In anime, characters can take on various roles, ranging from cashiers to demon hunters, and the narratives woven around their jobs often contribute to compelling stories. While anime characters working as writers may not be as common as other professions, they bring unique dynamics to the narrative, particularly for those interested in writing.
In anime, a subset of writers falls into the “pervert” archetype, using their passionate feelings as a creative catalyst, often delving into the realm of erotica.
Some characters embody the introverted or hikikomori archetype, spending their days secluded in their rooms, dedicated to their writing, and avoiding social interactions.
Beyond creative writing, other characters in anime explore diverse fields such as journalism, calligraphy, and more. Each brings a distinct flavor to the depiction of writers in the anime world.
Anime Characters Who Work As Writers
1. Jiraiya (Naruto)
Jiraiya wasn’t just a legendary ninja in Konoha and a well-known author. While he gained fame for his erotic series, Icha Icha, Jiraiya also penned many more serious books.
Interestingly, one of his creations featured a protagonist named Naruto, which inspired Naruto Uzumaki’s first name.
2. Shigure Sohma (Fruits Basket)
Shigure Sohma’s house plays a crucial role in Fruits Basket as it becomes the residence for Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki. Being part of the Sohma family and carrying the zodiac curse, Shigure needs a job that won’t expose their family secrets.
To maintain secrecy, Shigure chooses to work as a writer. He focuses on serious literature using his real name and explores into various erotic romance titles using pseudonyms.
3. Akito Takagi (Bakuman)
Akito Takagi is one half of the manga creator duo using the pen name Muto Ashirogi. Even at 14, he gained recognition for his exceptional writing abilities.
Despite the adults around him suggesting more practical career paths, Takagi remains steadfast in pursuing his dream of creating manga.
4. Izumi Takanashi (Working!!)
Izumi Takanashi is a hikikomori, meaning he rarely leaves his home. With limited job options, he turned to writing romance novels as a career. And you know what?
His books sold pretty well! But get this – instead of using a computer or typewriter-like most writers, Izumi wrote everything out using ink.
So it’s no surprise he was always stained with ink since that’s how he churned out all those pages. You must admire his dedication to doing things old-fashioned, even if it makes him look messy!
5. Violet Evergarden
After the fighting ended, Violet Evergarden quit being a soldier. Her major told her he loved her and said she should live free. But Violet didn’t get what that meant. So, she started working as an Auto Memory Doll to try and figure things out.
Her job was writing formal letters and stuff for businesses. But sometimes she had to talk directly with clients too. That was hard for Violet since she didn’t know much about feelings. But she was determined to get better at it.
Imagine having to understand emotions when you don’t even have your own! The girl had her work cut out for her. But Violet never backed down from a challenge. She would master this “being human” thing no matter what it took. Major would’ve been proud to see her taking those first wobbly steps into an unfamiliar world.
If you feel like watching this anime, check out our guide on violet evergarden watch order, or if you have already watched this anime, do not forget to check out the violet evergarden quotes.
6. Mitsuya Majime (The Great Passage)
Mitsuya Majime’s got a job in marketing at Genbu Publishing, but he’s pretty awkward and bad at reading the room.
Still, the dude loves reading more than anything and is super meticulous in his work. That obsession with words made him kick butt at his marketing gig, so much so that one of the senior editors noticed Majime’s skills and offered him a spot in the dictionary department.
The Great Passage is an anime based on the novel by Shion Miura. It follows Majime’s journey from marketing dude to dictionary editor, thanks to his word nerd skills, making up for his lack of people skills. Awkward bookworm lands his dream job – that’s the gist!
7. Seishuu Handa (Barakamon)
Seishuu Handa is a bit of an unusual writer – he’s a professional calligrapher. That means he does stylized writing that’s like painting. So, even though he’s a writer, he’s technically an artist.
But his career hits some bumps when some old critic dudes trash talk his work. It pisses Handa off so much that he punches one of them right in the face!
After that mess, Handa decides to chill out on a remote island to cool off. And that’s where his story in Barakamon begins!
So, in summary – an unconventional writer gets dissed by critics, rage punches one, and goes off to an island to decompress—just a typical career hiccup for an artistic dude with a short fuse. The island life ends up being a total change of pace for Handa. But you’ll have to watch Barakamon to see what happens next!
8. Itsuki Hashima (A Sister Is All You Need)
Itsuki Hashima is a light novel writer with a specific focus – you got it, little sister stuff.
Even though his co-writers didn’t share the same interests, they still collaborated with him. But, sometimes, the publishers thought Hashima’s ideas were too much. They’d occasionally put the brakes on some of his more out-there material.
Despite the occasional hiccup, Hashima continued to write passionately about his favorite topic. You’ve got to admire the dedication, even if not everyone understood the appeal of his intricate sister stories, lol.
Hashima had a thing for fictional little sisters, and even if real people raised their eyebrows, he didn’t let that stop him. He explored every sisterly scenario imaginable in his writing! More power to you, you quirky, creative weirdo.
9. Natsuno Kirihime (Dog & Scrissor)
Natsuno Kirihime is a bestselling author, and her writing skills are top-notch. But her personal life takes a bizarre turn when a guy sacrifices himself to save Natsuno and then comes back to life as her pet dog. It might sound like a wild plot from one of Natsuno’s books, but it’s his reality!
While some writers struggle for inspiration, Natsuno’s life is a constant source of crazy material. By day, she’s a famous author leading a normal life; by night, he hangs out with his supernatural dog companion. It’s the work-life balance you wouldn’t expect from a successful writer – fame during the day and otherworldly adventures at night!
Imagine the stories Natsuno could tell – not just in her books, but about her extraordinary life. Her fans might find it hard to believe, but for Natsuno, it’s just another day in the world of wild and supernatural experiences.
10. Subaru Mikazuki (My Roommate Is A Cat)
Subaru Mikazuki, a mystery novel writer, is extremely wary of human interaction, avoiding his own fans. However, his life turns unexpectedly when he takes in a stray cat named Haru.
Initially, Haru inspired Mikazuki’s cat detective character in his series. Over time, the cat’s presence leads Mikazuki to connect with more people, broadening his world and positively influencing his writing.
11. Utaha Kasumigaoka (Saekano)
Even though she’s just a high school student, Utaha Kasumigaoka is a skilled light novel writer. When her classmate Tomoya Aki approaches her to write for a dating sim game he’s developing, Utaha initially hesitates.
However, Aki’s dedication, passion, and obvious admiration for her eventually convinced her to get on board with the project.
12. Kakushi Gotou (Kakushigotou)
Kakushi Gotou draws super naughty adult manga. But get this – when he had a daughter named Hime, he decided to keep his job completely secret from her.
As a single dad, he wanted to avoid disappointing his little girl with his risque career. So he went to crazy lengths to hide the truth, pretending to be a civil servant and everything!
If Hime ever got close to discovering her dad’s real work, he’d panic and run emergency drills to throw her off the trail. The dude was like a secret agent keeping his manga artist double life undercover!
Can you imagine if your civil servant dad was an adult manga artist? Gotou must’ve been walking on eggshells to hide the truth from Hime. At least it shows how much he cares about being a good father, even if his methods were a little extreme!
