Information and meaning can be communicated in even the smallest on-screen detail. One such detail is the arrangement of characters when they are sitting. Whether structured according to Japanese cultural standards, the rules of a fantasy world, or individual whims, a certain seating can reinforce the themes or storytelling of the broader work. Here are some examples, some quick and some more in-depth, of meaningful seating arrangements.

0:00 Introduction
0:08 Basic meanings of sitting
0:39 Showing hierarchy in Shirobako
2:37 Reinforcing the storytelling in Summer Wars
3:53 Breaking sitting order in Run With the Wind
5:04 Conclusion

Anime shown in the introduction:
Sakamoto Desu Ga?
Michiko & Hatchin
Made in Abyss
Girls’ Last Tour
K-On

Music used:
Autumn in Prague - Matt Large
Shirobako OST - Track 3
Akihiko Matsumoto - The Jinnouchi Family (Summer Wars OST)
Yuki Hayashi - We Must Go - (Run with the Wind OST)