Anime centered around work life showcases characters navigating their professional journeys, providing unique insights into diverse careers within Japanese society. Workplace anime offers a fresh perspective for those interested in pursuing careers in Japan or anyone looking for relatable stories about the difficulties of earning a living.
These series depict a wide range of workplace scenarios and social interactions, focusing on office workers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists.
Anime about work life, such as Aria the Animation, New Game!, and Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan, deliver a thrilling experience, from the pressures of sales to the challenges of artisan apprenticeships.
Must-Watch Anime About Work Life: Servant x Service, New Game!, and More
1) Aria the Animation
Aria the Animation follows Akari Mizunashi, a young woman who relocates to Aqua, a terraformed Mars, to become a gondolier tour guide, known as an Undine.
The series, including its sequels, chronicles her journey as she trains to achieve the rank of Prima, the highest level for an Undine. Throughout this process, Akari engages with mentors, friends, tourists, and local wildlife, enveloping viewers in a tranquil and uplifting atmosphere. The anime encourages audiences to seek happiness and meaningful connections through their careers.
2) Shirobako
For a genuine look into Japan’s beloved animation industry, Shirobako provides an engaging experience. The anime depicts the chaos of producing weekly episodes, concentrating on five women who previously worked together on high school projects.
Now young adults employed at different studios, they encounter various challenges in their cherished careers. Shirobako serves as a tribute to the art of animation, illustrating the extensive roles and tasks involved in creating even a short film.
3) Aggretsuko
Aggretsuko centers on Retsuko, a 25-year-old red panda who channels her workplace frustrations through death metal karaoke during her free time.
As an accountant, Retsuko excels in her job yet is burdened by an overwhelming workload and sexist bosses. The series delves into complex issues such as workplace harassment, gender roles, and traditional expectations placed on women. Although primarily comedic, it explores themes of perseverance and maintaining a work-life balance as Retsuko finds solace in her hidden passion.
4) Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (or Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii) explores dating within shared interests. Protagonist Narumi conceals her love for Boys’ Love manga, fearing societal judgment.
When she unexpectedly reconnects with her middle school otaku friend Hirotaka, who also joins her company, their dynamic adds depth to the narrative. The anime features other quirky couples, humorously addressing the balance between being enthusiastic fans and dedicated employees.
5) New Game!
Gaming enthusiasts will enjoy New Game!, set within a fictional video game studio called Eagle Jump. The story follows Aoba Suzukaze, a recent high school graduate starting her journey as a character designer.
Under the guidance of seasoned professionals, Aoba hones her character design skills. Though faced with challenges in her dream job, she overcomes self-doubt through triumphs and setbacks. The diverse cast brings humorous and heartwarming tales about forging workplace relationships.
6) Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan
For a comedic yet poignant exploration of work life, Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan stands out. The series revolves around 31-year-old children’s show host Uramichi Omota.
While Uramichi presents a cheerful façade on-screen, he struggles with emotional fatigue off-screen. His time spent entertaining preschoolers has left him feeling drained, often expressing his frustration through dry humor about his work.
7) Servant x Service
In Servant x Service, the daily lives of local ward office employees Lucy Yamagami, Yutaka Hasebe, and Saya Miyoshi are filled with comedic bureaucratic encounters.
They assist local citizens with complex policies and vital life processes like marriage and childcare registration. With a focus on humor, the anime also portrays the genuine care these civil servants have for their community, emphasizing the positive aspects of often overlooked careers.
8) Tiger & Bunny
Tiger & Bunny offers a distinct look at work life through a unique lens. Set in the futuristic city of Stern Bild, individuals known as NEXT possess superpowers. These heroes, managed by corporations, engage in competitive reality TV where they earn points through heroic deeds.
Their success hinges on TV ratings, placing them in the fascinating position of having to entertain the public while performing heroic actions. The anime combines thrilling escapades with a commentary on the commercialization of heroism, fame, and privacy in today’s social media landscape.
9) Nana
Nana follows two women, Nana Osaki and Nana “Hachi”Komatsu, who, despite their contrasting personalities and ambitions, form a deep friendship as they share living space in Tokyo at 20.
Punk rocker Nana O., driven by her musical aspirations, contrasts with Hachi, a romantic in search of true love. Their differing lifestyles create a rich narrative about their endeavors in both love and career as they navigate the challenges of early adulthood.
10) Working!!
Centered around a family restaurant in Hokkaido, Working!! follows high school student Souta Takanashi, whose affection for cute things leads him to his job. He navigates his eccentric coworker dynamics, particularly with the head server, who has a fear of men.
The series delivers a blend of absurdist humor while highlighting the quirky challenges of working in food service. As Souta and Mahiru’s relationship develops, it adds a touch of sweetness to the comedy.
For fans seeking delightful humor and romance in an anime about work life, Working!! provides an entertaining experience.
Conclusion
Anime offers a wealth of opportunities to explore different industries and experience a variety of careers through creative storytelling. The aforementioned titles provide vivid depictions of work life in Japan.
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