6.5 / 10 (based on 75 reviews)
The comedy follows a lion, toucan, and lizard as they live the lives of office workers in a capitalist society in Japan, while also dealing with their unique situations as animals living beyond the savanna and the food chain.
Genre: Animation, Comedy
Main Cast: Ian Sinclair, Cris George, Larry Brantley, Monica Rial
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
Shows Most Like Africa no Salaryman (2019)
Eizouken ni wa Te wo Dasu na! (2020)
8.2 / 10 (based on 1719 reviews)
A group of strangers come together to work on creating the greatest anime series ever.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Sairi Itô, Mutsumi Tamura, Misato Matsuoka, Yumiri Hanamori
Creators: Sumito Oowara
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Wave, Listen to Me! (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 257 reviews)
From manga legend Hiroaki Samura, creator of Blade of the Immortal and Die Wergelder, comes something completely different, the journey of one disgruntled young woman’s journey into the wild rapids of talk radio.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Tia Lynn Ballard, Terri Doty, Christopher Sabat, Ian Sinclair
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Beastars (2019)
7.7 / 10 (based on 10864 reviews)
In a world of anthropomorphic animals, a reclusive wolf’s complicated relationship with a kindly rabbit is tested by a classmate’s murder, a charismatic deer’s influence, and his own burgeoning predatory instincts.
Genre: Animation, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
Main Cast: Chikahiro Kobayashi, Jonah Scott, Lara Jill Miller, Griffin Puatu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 25 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Amaama to Inazuma (2016)
7.2 / 10 (based on 724 reviews)
Six months after his wife’s death, a highschool teacher struggles to raise his daughter due to his inability to cook. When he meets an introverted student, who’s also a part-time cook, he decides to learn to cook good meals for his daughter.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Yûichi Nakamura, Rina Endô, Saori Hayami, Haruka Tomatsu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Kanata no Astra (2019)
8 / 10 (based on 1527 reviews)
Warped into outer space by a mysterious sphere, nine children find themselves in an assassination plot as they retrieve a spaceship and try to return home safely.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Josh Grelle, Jason Liebrecht, Dawn Michelle Bennett, Ciarán Strange
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Dokutaa Sutoon (2019)
8.1 / 10 (based on 22036 reviews)
Awakened into a world where humanity has been petrified, scientific genius Senku and his brawny friend Taiju use their skills to rebuild civilization.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Yûsuke Kobayashi, Manami Numakura, Gen Satô, Ayumu Murase
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 35 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Shoumetsu Toshi (2019)
5.2 / 10 (based on 149 reviews)
A town is erased from space, and the survivors of the event investigate to find out what happened.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Tomokazu Sugita, Jason Liebrecht, Tarusuke Shingaki, Kyle Igneczi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Philosopher’s Grandson (2019)
6.8 / 10 (based on 2536 reviews)
A recently deceased young man is sent to another world and is taught magic by master Merlin. He quickly masters everything he is taught. However he has one fatal weakness, common sense.
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Daman Mills, Lindsay Seidel, Katelyn Barr, Brandon McInnis
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
18If (2017)
5.7 / 10 (based on 98 reviews)
A boy named Haruto Tsukishiro falls asleep one night and becomes trapped in a dream realm, where he must battle powerful witches “people with problems” by dream hopping; while searching for a way to wake himself up.
Genre: Animation, Mystery
Main Cast: J. Michael Tatum, Brina Palencia, Alexis Tipton, Ricco Fajardo
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
In the vast and ever-evolving world of anime, there’s a unique gem that stands out for its unusual approach to storytelling and character design—Africa no Salaryman. This 2019 series takes the mundane life of office workers and places it in the heart of Africa, but with a twist. The main characters are animals, embodying the typical Japanese salaryman life, dealing with the daily grind, office politics, and the pursuit of personal happiness.
The Premise
At its core, Africa no Salaryman is a slice-of-life comedy that offers a satirical look at corporate culture. The show follows the lives of three main characters: Lion, Lizard, and Toucan. Each of these characters brings a unique perspective to the office environment, reflecting the diversity of personalities one might find in any workplace.
