October 23rd, 11:30 PM.
"Shirobako," episode four, was broadcast.
Nishi Yano sat in front of the TV once again, watching it attentively.
She could say she only watched the first episode of this anime because of its unique subject matter, but now, she wasn't following it just for that reason anymore. She genuinely thought the anime was good and truly liked it, especially the atmosphere of the Musashino Animation company within it.
As a student in the Animation Department at the Tokyo Animation College, she actually excelled in her voice acting courses and had even passed the school's internal voice acting auditions. However, after watching the first three episodes of "Shirobako," she couldn't help but have a thought: maybe she should just specialize in animation next year.
Of course, this was just an idea for now; she was still hesitant about whether she should actually do it.
On the TV, the opening scene of episode four focused on Shizuka Sakaki.
In the previous second episode, Shizuka Sakaki had appeared, identified as a rookie voice actor at Akoni Pro. At that time, she was calling the main character from in front of her agency, just as the main character was on her way to visit animation director Misato Segawa with donuts. The main character discovered Misato Segawa had fainted from a fever and had to deal with it, leading to their conversation being cut short.
She also appeared in the subsequent third episode, but since that was the main character's spotlight, she didn't get much screen time.
Since this episode begins with Shizuka Sakaki, it's very likely to be her character episode.
On the train, Shizuka Sakaki is holding a script for an anime, practicing without regard for those around her.
The opening theme plays, followed by commercials.
After the commercials, we return to the main episode, but the camera has shifted to the main character.
At the office of the production department of Musashino Animation, production assistant Taro Takanashi is sitting at his desk, complaining about the hardships of being a production assistant with absolutely no self-awareness, which draws a snarky comment from fellow production assistant Erika Yano.
The main character gets up from her desk with a cut bag, preparing to leave.
Taro Takanashi suddenly says, "Hey~ Miyamori, the least you could do is say 'good work' to comfort me."
The main character stood up from her desk with the cut bag in hand, preparing to leave.
Taro Takanashi suddenly said, "Hey, Miyamori, you could at least say 'thanks for your hard work' to comfort me."
The main character had a speechless expression on her face and said perfunctorily, "Thanks for your hard work." After saying that, she turned and walked away.
Soon, the title of the fourth episode appeared: "I Messed Up."
Inside the director and episode director's office, Director Seiichi Kinoshita and Episode Director Hironori Madoka were arguing about the air conditioning temperature, though it didn't escalate into a big fight.
The main character came out of that office and immediately ran into Ema Yasuhara, from whom she heard that Shizuka Sakaki had an audition—her very first one.
"Didn't we agree to meet up tomorrow, Sunday? I just emailed her about it, and she said she was on her way to an audition," said Ema Yasuhara.
"I see."
After realizing this, the main character immediately said, "Then let's both pray that she passes."
After that, the camera cut back to Shizuka Sakaki.
By this time, she had gotten off the train and arrived in front of the building housing a sound studio.
She looked up, said "Alright!", and then gathered her courage to go inside.
Inside, there was a sign that read:
"10:00~23:00
TV Animation
"My Harem Seems to be Gradually Collapsing, But Maybe It's Just My Imagination (Tentative)"
Audition"
In the waiting area for the audition, there were already people waiting, including high school girls in uniforms and adult women.
"My Harem Seems to be Gradually Collapsing, but Maybe It's Just My Imagination (Tentative)"
Audition
In the waiting area for the audition, people were already waiting; there were high school girls in uniforms, as well as adult women.
Shizuka Sakaki looked left and right. Soon, another voice actor was called into the recording studio by the sound production staff.
A few seconds later, a voice rang out: "Good morning."
Another voice actor walked in, accompanied by her manager.
"Eh? Chiwa Saito? The super famous voice actor who voiced the main character in Puella Magi Homura Magica?" Shizuka Sakaki was shocked.
In front of the television, Nishi Yano hadn't been entirely sure when looking at the character design, but seeing this, she could confirm that this newly appeared voice actor was indeed Chiwa Saito, the voice actor for Homura Akemi in Puella Magi Madoka Magica and the heroine Hitagi Senjougahara in Bakemonogatari.
Compared to some voice actors who follow the idol route, Chiwa Saito's popularity might be slightly weaker, but with 2006 and 2007's Puella Magi Madoka Magica and 2009's Bakemonogatari, her popularity was incredibly high. Saying Chiwa Saito was a super famous voice actor was absolutely no exaggeration.
I can't believe they actually brought her in for a guest appearance, and even specifically mentioned "Puella Magi Homura Magica"...
Nishi Yano couldn't help but secretly speculate: Could it be that a spin-off anime of "Puella Magi Madoka Magica," titled "Puella Magi Homura Magica," will be released in the near future?
Just as she was thinking this, she soon saw another person related to "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" on the TV.
On the screen.
First, there was Shizuka Sakaki's self-doubt after seeing Chiwa Saito: "Someone this amazing is also participating in this audition? How could I possibly get chosen now?"
But she immediately braced herself: "No, no, I can't say that. I've also practiced very hard, and where there's a will, there's a way."
Just as she said this, the sound director called out, "Next, Ms. Shizuka Sakaki."
"Yes!"
Shizuka Sakaki shouted nervously, stood up from her seat with a stiff body, opened the door, walked into the recording booth, and introduced herself: "I am Shizuka Sakaki from Akoni Pro, please treat me well."
The camera panned around the recording booth, letting everyone inside have a moment on screen.
Among them, the Supervising Director, on-site producer, and production producer all had their names and roles explicitly labeled in text. The name written above the Supervising Director was Shoichi Shinbo.
Just by looking at the name, one could guess it was Akiyuki Shinbo.
The character designs were almost identical, too.
Chiwa Saito, mentioned earlier, is the voice actor for Homura Akemi, while Akiyuki Shinbo is the Assistant Director of Puella Magi Madoka Magica. The fact that both appeared in the same episode makes one wonder if they are planning a Puella Magi Homura Magica spin-off.
Of course, this is just a suspicion. In reality, it's more likely that both Akiyuki Shinbo and Chiwa Saito have good relationships with Tomohiko Lin. Plus, with the massive success of Bakemonogatari last year, their popularity has soared, which is likely why Lin brought them in for a cameo appearance.
As for Puella Magi Homura Magica, it is probably intended as a substitute for Puella Magi Madoka Magica. Although LSP holds all the copyrights to Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the voice actor for the main character in Madoka is not Chiwa Saito.
The actual main character played by Chiwa Saito is from Bakemonogatari, but Bakemonogatari is a SHAFT animation, and the copyright does not belong to LSP. Therefore, they simply cooked up Puella Magi Homura Magica, which allows people to make the connection while also generating buzz.
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