Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! is a celebration of creativity, following three high school girls as they form a club to create their anime.
The series dives into the imaginative process of animation while highlighting themes of friendship, passion, and overcoming obstacles.
For fans who love its unique storytelling, artistic focus, and quirky characters, here are 15 underrated anime that share similar themes and narrative styles.
1. Blue Period (2021)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Yatora Yaguchi discovers his love for painting and embarks on a journey to enter art school, exploring self-expression through art.
Similarities: Both highlight the creative process and the struggles of young artists pursuing their dreams.
2. Bakuman (2010)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Two aspiring mangaka work tirelessly to create and publish their manga, navigating the challenges of the competitive industry.
Similarities: Explores the behind-the-scenes world of artistic creation with themes of collaboration and perseverance.
3. Princess Jellyfish (2010)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Tsukimi Kurashita, a socially awkward girl obsessed with jellyfish, finds herself inspired to pursue fashion design through new friendships.
Similarities: Focuses on quirky characters finding their creative voice amidst societal expectations.
4. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Chiyo becomes the assistant to her crush, Nozaki, a mangaka, while hilariously navigating the world of manga creation.
Similarities: Both feature lighthearted takes on artistic pursuits with humorous character dynamics.
5. Hidamari Sketch (2007)
Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
Plot Summary: A group of girls attending art school share their daily lives and creative journeys in a cozy slice-of-life format.
Similarities: Celebrates the joy of artistic expression in a warm and relatable setting.
6. Arte (2020)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Arte, a young woman in Renaissance Italy, defies societal norms to pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist.
Similarities: Both highlight determination and creativity against societal obstacles.
7. Miss Hokusai (2015)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Katsushika O-Ei, daughter of famed painter Hokusai, explores her own artistic identity amidst supernatural elements in Edo-period Japan.
Similarities: Focuses on the artistic process and the struggles of individual creators.
8. A-Channel (2011)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Four high school friends navigate school life while sharing moments of joy and creativity in their club activities.
Similarities: Shares slice-of-life storytelling with themes of friendship and teamwork.
9. Paradise Kiss (2005)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Yukari Hayasaka is drawn into the world of fashion design by a group of eccentric artists striving to make their mark.
Similarities: Explores creative industries through passionate characters chasing their dreams.
10. Re:Stage! Dream Days♪ (2019)
Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
Plot Summary: Mana Shikimiya joins her school’s idol club to compete in Prism Stage competitions while discovering her artistic talents.
Similarities: Highlights teamwork and creative growth through club activities.
11. Le Portrait de Petite Cossette (2004)
Streaming Availability: Not widely available
Plot Summary: An art student becomes obsessed with a mysterious girl trapped inside a Venetian glass, exploring themes of beauty and artistry.
Similarities: Both delve into the emotional impact of art and its transformative power.
12. Kageki Shojo!! (2021)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Sarasa Watanabe joins an all-female acting troupe to pursue her dream of performing male lead roles while overcoming personal challenges.
Similarities: Explores creative ambition through unique characters striving for artistic excellence.
13. Tamayura: Hitotose (2011)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A girl discovers her love for photography after moving to her late father’s hometown, capturing life’s beauty through her lens.
Similarities: Shares themes of finding inspiration in everyday life through artistic mediums.
14. Barakamon (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Seishuu Handa moves to a rural village to refine his calligraphy skills while learning life lessons from its eccentric residents.
Similarities: Combines personal growth with artistic exploration in a charming setting.
15. Sketchbook: Full Color’s (2007)
Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
Plot Summary: Sora Kajiwara captures moments from her daily life through sketching as she learns more about herself and her surroundings.
Similarities: Celebrates creativity in everyday life with introspective storytelling.
Why These Anime Work for Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! Fans
These anime share Eizouken!‘s core elements: celebrating creativity, exploring the artistic process, and showcasing quirky characters driven by passion for their craft.
Whether through animation, painting, or other artistic pursuits, these series inspire viewers with stories that highlight imagination, teamwork, and perseverance in bringing ideas to life amidst challenges and self-discovery.
