Smile Down the Runway

About Smile Down the Runway

Smile Down the Runway is a Japanese anime series first aired in 2020, based on the manga by Kotoba Inoya. The story revolves around Chiyuki Fujito, an aspiring fashion model struggling to make it in an industry where her short height is considered a disadvantage, and her high school classmate Ikuto Tsumura, who longs to become a fashion designer but lacks the resources to pursue his dreams due to his family's financial circumstances. Together, they defy the odds and challenge the conventions of the fashion world.

Making / Production

The anime series was made by Ezόla studios, with Nobuyoshi Nagayama as the director. Touko Machida was responsible for series scripts, Misaki Kaneko designed the characters, and the music was produced by Ami Koshimizu.

Actors

• Yumiri Hanamori brings upset Chiyuki Fujito to life with resilience and determination.
• Natsuki Hanae plays the role of Ikuto Tsumura, imparting a sense of earnestness and passion to the character.
• Ai Kayano voices Kokoro Hasegawa, a rich, gentle girl who aspires to be a designer like Ikuto.
• Junichi Suwabe voices Hajime Yanagida, a world-renowned designer.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title "Smile Down the Runway" is a metaphor for facing challenges with confidence and positivity.
• The anime is appreciated for its realistic portrayal of the fashion industry and its challenges.

Awards

As of now, the anime has not won any significant awards in the industry but has been well-received by the audience.

Quotes

• "You need to overcome the disadvantage of being short and do a model’s job properly. When you can do that, you’ll become a real model!" - Chiyuki Fujito
• "If you give up because it’s hard, the person you are now will never change." - Ikuto Tsumura

Music, Soundtrack

• The opening theme for Smile Down the Runway, "Lion" is performed by Ami Koshimizu.
• The ending theme, "Ray of Light" is performed by J(JUNKO).