job offer from Houjou Hiroaki to join Studio Canaan. Aoi and Erika discuss the potential replacement of hand-drawn animation by 3D, while Misa explains the necessity of studying traditional techniques for artistic sense. Shizuka receives advice from mentor Mari Tateo regarding audition downtime and later finds comfort from Aoi regarding workplace struggles. Seiichi decides to resume his duties. Learning that Ryousuke was inspired by an Idepon anime, Aoi invites him to an exhibit where he reunites with Yuuichirou and Tarou. The event resolves their conflict, encouraging Ryousuke to finish his cuts and explore 3D work, while Yuuichirou seeks Ryousuke’s feedback on motion data. Aoi’s effective management is credited by Tarou, Erika, and Tatsuya for the successful completion of the production tasks.
EP 7Aoi assumes final episode duties as Tatsuya departs for Studio Canaan
Nov 20, 2014Aoi prepares to leave for Musashino Animation while her sister Kaori arrives to stay, prompting Aoi to give her house key to Midori. During the morning assembly, Tatsuya announces his departure at week's end, shocking Aoi and Tarou. Honda reassigns Erika to finish Tatsuya's eleventh episode work, leaving Tarou with the twelfth, which places Aoi in charge of the final episode. Masashi Yamada reveals Tatsuya joined Studio Canaan and advises Aoi to handle Seiichi's case due to incomplete storyboards. Meanwhile, Ema struggles with balancing speed and quality on cat cuts. Despite advice from Shigeru Sugie, she works late instead of joining Aoi, Kaori, and Midori. The next day, Ema's rushed cuts are rejected, causing her distress and doubt about her future. Aoi admits uncertainty about her own path, leading a heartbroken Ema to return to work alone.
EP 8Ema struggles with cuts while Aoi and Midori explore Tokyo and discuss dreams.
Nov 27, 2014After a talk with Aoi, Ema receives advice from Yumi to ask questions rather than remain ignorant. In the present, Midori and Kaori tour Tokyo, where Midori learns about Kaori’s dull office life. Ema continues to struggle with her animation cuts despite Sugie’s attempts to motivate her, while the production desk discusses future goals. Aoi feels she lacks a dream and imagines a dialogue between her dolls Mimuji and Roro. She delivers cuts to Segawa, discussing Tatsuya’s transfer to Studio Canaan, before Segawa voices concerns about Ema’s work. Yumi takes a stressed Ema for a walk, revealing a secret park spot used by Sugie and Rinko. Yumi encourages Ema to copy previous works to find her own style, and a cat inspires her animation ideas. Motivated, Ema resumes work. Aoi joins Midori, Shizuka, and Kaori for a drink, where Midori reminds them of their promise to collaborate on an anime. Kaori returns home determined to do her best.
EP 9Seiichi revises the finale while Aoi faces mounting production pressure and staff seek new creative challenges.
Dec 4, 2014Aoi struggles under pressure as Seiichi delays storyboards for the final episode, with only one month remaining for material delivery. At Musashino Animation, Masato Marukawa, Shun Watanabe, and Koutarou Katsuragi pursue adapting The Third Aerial Girls Squad, securing tentative approval from Tatsuya Hantou. Meanwhile, Misa feels stuck modeling CG wheels at Super Media Creations and discusses her dissatisfaction with Misa and Midori. She later consults president Kouichi Tateishi about her promise to friends, receiving advice to visualize her future goals. Shizuka secures a walla role but suppresses her enthusiasm during recording. Seiichi decides to change the ending, collaborating with writer Shimeji Maitake to reignite his imagination. This creative shift satisfies Seiichi but intensifies the workload for Aoi, who must now execute his ambitious new vision.
EP 10Honda notes Seiichi's early storyboard completion while Aoi supports Misa's career transition.
Dec 11, 2014Honda reveals Seiichi will finish storyboards tomorrow, leaving five weeks for the final episode. Midori sends Aoi diesel train research, and they discuss Misa's work struggles. Aoi assists sound engineer Toshiyasu Kawano with effects, gaining his interest. She advises Misa to define her goals before resigning. Misa submits her resignation to Tateishi to pursue story-based animation. Seiichi completes the storyboards, pleasing Honda. Aoi asks Yuuichirou about CG companies for Misa. Honda announces his plan to become a pâtissier, and Segawa praises Ema's cuts. Production begins on the final episode, but Aoi worries about Seiichi's excessive drinking after the after-recording party.
EP 11Aoi struggles to secure key animators for the final episode while Erika faces personal crisis.
