Currently, many animation production companies are creating a wide variety of anime to entertain us. However, I think the majority of people know about anime, but don't know anything about anime production companies and have no interest in them. However, if you research anime production companies, you will find that the companies that make the anime you like are almost always the same. Furthermore, each anime production company has a different style, so if you research them, you will be able to enjoy anime even more. In this article, we will introduce the animation production company "A-1 Pictures".

What is A-1 Pictures?

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
The animation production company "A-1 Pictures" was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Tokyo. It is the largest animation production company that handles everything from animation planning to production, and is a subsidiary of Aniplex. The number of employees is about 180. "A-1 Pictures" (A-One Pictures) is abbreviated as "A1P". In 2012, they established the Koenji studio, renamed it "CloverWorks" and branded it.

Characteristics of A-1 Pictures

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
In 2006, they began co-producing their first prime contractor (taking charge of everything from planning to production) work, "Zenmai Zamura," with No Side. In 2007, A-1 Pictures began production of the sole prime contractor, Ookiku Furikabutte. Although the company has a short history, it has produced many anime series, and has maintained a high standard of drawing and directing to produce hit works. However, there are also dissenting opinions, such as "just give it a shot," and so behind the hits, there are also many works that did not become hits.

A-1 Pictures' Style

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
As a subsidiary of Aniplex, they produce and develop business mainly on family-oriented anime produced by Aniplex. In addition, they often produce original anime by themselves, without relying on the original work. Since they have produced many anime, there are various styles, but their style is enjoyable for both core anime fans and those who are not so fond of anime. Even when working with the original work, they respect it and faithfully reproduce it as animation.

The Darkness of A-1 Pictures

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
In October 2010, a 28-year-old man who was in charge of production progress at "A-1 Pictures" committed suicide. The reason is that despite working about 600 hours a month, they don't get paid for overtime, they stay at the office for 7 days in a row, and they don't get a day off for 3 months, which has led to overwork and depression. This has been covered by the media and the company has been recognized as a "black company," and in 2014 it received the dishonorable "Black Company Award 2014 Industry Award." However, long working hours are a problem that can be said about all anime production companies, and it is not just a problem for "A-1 Pictures," but when you consider that even large anime production companies have to work long hours, it shows how difficult the anime industry is.

A-1 Pictures Prime Contract Anime Ranking

Here are the top 10 recommended works to watch that are prime contractors of "A-1 Pictures."

10th place: WORKING! !

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
This popular work was broadcast in seasons 1 to 3. It is a gag love comedy anime that focuses on the staff working at a family restaurant in Hokkaido. The original is a four-panel manga that began serialization in Young Gangan in 2005. It is basically an anime with a lot of gags, but it also has a solid romantic comedy element, so you can watch it without getting bored. This is a perfect work for people who like gag anime but are not satisfied with just gags.

9th place: Valkyria Chronicles [1st season, 2 cours, OVA]

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
The original is a PlayStation 3 game released by Sega in 2008. The story is set in Europe in the 1930s, and the protagonist joins the war between the Empire and the Federation with a girl he meets in the city. As a member of the Federation, the protagonist uses his brilliant mind to plan strategies and carry out difficult missions with his own troops to repel the Empire. However, the Empire side begins to turn the tide of the battle by introducing women called "Valkyries," ancient human weapons. It is a very interesting anime that combines war and fantasy.

8th place Magi

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 2009 and ended in 2017. It is a super popular title with a total circulation of over 23 million copies. The manga has been made into an anime. In an Arabian worldview, many countries clash over land. A fantasy manga where magic exists. A grand story unfolds about a mysterious boy named Aladdin who suddenly appears in this world. Once you've watched it, you'll definitely want to watch it all the time. Naturally, there are cute girls in it, so it's well worth watching.

7th place My Little Sister Can't Be This Cute [Season 1 and 2]

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
The original work was serialized as a light novel. Due to the popularity of the original work, it was made into an anime, and it was so popular that a second season was produced. The main character, Kyosuke Kosaka, lived an ordinary life every day. Kyosuke had a younger sister who was a middle school student, but she didn't listen to him and hated her brother. Kyosuke has a perfect little sister who is very cute, the ace of the track and field team, and works as a fashion model outside of school. One day, Kyosuke finds out that his sister is a secret otaku. With her secret revealed, the sister vents her troubles that she has never been able to tell her brother about, and they solve the problems in this romantic comedy. It's a very entertaining anime with good gags and a good story. You'll fall in love with your little sister.

