Series & First Appearance
Series: Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!
First Appearance: Episode 1
Creator: Masaaki Yuasa (Director) and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! was produced by Science SARU.
Profile at a Glance
Sayaka Kanamori is a high school student, approximately 15-16 years old, who attends a school known for its creative programs. She acts as the producer for the Eizouken (film club), serving as the realist of the trio, which also includes her classmates Midori Asakusa and Tsubame Mizusaki. While Kanamori has no interest in anime or animation, her passion for practical activities motivates her to support the group through negotiation and logistical planning.
Personality & Motivations
Sayaka Kanamori is characterized by her pragmatic nature and no-nonsense attitude. She values efficiency and often seeks monetization opportunities in all ventures, reflecting her business-oriented mindset. Though she lacks enthusiasm for the artistic elements of her friends’ pursuits, she consistently supports their creativity and respects their talents. A notable quirk is her tendency to prioritize financial considerations, often interjecting practical concerns into discussions about artistic goals. She acts as a grounding force for Asakusa and Mizusaki, helping to balance their more whimsical personalities while often feeling exasperated by their creative processes.
Abilities / Powers
While Sayaka Kanamori does not possess supernatural abilities or combat skills, her standout qualities include exceptional negotiation and organizational skills. As the producer of Eizouken, she excels in managing logistics, budgets, and project timelines, proving essential in navigating school bureaucracy and securing funding for their projects. Her understanding of the real-world implications of their creative endeavors is a key skill that complements the artists’ expansive visions.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout the series, Kanamori’s character undergoes subtle growth as she becomes more involved in the creative process despite her reservations about the artistic aspects of animation. Initially seen as purely transactional, episodes like "The Test of Courage" (Episode 6) highlight her ability to adapt and collaborate more organically with her team. By the end of the series, her respect for her friends’ craftsmanship deepens, suggesting a gradual acceptance of creativity’s importance beyond merely its financial viability.
Notable Relationships
- Midori Asakusa: As Kanamori’s primary collaborator and a passionate animator, Asakusa often presents ideas that challenge Kanamori’s sensible approach, prompting her to explore the importance of creativity beyond profit.
- Tsubame Mizusaki: The talented character designer and aspiring animator, Mizusaki’s whimsical nature often contrasts with Kanamori’s practical outlook, leading to moments of comic relief and tension between their differing perspectives.
- Student Council and School: Kanamori’s role often involves dealings with the student council, highlighting her skills in negotiation and diplomacy as she advocates for the Eizouken’s projects.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs when Kanamori successfully negotiates with the school administration to acquire funds for the Eizouken’s projects, showcasing her strength in challenges that require a realistic approach (Episode 3). Another notable moment is when she expresses her frustrations about the impracticalities of Asakusa and Mizusaki’s ideas, revealing her struggle to balance creativity and realism effectively. Her catchphrase about "making it practical" resonates with fans who appreciate her grounded perspective amidst the chaos of creative pursuits.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Sayaka Kanamori’s character design features an athletic frame, which complements her active role in the Eizouken. As voiced by the talented Japanese actress, Miku Itou, Kanamori’s character has garnered significant popularity, even ranking among top favorites in anime character polls, with over 1,900 member votes. Her style and pragmatic approach also reflect common traits found in similar characters across the slice-of-life and creative anime genres, drawing some cultural parallels to figures often seen as the "straight man" in comedic settings.
Kanamori’s character represents a break from the stereotype of the typical anime enthusiast, emphasizing real-world aspects of art and production and appealing to a fanbase that appreciates diverse perspectives within storytelling. Her evolution throughout the series mirrors the challenges faced by many creators who navigate the balance between passion and practicality.