Dec 18, 2014Aoi assigns scenes for the final episode to Musashino’s key animators, including Ema at Yumi’s request, but faces a shortage of available staff. With dozens of cuts remaining and other studios occupied, she considers hiring amateurs despite Erika’s warnings about quality and schedule delays. Aoi visits The Born to meet candidate Onodera, only to discover he has become an episode director. The following day, she and Tarou interview applicants for Musashino Animation. Meanwhile, Erika overworks herself after her father is hospitalized, prompting Tarou to drive her home. With Erika unavailable, Aoi seeks recommendations from Watanabe during a mahjong game. Masato Onoue jokingly suggests contacting high-profile animator Mitsuaki Kanno, but Aoi takes the advice seriously and begins searching for him.
EP 12Musashino staff resolve animation challenges for The Third Girls Aerial Squad episode delivery.
Dec 25, 2014Watanabe, Onoue, Katsuragi, and colleagues discuss Aoi’s visit to Kanno and Musashino’s plans for The Third Girls Aerial Squad. Kanno warns Aoi that animating horses is difficult due to limited staff but identifies Sugie as capable. During a meeting, Watanabe proposes altering the scene, but Seiichi and Honda oppose this to preserve tension. Aoi informs the team that Sugie, previously reassigned, can handle the work. She recruits him, and he collaborates with Ema, Yumi, Rinko, and others to complete the key animation efficiently. Ema notes Sugie’s renewed purpose and her own inspiration. Erika returns after resolving family issues. Sugie announces plans for a workshop and declines the celebration, returning home. Watanabe arrives late with a disc titled White Box for Aoi. The team counts down as the episode airs successfully.
EP 13Musashino Animation begins production on The Third Aerial Girls Squad adaptation with new staff assignments.
Jan 8, 2015Following Honda’s departure and Erika’s absence, Watanabe assigns Aoi to the production desk and Tarou as chief assistant. Aoi ensures Seiichi defines the project vision without last-minute changes like those in Exodus!. Rinko declines the character designer role to improve her skills, recommending Yumi instead. Aoi and Seiichi discuss cloud aesthetics with art director Yuuji Atsumi. Midori offers to research fighter jets for Aoi. Shizuka prepares for auditions, while Yumi and Ema learn design ethics from Rinko. Seiichi, Watanabe, Katsuragi, and Shimeji meet publisher editor Shinsuke Chazawa, who approves plans instantly. Aoi, Seiichi, and Shimeji continue research, asking Midori to finalize her fighter jet overview while they plan the ending.
EP 14Shizuka auditions while the team resolves casting disputes and welcomes new staff members.
Jan 15, 2015Shizuka attends auditions for The Third Aerial Girls Squad, reading for multiple roles. Aoi and Seiichi reunite with Yuuji, who agrees to assist the project after considering Aoi’s previous question. New production assistant Daisuke Hiraoka joins the team. During a casting meeting, staff members argue over personal preferences for the main character, but sound producer Yoshikazu Inanami resolves the conflict, with Chazawa approving the majority vote. Seiichi considers Shizuka for a role, but the staff chooses a more experienced actor. The following day, the team praises Midori’s research, and Marukawa and Watanabe invite her to join as a setting instructor. Misa is revealed to be contributing CG animation through her employer. Shizuka feels isolated upon realizing everyone else is involved in the project. Aoi is then dispatched to negotiate with secondary animation studio Studio Taitanic, assisted by Daisuke and Honda.
EP 15Production faces delays after author demands character design retakes for The Third Aerial Girls Squad
Jan 22, 2015A welcome party honors new production assistants Tsubaki Andou and Sara Satou as Marukawa emphasizes the studio's reliance on The Third Aerial Girls Squad. Staff discuss the ending and conduct location scouting while Seiichi completes first episode storyboards with questionable quality. Shy key animator Ai Kunogi joins her first meeting and animates a scene. Tsubaki and Satou collect key frames from Kisa and Segawa, then attend coordination meetings with Yumi, Yuuji, Nao Shinkawa, Yuuichirou, and Yoshiki Sakura. Aoi and Yuuichirou visit Studio Kanabun, where Misa persuades president Nobuaki Nakagaichi to accept CG cuts. Aoi assigns Tsubaki and Satou to episodes four and three, offering time management advice. However, production halts when author Takezou Nogame demands character design retakes, forcing a restart from scratch.
EP 16Production halts as Yumi struggles with Nogame's vague feedback until Rinko helps her find confidence.
