9 Anime About Making Anime, Manga, or Video Games

Anime often sweeps us into fantastical worlds, but some stories pull back the curtain to show the grind and passion behind making anime, manga, or video games. These tales capture the hustle of artists, writers, and developers chasing dreams in tough industries. They mix creativity with real-world challenges, giving us a peek into what it takes to bring beloved stories and games to life.

From high school clubs to professional studios, these nine anime highlight the heart and hustle of creative work. Each one offers a unique angle, whether it’s the pressure of deadlines, the thrill of collaboration, or the personal stakes of pouring your soul into a project. Let’s explore these stories that celebrate the craft behind the entertainment we love.

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020)

‘Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!’ follows three high school girls who form an animation club to chase their dream of making anime. Midori Asakusa is the imaginative director, Tsubame Mizusaki is a talented animator, and Sayaka Kanamori is the money-savvy producer keeping them grounded.

Their journey shows the messy but exciting process of turning ideas into animation. The girls face tight budgets and school rules while pouring their hearts into short films. The anime’s vibrant art and focus on teamwork make it a love letter to creativity, with each episode bursting with energy and inspiration.

Shirobako (2014-2015)

‘Shirobako’ tracks five friends who vowed in high school to work together in the anime industry. Aoi Miyamori, now a production assistant, navigates the chaos of anime production, from managing artists to meeting tight deadlines.

The show dives deep into the real-world struggles of studio life, like overwork and creative clashes, but keeps a hopeful tone. It’s packed with strong female characters and gives a detailed look at every role in anime-making, from animators to voice actors. ‘Shirobako’ is a must-watch for anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes grind.

Bakuman (2010-2013)

‘Bakuman’ follows Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi, two teens determined to create a hit manga for Weekly Shonen Jump. Mashiro, inspired by his late uncle’s manga career, draws while Takagi writes, aiming to get their work adapted into an anime.

The series explores the intense world of manga publishing, showing the toll of long hours and fierce competition. It also weaves in personal stakes, like Mashiro’s promise to marry his crush if their manga succeeds. ‘Bakuman’ blends ambition with relatable struggles, making it a gripping look at the manga industry.

Kakushigoto (2020)

‘Kakushigoto’ centers on Kakushi Goto, a manga artist who draws risqué stories but hides his job from his young daughter, Hime, to protect her innocence. He juggles fatherhood with the demands of his quirky assistants and tight deadlines.

This anime mixes comedy with heartfelt moments, poking fun at manga industry quirks while showing the personal sacrifices artists make. Its unique premise and warm father-daughter bond make it stand out. ‘Kakushigoto’ offers a light yet touching take on the life of a mangaka.

Comic Girls (2018)

‘Comic Girls’ follows Kaoruko Moeta, a shy manga artist struggling with poor reader feedback. She moves into a dorm with three other young mangakas, each with their own style, from shonen to erotic manga, to improve her craft.

The show is a fun slice-of-life that captures the ups and downs of learning to draw manga. It highlights friendship and growth as the girls support each other through creative slumps. ‘Comic Girls’ is a cozy watch for anyone who loves stories about chasing artistic dreams.

A Galaxy Next Door (2023)

‘A Galaxy Next Door’ blends romance and sci-fi with the life of a mangaka. Ichiro Kuga, a struggling manga artist raising his siblings, hires Shiori, a mysterious assistant who turns out to be an alien princess bound to him by fate.

The anime balances Ichiro’s hectic manga deadlines with his budding relationship and family duties. It offers a fresh mix of everyday artist struggles and supernatural charm. ‘A Galaxy Next Door’ is a sweet story about finding balance while pursuing a creative career.

New Game! (2016-2017)

‘New Game!’ follows Aoba Suzukaze, a fresh high school graduate who lands a job at Eagle Jump, a video game studio. She works as a character designer on her favorite game series, learning the ropes alongside a colorful cast of coworkers.

The anime is a lighthearted look at game development, showing the long hours and team dynamics behind making games. Its cute art and focus on workplace friendships make it a fun watch. ‘New Game!’ captures the joy and stress of breaking into the gaming industry.

Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (2015-2017)

‘Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend’ follows Tomoya Aki, a high schooler who recruits his friends to create a visual novel game. He teams up with a writer, an artist, and his childhood friend to bring his dream project to life.

The show dives into the creative process of writing and designing a visual novel, mixing rom-com drama with industry insights. It pokes fun at otaku culture while showing the dedication needed to make a game. ‘Saekano’ is a lively blend of humor and heart for fans of game development stories.

Seiyu’s Life! (2015)

‘Sore ga Seiyuu!’ tracks Futaba Ichinose and her friends as they navigate the tough world of voice acting. They audition, network, and face stiff competition while chasing their dreams in the anime industry.

The anime offers a realistic look at voice acting, with cameos from real industry pros and tips for aspiring seiyuu. Its focus on the trio’s friendship and perseverance keeps it engaging. ‘Sore ga Seiyuu!’ is a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes behind anime’s voices.

Which anime about creating anime, manga, or video games is your favorite, or did we miss a gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!