6th place: The Idolmaster

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
The original is a PC game released by Bandai Namco Games. Due to its popularity, it was decided to make it into an anime. It started broadcasting in July 2011 and was broadcast for two seasons (25 episodes). A movie version was released in 2014. It is a story about girls who work hard every day to become famous as idols. The story of each person is depicted in detail, making it a work that you can empathize with as you watch. It's a huge idol anime blockbuster with laughs and emotions. Of course, there are many great songs, and some people may only know the songs.

5th place: GATE: Thus the Self-Defense Force Fought There [Season 1 and 2]

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
The original is a web novel that was published in book form in 2010, and a manga version is also available. A story that combines military and otherworldly themes, in which a giant gate suddenly appears in Tokyo, from which people riding unknown horse-like creatures pour in, killing and abducting the townsfolk. The protagonist, a member of the Self-Defense Forces, gets caught up in the commotion on his way to Comiket Summer, and gives up on the event he was looking forward to and evacuates the general public. In recognition of his achievements, he is appointed captain of the investigation team on the other side of the door. It is a grand fantasy anime about people from other worlds and modern people.

4th place: The Anthem of the Heart. [Theatrical animation]

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
An original anime released in theaters in September 2015. Commonly known as "Kokosake". It was produced by the staff of "Anohana", so if you like "Anohana", you should watch it at least once. A young girl, "Naruse Jun", is fascinated by a castle (love hotel) standing nearby, and witnesses her father coming out of it with a woman she doesn't know. Jun, who knows nothing about it, tells her mother that her father is a prince who came from the castle, and her father's affair is discovered. Jun learns that the mouth is the source of disaster, so she puts a curse on herself and gets stomach problems when she talks. However, she meets a boy in high school and they decide to perform a play together. It is an impressive anime that leaves a lasting impression after watching it.

3rd place: I still don't know the name of the flower I saw that day

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
"Anohana" was broadcast as an original anime in 2011. This is a must-see for anyone who wants to cry or is looking for a moving story. The main character, Jintan, stays at home every day and doesn't go to school. One hot summer day, Menma, who died when he was young, appears. Jintan thinks it's just an illusion that only he can see, but he soon realizes that it's actually a ghost. In order to find a way to help Menma rest in peace, Jintan works together with his childhood friends. This is a very deep and interesting story that focuses on human relationships, and is definitely one that everyone should see.

2nd Place: Your Lie in April

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
The manga "You Lie", which began serialization in Monthly Shonen Magazine in 2011, has been made into an anime. The main character, Arima Kousei, has been learning piano since he was young and has won awards every time he enters a competition, but after his mother's death, he can no longer hear the sound of the piano. Since then, he has been away from the piano, but one day, he meets a girl named Miyazono Kaori who assigns him as her companion for a violin competition. This is a musical love story about Kouhei, who faces the loss of his piano and his mother, and Kaori, who encourages him. You won't be able to watch it without crying at the end. Make sure you have a bath towel ready.

1st place: Sword Art Online [Season 1 and 2, Movie version]

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
Sword Art Online, commonly known as "SAO", is a light novel series. Its popularity led to it being made into an anime, which has also become a record-breaking hit. If you like science fiction and games, this is a title you'll enjoy. In the year 2022, when the full-dive system VRMMORPG "Sword Art Online" began service, players were told that they could no longer log out and that dying in the game would mean dying in the real world. The only way to survive is to defeat the bosses on the 100th floor. This is an anime with a spectacular worldview that depicts the story of the player and the main character Kirito who face it. It is a work that anyone can enjoy, so it is recommended even for those who don't watch much anime.

Summary of anime production company A-1 Pictures

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Source: A-1 Pictures ©A-1 Pictures
What did you think? A-1 Pictures is a very famous anime production company. I think it would be interesting to check out the production company after watching an anime from now on, so please try it. They have produced other great animes as well, so please check them out. Thank you for reading.

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