Overview: Chasing Dreams on the Catwalk#
Smile Down the Runway (also known as Runway de Waratte) is a poignant story about ambition and the refusal to accept “no” for an answer. The plot follows Chiyuki Fujito, a girl with dreams of walking in the Paris Collection despite being told she is too short to be a model, and Ikuto Tsumura, a student from a poor background who aspires to become a professional fashion designer. Together, they form an alliance to overcome the obstacles and naysayers standing in the way of their dreams.
If you are looking for an inspiring story about creative passion and perseverance, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to see their journey begin.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When deciding whether to commit to a series, the biggest question is usually: will I get a satisfying conclusion?
While the anime adaptation premiered in January 2020, the source material—the manga—continued for some time after. According to our records, the manga officially concluded its run in July 2021, ending with its 22nd volume in August 2021.
Because the manga provides a definitive end to the story, viewers who only watch the anime may find themselves wanting more. To see the full resolution of Chiyuki and Ikuto’s journeys, you will likely need to transition to the source material. You can buy the Smile Down the Runway manga to experience the complete story.
Themes and Audience Appeal#
Smile Down the Runway is best suited for audiences who enjoy “underdog” stories and narratives centered on professional growth and artistic ambition. The series focuses heavily on the themes of:
- Defying Expectations: Both protagonists fight against societal and physical limitations.
- Collaboration: The synergy between a designer and a model is central to the plot.
- Hard Work vs. Talent: The struggle to refine one’s craft in the competitive world of high fashion.
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Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Depending on how much of the story you want to consume and how you prefer to experience it, here are our recommended paths. For a detailed look at how these versions relate, feel free to refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.
The Release Order#
If you want to experience the series as it was released to the public:
- Smile Down the Runway Anime (2020)
- Smile Down the Runway Manga (Read the remaining volumes following the anime’s coverage)
The Completionist Order#
For those who want the most detailed version of the story from the very beginning:
- Smile Down the Runway Manga (Read volumes 1 through 22 for the full, uninterrupted narrative).
The “Bridge” Order (For Anime Viewers)#
For those who have already started the anime and don’t mind switching formats:
- Watch the Anime
- Continue with the Manga starting from where the anime adaptation ends to reach the series finale.
Additional Resources#
Beyond the show and the books, fans of the series can look for Smile Down the Runway merchandise to celebrate Chiyuki and Ikuto’s ambitions. Whether you are here for the fashion or the drama, this series offers a compelling look at what it takes to make it to the top of the runway.
Smile Down the Runway • manga • 2017-05-31 to 2021-07-14 (Weekly Shōnen Magazine, 2017 #26 - 2021 #33)
└─(adaptation)→ Smile Down the Runway • anime • 2020-01-10
