Even with the long list of possible genres of anime, the “slice-of-life” genre is supported by an immense amount of fans because of its capability to touch the hearts of the viewers and its simplicity in capturing the essence of everyday life that everyone can relate to.
Here’s a list of the top 15 slice-of-life anime recommendations that can provide comfort and a memorable watching experience:
15. My Roommate is a Cat
This anime is suitable for any feline enthusiast, as the story revolves around Mikazuki Subaru, a reclusive writer, and his decision to adopt a stray tuxedo cat named Haru. “My Roommate is a Cat” carefully tackles the topics of solitude, coping with grief, and the necessary healing journey. All of these themes are seen in the past experiences of Subaru and Haru, which deepens their bond even further. Despite the anime’s dramatic scenes, it also succeeds in implementing comedy relief since it shows the many relatable cute antics pet owners have to witness while taking care of their furry friends.
A preview of Episode 4, where Subaru attempts to put a cat collar on stubborn Haru.
14. Non Non Biyori
“Non Non Biyori” provides comfort to viewers as it reminds them of the beauty of friendship through the four girls (with distinct personalities and different grade levels) who attend a local school in Asahigaoka, a countryside town in Japan. Each episode showcases the simplicity of the protagonists’ rural lifestyle, like seasonal festivals or events, and their funny and wholesome interactions with other villagers. The anime gives a sense of nostalgia to its audience and serves as a reminder to appreciate the importance of little things in life that provide them with joy.
The main characters of the anime enjoy their time together (from left to right): Natsumi, Renge, Komari, and Hotaru.
13. Osomatsu-san
The classic manga and anime series “Osomatsu-kun”, created by Fujio Akatsuka, received a recent modern-day revival titled “Osomatu-san” in 2015. The narrative remains focused on the comical daily lives of the Matsuno brothers, who are in their twenties yet still share the same household. It retained the sibling dynamic, satire, and parody (typically Japanese pop culture references or social commentaries) tropes, which gave viewers a sense of familiarity with the original series.
The sextuplets are discernible from one another based on the color of the clothes they are wearing: Karamatsu (blue), Choromatsu (green), Osomatsu (red), Jyushimatsu (yellow), Todomatsu (pink), and Ichimatsu (purple).
12. Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid
A typical day in the life of Kobayashi, a twenty-five-year-old office worker at a programming company, took a turn when she saw a dragon waiting at the front of her doorstep. The dragon that introduces herself as Tohru wants to show her gratitude to Kobayashi for saving her life in the past by becoming her personal maid, which would be the start of their peculiar arrangement. This anime shows a series of humorous events in the life of Kobayashi, along with Tohru and her other dragon friends, exploring the human world.
Kobayashi just woke up beside Tohru in her human form (but still has a visible dragon tail and horns).
11. Barakamon
A passionate yet uptight calligraphy artist named Seishu Handa is forced to take a break from his work in Tokyo after an exhibit commotion where he punched a curator for describing his work as ‘lifeless’. Seishu will experience the serenity of island life in the Goto Archipelago, where he’ll meet the residents who will help his self-discovery and transform his perspective on the craft. One of the residents who will make a large impact on his life is the energetic child named Naru Kotoishi; her innocence and vibrance will also tug at the heartstrings of viewers.
Naru is trying to watch the annoyed Seishu work on his calligraphy.
10. Mieruko-chan
“Meiruko-chan” is a slice-of-life unique anime with a combination of horror and comedy elements. It is about Miko Youtsuya, a high school student who constantly tries to keep a poker face and ignore the horrendous spirits or entities that she is able to see because of her ability. Miko attempts to execute this plan in her day-to-day life in order to remain unharmed, and along her journey, she meets other similar characters in the anime that are connected to the supernatural.
The protagonist, Miko Yotsuya, and some of the spirits that she is able to see on a daily basis.
9. March Comes in Like a Lion
“March Comes in Like a Lion” or “3-gatsu no Lion” is an anime that highlights the importance of taking care of one’s mental health, which is essential in one’s life. The plot is centered on a 17-year-old professional shogi (Japanese chess) player, Rei Kiriyama, who keeps isolating himself because he hasn’t experienced a sense of belongingness or support ever since. With its emotional storytelling, the series successfully executes showing the development of Rei, not only in his career but also in his personal growth and relationships with other characters like the Kawamoto family and shogi players, who have their own struggles as well.
Rei Kiriyama is shy and meek when interacting with other people.