Jan 29, 2015Aoi orders a production halt despite the first episode airing in three months. Yumi attempts to revise character designs based on author feedback but faces vague disapproval from Nogame. With a meeting impossible, Watanabe suggests restarting from scratch. Aoi and Seiichi shift focus to unaffected elements like 3D and backgrounds. Seiichi advises Yuuichirou and Yuuji to prioritize emotions over realism, citing his experience with Jiggly Jiggly Heaven. Yumi struggles until Rinko takes the team to a batting center to relieve stress. Rinko shares her own past struggles, explaining her goth-loli persona helped her understand her character. With Rinko's support, Yumi creates an improved design. Meanwhile, Watanabe and Katsuragi locate Chazawa to secure Nogame's approval, allowing production to resume.
EP 17Production staff face tight deadlines and personal challenges while completing a promotional video for a Manga Festival event.
Feb 5, 2015The public announcement of The Third Girls Aerial Squad anime adaptation sparks skepticism among otaku. Honda visits the studio with cakes, surprising staff with his significant weight loss. Aoi and Seiichi meet with Yuuji to hire Masahiro Ookura as a new background art director. Chazawa pressures the team to finish a promotional video for a Manga Festival within two weeks, requiring rapid animation of specific scenes. Tsubaki and Sara manage their tasks with mixed outcomes, while Sugie observes Ema’s close bond with Ai. Misa discovers her talent for CG wheels, and Shizuka steps in for a missing actor at a children's play, handling both movement and voice acting. Later, Aoi, Ema, Shizuka, Misa, and Midori gather at Midori's home to share their experiences. Aoi reprimands Hiraoka for chronic tardiness during morning assemblies. She then assists Tsubaki and Sara after they get lost returning from key frame collection, guiding them back to Musashino and offering comfort through her own past struggles as a new production assistant. The studio successfully completes and screens the video at a party by week's end.
EP 18Aoi helps a struggling voice actress while managing studio layout errors and director issues.
Feb 12, 2015Aoi, Seiichi, and Katsuragi attend a recording session for The Third Girls Aerial Squad with the voice cast. Staff notice newcomer Kyouko Suzuki struggling with her vocal performance, so they assist her in delivering a more natural take. Afterward, Aoi meets an intoxicated Ookura at a bar to request background assistance, which he hastily agrees to. Aoi then contacts Studio Taitanic regarding the fifth episode layouts, discovering they are halfway complete despite not being sent to Musashino. The next day, Aoi and Yuuji visit Ookura, who initially refuses due to forgetting the request and disliking 3D animation. He agrees only after Aoi relays a positive message from Marukawa. Musashino receives the layouts but faces an urgent meeting with director Zaruyoshi Yakushiji over errors. He leaves after insulting Seiichi, and Aoi later learns he quit. Stressed about finding a replacement, Aoi is surprised by Erika's return to the studio.
EP 19Aoi visits Musashino Pictures and learns about the past from Marukawa
Feb 19, 2015Aoi apologizes to Erika for recent studio issues and leaves to rest. The next day, Erika and Hiraoka visit Studio Taitanic to assist with the fifth episode, leading to Hiroshi Iketani being chosen as Yakushiji’s replacement. Meanwhile, Marukawa takes Aoi to the defunct Musashino Pictures studio, where her favorite anime, Andes Chucky, was produced. He explains the historical production process and shares stories of working with Sugie, Ookura, and himself. A flashback shows a young Marukawa and Ookura pitching a blizzard scene that was initially rejected by executives but eventually accepted. Watching a leftover scene from Andes Chucky inspires Aoi to enjoy the creative process. Later, Musashino trains Iketani on the episode, while Aoi visits Ookura and admires his completed background art.
EP 20Staff discuss episode thirteen while Midori faces Hiraoka's criticism and resolves conflict with Madoka.
Feb 26, 2015The production team debates the thirteenth episode's plot, comparing the protagonist's motivation to their own industry reasons. Midori feels discouraged after Hiraoka suggests she succeeds due to her gender, but Maitake clarifies his assignments are professional. Hiraoka later clashes with director Hironori Madoka over key animation quality from Studio Taitanic, though they reconcile after calming down. Hiraoka privately criticizes shows like The Third Aerial Girls Squad, claiming character visuals matter more than animation quality. Ai overhears this and visits the sick Ema for advice. The following day, Aoi tasks Hiraoka and Tarou with overseeing the twelfth episode. Seiichi and Maitake use the previous conflict to refine the thirteenth episode's scenario, asking Midori to write natural dialogue for a character fight. Midori then confronts Hiraoka about his earlier remarks while printing the draft.
