Shirobako – A slice-of-life anime that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the anime production industry, following a group of friends as they pursue their dream of creating an anime. Aoi Miyamori is the main protagonist of *Shirobako*, working as a production assistant at Musashino Animation. She is hardworking, determined, and passionate about anime, though she often finds herself overwhelmed by the hectic nature of the production process. Aoi’s character arc revolves around her growth within the anime industry, learning to manage the challenges of tight deadlines, complex projects, and coordinating between departments. Despite her struggles, Aoi remains optimistic and resourceful, working hard to keep her team on track while maintaining her dream of creating meaningful anime. Her relationships with her coworkers and her drive to succeed form the emotional core of the series. Ema Yasuhara is a quiet and introspective key animator who works alongside Aoi at Musashino Animation. Ema is dedicated to her craft and strives to improve her skills, but she often battles with self-doubt and anxiety about her abilities. Her character arc focuses on her journey to gain confidence as an artist and to overcome the pressures of the anime industry. Ema’s passion for animation is evident in her meticulous work, and her gentle personality and strong work ethic make her a valuable member of the team. Her friendship with Aoi and the other girls from their high school anime club serves as a source of emotional support throughout the series. Shizuka Sakaki is an aspiring voice actress and one of Aoi’s close friends from high school. Unlike Aoi and Ema, Shizuka struggles to find steady work in the anime industry, facing the harsh realities of audition rejections and the competitive nature of voice acting. Despite these setbacks, Shizuka remains determined to pursue her dream and continues working hard to improve her skills. Her storyline provides a more somber look at the difficulties of breaking into the industry, but her perseverance and unwavering passion for voice acting are central to her character. Misa Tōdō is another member of Aoi’s high school anime club, who initially works as a 3D computer graphics artist in the automotive industry. Misa’s character arc focuses on her decision to leave her stable job and pursue her true passion for working in anime production. Her journey reflects the challenges of changing careers and finding the courage to follow her dreams. Misa is practical and skilled, but she often questions whether her work is fulfilling. Her friendship with Aoi and the others motivates her to chase her ambitions and re-enter the anime world as a 3D artist. Midori Imai is the final member of the high school anime club and is an aspiring scriptwriter. Throughout the series, Midori works as a research assistant at Musashino Animation, where she begins learning the ins and outs of anime scriptwriting. Midori is enthusiastic and curious, always eager to learn more about the anime industry and storytelling. Her character adds a fresh perspective to the series, as she navigates the challenges of turning her passion for writing into a professional career. Midori’s dedication to honing her craft and her love for anime drive her forward in her journey to become a successful writer.