8. Himouto! Umaru-chan
A cute but funny sibling dynamic is also seen in the anime “Himouto! Umaru-chan,” as the story revolves around the two main characters, Taihei and his little sister, Umaru Doma. Outside their apartment, Umaru seems to be an attractive, talented, and responsible student, but when she goes home, she is actually a loafer who loves to be lazy and play video games all day, which gets on the nerves of her brother at times. This ‘interchangeable’ personality of Umaru will be shown in the anime in a consistent manner that will entertain everyone.
Umaru playing video games and enjoying her two favorite snacks: potato chips and cola.
7. Komi Can't Communicate
“Komi Can't Communicate” is a touching anime that aims to spread awareness of communication disorder and extreme social anxiety. Shouko Komi is a popular girl in school and is known for her cold beauty, but they don't know that she actually has a problem communicating with other people. The first one to discover this is her classmate, Tadano Hitohito, who will later on help her achieve her dream of overcoming her fears and making one hundred friends.
Komi tries to communicate with Tadano by writing on the school's blackboard.
6. Kotaro Lives Alone
Residents who are living in the apartment complex are shocked and confused to see a four-year-old kid, Kotaro Sato, independently living alone in a single unit with no parents by his side. His next-door neighbor, Shin Karino, expresses his concern and tries to watch over him, even if Kotaro looks capable enough to take care of himself. The anime has a unique premise, and even with its seemingly light-hearted and comedic scenes, it actually aims to talk about deeper issues in parenting that are important to many.
The toddler, Kotaro, looks outside his apartment's window.
5. My Dress-Up Darling
When anime comes to mind, the word cosplay is often mentioned as well. “My Dress-Up Darling” includes cosplay along with its slice-of-life genre. One of the main characters, Marin Kitagawa, is a popular otaku girl who likes magical girls and adult video games, which eventually leads to her secret desire to cosplay some of them. She would later discover the hidden hobby of Wakana Gojo, her classmate, who sews and makes traditional dolls. The two later become closer because of this and help each other grow and confront their fears.
Two versions of Marin Kitagawa: one in her school uniform and the other in her Shizuku Kuroe cosplay costume.
4. The Way of the Househusband
“Gokushufudou,” more known as “The Way of the Househusband,” is an anime that reminds its viewers to not judge a book by its cover and that people can change. Tatsu, a retired legendary yakuza with the nickname "the Immortal Dragon", tries to enjoy a new life as a stay-at-home husband. It focuses on his life as a committed partner who tries his best to finish every household task excellently.
Despite the lead character's allegedly terrifying past, the anime is actually pleasant and lighthearted. Most of the scenes revolve around Tatsu, his wife Miku, who is a die-hard Policure fan, Matsu, who is also a part of Tatsu's previous group, and other characters from his past.
Tatsu shows the outcome of the meal that he was able to cook.
3. Gakuen Babysitters
The anime titled “Gakuen Babysitters” is a wholesome anime filled with cute babies that no one can resist! After being orphaned, Ryuuichi and his baby brother Kotarou were given a chance to be adopted by the chairwoman of Morinomiya Academy in exchange for Ryuuichi taking care of the day center in the school. The series will showcase adorable moments while going in-depth into the stories of each character.
Usaida and Ryuuichi taking care of the babies: Kotarou, Taka, Kirin, Midori, and the twins (Kazuma and Takuma).
2. Mushishi Zoku Shou
Follow the story of the Mushi Master, Ginko, who continues his travels by meeting different Mushis, which are different species that can take the form of many primitive life forms such as animals, plants, diseases, spirits, and other unexplainable phenomena. Ginko seeks to answer the mysteries of these creatures and his place in the world’s hierarchy of life, which makes the anime's atmosphere heavily philosophical.
Ginko explores the snowy area in search of a Mushi.
1. Natsume's Book of Friends
“Natsume's Book of Friends” is able to produce many seasons because of its diverse storyline per episode that tackles many realistic situations in life despite having fantastical elements. Its story revolves around Takashi Natsume, who has the ability to see yokai, which he inherited from his late grandmother Reiko. His situation got worse when he got a hold of the Book of Friends, which is a supernatural notebook that can form contracts with Yokai. Because of the dangers he was facing, he made a pact with a Madara (popularly known as “Nyanko-Sensei”) that he would be protected by this yokai until he passed away and that the Book of Friends would be given to Madara afterward.
Takashi Natsume with Madara in his cat form visiting the forest where yokai are frequently seen.