EP 21Aoi negotiates with Hiraoka while reflecting on her career goals after a meeting with industry veterans.
Mar 5, 2015Hisamitsu Isokawa reunites with former classmates Hiraoka and Erika during a delivery. Misa creates character CG animation for The Third Aerial Girls Squad, visiting an amusement park with Ema and Shizuka for inspiration. Following the show's successful premiere, Segawa complains to Aoi about Hiraoka's poor quality and attitude, demanding his removal. Hiraoka reacts angrily, arguing that excessive focus on quality hinders his work. Erika explains to Aoi that Hiraoka's passion for anime has caused him pain due to industry realities. Isokawa advises Aoi that production teams must communicate with creators to balance quality and schedules. Aoi allows Hiraoka to continue on the twelfth episode if he improves communication. Later, Watanabe invites Aoi to meet Masahiko Inami and Keiji Takekura of The Born, who note her growth. Inspired, Aoi resolves to make great anime. Seiichi finishes storyboards for the thirteenth episode quickly, and Aoi assigns herself, Tsubaki, and Sara to the production team.
EP 22Ema Considers Assistant Supervisor Role While Hiraoka Reflects on Past Industry Trauma
Mar 12, 2015Yumi nominates Ema to assist Rinko as an assistant general animation supervisor for the thirteenth episode due to her workload. Ema initially declines, citing a lack of confidence, prompting Aoi to approach Segawa. Segawa refuses but is moved by Aoi’s sincerity, regaining motivation after her incident with Hiraoka to return to the twelfth episode. Ema observes Midori enjoying script ordering duties. That evening, Nao Shinkawa and Chiemi Doumoto drink together while Hiraoka shares his negative past experiences with Tarou. Misa visits the studio for advice, successfully improving her CG animation by integrating 2D techniques. The following day, Sugie encourages Ema, who accepts the assistant supervisor role. Ema’s renewed confidence inspires her mother, Ai, to attend a meeting alone. Finally, Katsuragi is shocked to discover that Nogame has rejected all storyboards for the final episode.
EP 23Musashino staff seeks Nogame to revise the anime ending after Chazawa's interference
Mar 19, 2015Watanabe and Katsuragi fail to secure permission to contact Nogame, forcing the Musashino team to adhere to the original dark timeline. Dissatisfied with this outcome, Seiichi learns of a previous controversial adaptation by Hiraoka and, encouraged by colleagues, locates Nogame’s contact information. With Watanabe and Katsuragi’s assistance bypassing the editorial department, Seiichi meets Nogame to discuss character perspectives. They devise a compromise that respects the source material while providing a hopeful conclusion. Chazawa is fired for hiding Musashino’s attempts to meet Nogame, which he intended to reduce Nogame’s workload. During revisions, including a new younger sister role, Seiichi casts Shizuka based on her auditions. Aoi is moved to tears as she realizes the five Kaminoyama High School club members have finally fulfilled their promise to collaborate on a single anime production.
EP 24Musashino staff rush final delivery while Aoi overcomes transport delays to celebrate their anime success
Mar 26, 2015With three weeks remaining until the final episode delivery, the Musashino staff intensifies their efforts to complete the project. Ema volunteers to voice Shizuka’s character after being moved by her performance, while Shizuka enjoys minor roles and Misa creates a CG fighter jet model overnight. On delivery day, staff members transport tapes to TV stations nationwide. Aoi faces significant transport delays, forcing her to run the final leg of her journey. Upon arrival, she reflects on lessons learned from her friends, strengthening her resolve to continue in anime production. At the celebration party, Aoi is praised for her support and delivers a toast honoring the team’s collaborative effort in creating The Third Aerial Girls Squad. She encourages everyone to maintain their teamwork and inspire viewers globally. Following the event, Watanabe and Katsuragi plan to produce two anime simultaneously. Aoi, Ema, Shizuka, Misa, and Midori gather on a balcony, reaffirming their goal to remake their high school anime and commit to making great anime together.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many episodes does SHIROBAKO have?
- SHIROBAKO has 24 episodes.
- When did SHIROBAKO come out?
- SHIROBAKO came out in 2014.
- Which studio made SHIROBAKO?
- SHIROBAKO was produced by P.A.WORKS.
- Who directed SHIROBAKO?
- SHIROBAKO was directed by Tsutomu Mizushima.
- Is SHIROBAKO finished?
- Current status of SHIROBAKO: Finished.