About “Aggretsuko” in a few words:

Aggretsuko is a Japanese anime series that tells the story of Retsuko, a young red panda working in accounting who navigates the struggles of adulthood and office politics in modern society. The show is known for its relatable characters and themes, as well as its unique blend of cute animation and heavy metal music. Aggretsuko is a refreshing take on the slice-of-life genre, offering a humorous yet honest portrayal of the challenges that many young adults face in the workplace.

Meet the characters from Aggretsuko

Retsuko

Retsuko is the red panda who looks like the shy, polite office drone but is actually a simmering volcano of tiny rebellions — cue death-metal karaoke and a startling amount of silent rage. She’s anxious and hardworking and somehow manages to be both wildly empathetic and petty in the most charming way. Loves canned coffee, maybe collects stamps? (I think? could be mugs, honestly.) Her little rituals — belting away her frustrations alone — keep her sane, and she’s way braver than she gives herself credit for when push comes to shove.

Haida

Haida is that awkward, soft-spoken hyena who’s perpetually one degree away from confessing his giant crush, and you can feel the earnestness from a mile off. He’s loyal, insecure, and has this weirdly sweet moral backbone that makes him oddly dependable in a crisis. Prone to overthinking, blushing, and doodling hearts in the margins (or maybe that was notes about sports? he’s a mystery). Sometimes jealous, sometimes bold — he’s an adorably messy mix of courage and cringe.

Director Gori

Director Gori is the gorilla in a power suit who runs things with quiet authority and just enough glam to make meetings feel like runway shows. She’s classy, decisive, and kind of a paradox — stern as a boss but secretly loves a terrible romantic movie on a Friday night (I’m convinced). She gives practical advice, hoards exquisite hats? pearls? maybe both, and will destroy office nonsense with a single raised eyebrow. A mentor figure who’s stern but protective, she’s organized to a terrifying degree and low-key motherly.

Washimi

Washimi is the sleek, reptilian big boss who exudes chilled menace and old-money elegance — think wise aunt crossed with corporate samurai. She speaks slowly and lands advice like a truth bomb; intimidating but fair and weirdly poetic sometimes. She’s fiercely private, has standards, and will respect you if you’re competent and stubborn in the right way. Occasionally smokes? chews on a straw? (memory fuzzy) — either way she’s the kind of mentor who will nudge you toward independence whether you want it or not.

Fenneko

Fenneko is the sharp-eared fennec fox who watches everyone like a human lie detector and has a dry one-liner ready for any office drama. Basically the ultimate gossip analyst — observant, brutally honest, and secretly the best person to have on your side when things get weird. She snacks while psychoanalyzing coworkers and keeps a suspiciously extensive file of people’s awkward habits (file folders, spreadsheets, mental bullet points, I swear). Low on overt warmth, high on loyalty and weirdly into curated cat GIFs — she’s quietly chaotic in the best way.