UlasanAnime.com – The anime series Moshidora, also known as a rather uninspired, NHK-sponsored production, offers a surprisingly insightful commentary on Drucker-style management. The show manages to naturally illustrate the inherent problems with this management philosophy, which is quite remarkable.
A critical review highlights these issues, stating:
It’s not really funny. It’s not trying to be, I don’t think, but as a drama it doesn’t really make sense. The lead character is supposed to be the one who manages everything, but she’s infinitely worse at it than pretty much everyone else. Hell, the short-haired girl picks up a copy of Management and is a genius statistician so I’m not entirely sure why they even need Minami anymore. She doesn’t seem to contribute anything that can’t be replicated by her friends (being good at management tasks, slapping whiny little bitches) or the coach and team captain (knowing something about baseball).
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Did I Miss Something?
She doesn’t even manage anything! She just says random bullshit and somebody else does all the work for her! Then she takes all the credit!
Wait, fuck, she’s an amazing manager.
This observation is particularly amusing because it mirrors the viewer’s own realization. As the series progresses, by episode 5, the management team inexplicably expands from two to four members, with one member being “promoted” from the player roster. This results in a management-to-player ratio of approximately 1:2, if the coach is also counted as part of the management. While this might be true to the concept, the sheer absurdity of the situation effectively underscores the significant drawbacks of such a management approach.
The critique further points out that the narrative doesn’t even delve into the “negative enforcement loop” concept, deeming it unnecessarily cynical. The show presents numerous problems even when viewed with a positive outlook. Moreover, to sustain the plot, the series depicts the recruitment of more individuals, which consequently dilutes the focus from other characters whose dreams are consequently dashed.
Interestingly, Minami’s background as a former player might actually weaken the sharp satirical edge of the series, potentially detracting from its overall concept. While it might serve as an educational tool for astute viewers, it’s questionable whether such an audience is actively watching the show. Nevertheless, the series provides more entertainment value than the average anime offering.
The educational aspect of Moshidora remains undeniable. Consider this: how many children grow up aspiring to be managers? Perhaps now, a child whose parents have exposed them to this particular NHK production might grow up wanting to date a manager. Or, perhaps more shockingly, they might aspire to become a manager themselves. Such a career choice could lead to teasing and bullying in school, but it could ultimately secure them a job after graduation, making it a worthwhile pursuit. This surprisingly progressive perspective adds a delightful flourish to the overall experience.
