The world of showbiz, teeming with glitz, glamour, and grit, serves as the perfect backdrop for storytelling. Anime, with its unique blend of artistry and narrative, has delved into this realm, producing a plethora of series that explore various facets of the entertainment industry.
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From the intricacies of pop idols inOshi No Ko, the challenging journey of manga creators in Bakuman, to the high-stakes drama of idol groups in Love Live! School Idol Project, these anime about showbiz provide viewers a captivating glimpse into the triumphs, trials, and tribulations of those who love to entertain, inspire, and captivate audiences.
10Aikatsu!
Aikatsu!, which means Idol Activities is a vibrant anime focusing on Ichigo Hoshimiya, a regular middle-school student who is inspired to become an idol after watching a concert by the popular idol Mizuki Kanzaki. She enrolls in Starlight Academy, a prestigious institution that trains budding idols and embarks on an exciting journey.
The series chronicles Ichigo’s trials, tribulations, and triumphs in showbiz, her friendships with other students, and her growth as an entertainer. Through hard work, Ichigo strives to reach the dazzling stage of her dreams.
9Actors: Songs Connection
Actors: Songs Connection is a music-themed anime revolving around the lives of students at the private Tensho School. The story centers on Saku Otonomiya, a diligent student with a hidden talent for singing.
His life takes a turn when he’s discovered by Uta Outa and Sosuke Kagura, members of the school’s musical unit Connect. The trio and other musically gifted students seek to participate in the upcoming Star Frame music festival. Balancing academics, personal lives, and their passion for music, these students navigate the vibrant world of showbiz.
8Girlish Number
Girlish Number follows Chitose Karasuma, a voice-acting newbie with boundless optimism and ambition. However, the harsh realities of the industry soon set in, challenging her ideals, career, vision, and long-term entertainment plans.
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Girlish Number offers a candid, sometimes satirical look at the anime industry, balancing glamour and grit. The anime explores the underside of showbiz, capturing Chitose’s journey from being a naive, self-assured newcomer to understanding and navigating the intricacies of voice-acting. It also showcases her relationships with fellow actors, each dealing with their struggles.
7Carole & Tuesday
Carole & Tuesday is a poignant tale set on a colonized Mars, about two distinctly different girls united by music. Carole, a street musician, and Tuesday, a wealthy runaway, form a duo to chase their shared dream of musical success.
This anime, from the legendary Shinichiro Watanabe, is a testament to the transformative power of music, friendship, and shared dreams in the glitzy, complicated world of showbiz. Amidst the high-tech backdrop, their raw talent defies the AI-dominated music industry. Together, they navigate fame, personal challenges, and societal issues.
6The iDOLM@STER
TheiDOLM@STERspotlights the vibrant and competitive world of the Japanese idol industry. The anime follows 13 girls from 765 Production Studio with unique personalities, dreams, and talents on their journey to stardom.
As they navigate the trials and triumphs of the entertainment industry, they face the challenges of rigorous training, balancing personal life with their burgeoning careers, and maintaining unity. The iDOLM@STER is a tale of dreams, determination, and the importance of friendship and teamwork, set against the glamorous and demanding backdrop of the idol industry.
5Love Live! School Idol Project
Love Live! School Idol Project follows a group of students at Otonokizaka High School who form an idol group named μ’s (Muse) to prevent their school from closing due to declining enrollment. Honoka Kosaka spearheads this endeavor, recruiting eight other students.
Together, they juggle their schoolwork, personal lives, and rigorous training to compete in the popular Love Live contest for school idols. Through their journey, they learn about collaboration, perseverance, and music. This series offers an inside look at the idol industry, while portraying the bonds of friendship.
Nana is aslice-of-life animethat tells the story of two young women named Nana who meet coincidentally on a train to Tokyo and become roommates. Nana Komatsu, an ambitious and naive girl, moves to Tokyo to chase after her boyfriend and her dreams.
Meanwhile, Nana Osaki, a punk rock vocalist, aspires to become a successful musician. Their lives intertwine as they navigate the trials and tribulations of love, friendship, and the music industry. This anime offers a mature, emotional, and realistic depiction of young adults pursuing their dreams in the showbiz world.
3Skip Beat!
Skip Beat! revolves around Kyoko Mogami, a 16-year-old girl who sacrifices her life to support her childhood friend, Sho Fuwa, in his pursuit of becoming a pop idol. However, when she discovers that Sho was merely using her as a maid, Kyoko vows to get revenge by outshining him in showbiz.
Undergoing a complete makeover, she enters the entertainment industry, battling obstacles with her wit, talent, and unwavering spirit. Skip Beat! is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and maturing, revealing the behind-the-scenes world of the entertainment industry.
Bakuman is anon-battle Shonen animeabout Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi, two high school students who aspire to become manga artists—inspired by his uncle, a former mangaka, and his crush on aspiring voice actress Miho Azuki, Mashiro partners with Takagi to create a popular manga.
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The series delves into the rigorous manga creation and publication world, showcasing the duo’s journey through tight deadlines, fierce competition, and creative challenges. Bakuman, from the creators of Death Note, offers a compelling narrative about passion, determination, and the realities of the manga industry.
1Oshi No Ko
Oshi No Ko is a showbiz-themed anime that revolves around the world of idols and obsessive fans.Ai Hoshino, the lead character, is a prominent idol from the defunct B-Komachi group. Despite her initial lack of professionalism, she rose in the industry with help from influential figures.
Her life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes pregnant with twins. To protect her image, she and her company hide her pregnancy. This facade becomes her reality until a tragic event makes her realize her genuine love for her children, a love untainted by her public persona.