- Lion is the embodiment of the middle-management salaryman. He tries to balance authority and friendliness, often finding himself in comedic predicaments because of his imposing nature and occasional lack of awareness.
- Lizard is the everyman of the trio, dealing with the universal struggles of office life, from overtime to the quest for recognition. His character often serves as the relatable core of the series.
- Toucan, on the other hand, is the office’s wildcard. Ambitious and somewhat self-centered, he’s always looking for ways to climb the corporate ladder, often leading to humorous situations.
The Humor and Satire
What sets Africa no Salaryman apart is its ability to weave humor and satire into the fabric of its narrative. The show takes the everyday occurrences of office life and exaggerates them to comedic effect. For instance, Lion’s struggle to fit into a small car due to his size is a humorous nod to the challenges of fitting into societal norms. Similarly, Toucan’s attempts at networking are so over-the-top that they highlight the absurdity of corporate social climbing.
The series also doesn’t shy away from poking fun at corporate culture itself. Mandatory drinking parties, the pressure to conform, and the endless cycle of paperwork are all depicted with a sharp, comedic edge. Yet, despite the satire, there’s a sense of affection for its characters and their struggles, making the humor resonate on a more personal level.
The Art and Animation
Visually, Africa no Salaryman is a departure from the typical anime aesthetic. The choice to use animals as the main characters allows for a unique exploration of character design. The animation style blends traditional 2D animation with occasional forays into 3D, creating a visual experience that’s as unpredictable as its storyline.
The character designs are particularly notable. Each animal is anthropomorphized in a way that retains their distinct animal characteristics while also fitting them into the salaryman mold. This visual juxtaposition adds another layer to the show’s humor and its commentary on the human condition.
Cultural Commentary
Beyond the humor, Africa no Salaryman offers insightful commentary on Japanese society and the corporate world. The show explores themes of identity, conformity, and the search for meaning within the confines of a rigid social structure. It raises questions about personal fulfillment versus societal expectations, making it relevant not just to those familiar with Japanese culture, but to anyone who’s ever questioned their place in the world.
The characters, with their animalistic traits exaggerated for comedic effect, also serve as metaphors for the different roles people play in the workplace. Lion’s leadership, Lizard’s relatability, and Toucan’s ambition all reflect the varied dynamics found in any office environment.
The Soundtrack and Voice Acting
An often-overlooked aspect of Africa no Salaryman is its soundtrack and voice acting, both of which play a crucial role in bringing the show to life. The voice actors deliver performances that perfectly capture the essence of their characters, adding depth to the humor and the show’s more reflective moments.
The soundtrack, meanwhile, complements the show’s tone, with upbeat tracks enhancing the comedic scenes and more subdued music underscoring the moments of introspection. The opening and ending themes, catchy and vibrant, encapsulate the show’s unique blend of satire and sincerity.
Why Watch Africa no Salaryman?
So, why should you watch Africa no Salaryman? For starters, it’s a refreshing break from the norm. In a medium often dominated by high-stakes action and fantasy, this show offers a humorous, albeit exaggerated, look at the realities of everyday life. It’s a reminder that the mundane can be just as interesting—and funny—as the fantastical.
Moreover, the show’s satirical edge provides food for thought. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives and the societal structures they navigate daily. And yet, it does so without taking itself too seriously, striking a balance between entertainment and introspection.
Finally, Africa no Salaryman is a testament to the versatility of anime as a medium. It demonstrates that anime can tackle a wide range of themes and settings, from the fantastical to the all-too-real. This series, with its unique premise, engaging characters, and thoughtful commentary, is a standout addition to any anime watchlist.
Conclusion
Africa no Salaryman is more than just a comedy about animals working office jobs. It’s a nuanced exploration of work, life, and the pursuit of happiness within the constraints of society. With its unique premise, sharp humor, and insightful commentary, it’s a show that resonates on multiple levels.
Whether you’re an anime aficionado or someone looking for a fresh take on the slice-of-life genre, Africa no Salaryman is worth your time. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound truths can be found in the most unexpected places—even in the daily lives of a lion, a lizard, and a toucan navigating the corporate jungle.