Well, that’s where iyashikei comes in. Known as “healing” anime, these movies and shows are typically slice-of-life stories with calming content and plenty of depictions of nature. Stripped of any significant tension or outlandish comedy, the best iyashikei anime provide nourishment for the heart and mind.
RELATED: Comedy Anime That Are Underrated
Updated September 3, 2022 by Mark Sammut: Iyashikei anime do not come around often enough. For instance, the currently airing Summer 2022 season does not include a show that truly fits the bill, even though there are a few slice of life series that come close. With the many frustrations and challenges offered by normal life, jumping into a peaceful world with very little in the way of stakes can be a relief. To make that process as simple as possible, a few more great iyashikei anime have been added to this article.
13 Tanaka-kun is Always Listless
Although most school comedies fall within slice of life territory, very few can be truly defined as iyashikei. In many ways, Tanaka-kun is Always Listless has most of the ingredients associated with something like The Daily Lives of High School Boys, particularly when it comes to its secondary characters. However, the anime sets itself apart in one key area: its protagonist. Tanaka-kun’s goal in life is to simply do nothing.
He yearns to sleep in class, prefers to not walk unless necessary, and avoids drama at all costs. More importantly, he pursues this dream with everything he has. Tanaka-kun’s personality echoes throughout the show, to the point that even the art style has a vibrancy reminiscent of nature despite the fact the anime takes place within an urban environment.
12 Anima Yell!
Sports anime are not great candidates for iyashikei since there is usually a competitive element to their stories. Anima Yell! is the exception as it centers around a cheerleader club whose main priority is to spread good vibes and make a few friends along the way.
While there is a tournament towards the end of the season, it isn’t treated like the be-all and end-all. For those looking for a relaxing sports anime, Anima Yell! should not be missed.
11 March Comes In Like a Lion
Ever since losing his parents, Rei Kiriyama has felt like he does not belong. This feeling was amplified through his (basically) foster family, particularly his relationship with Kyouko Kouda. Desperate to find something to cling to, Rei turned to shogi, something he happens to be exceptional at. Now, at 17 years old, Rei settles down alone in Tokyo, but he soon befriends a family of three sisters.
March Comes in Like a Lion almost eludes classification. It could be described as a slice of life, drama, or sports anime, and all of these descriptors would be theoretically correct. However, that also means none of them fully represent the show’s qualities. The anime strikes a grounded tone associated with slice of life, but it does not focus solely on fluffy or heartwarming moments. In fact, March Comes in Like a Lion gets uncomfortably real at times. Yet, these dramatic beats are spread wide across two seasons, separated by long stretches of purposeful directionless.
The anime’s visual style is a great fit for iyashikei. Alongside Monogatari, March Comes in Like a Lion is Shaft’s best work in this department. While the story’s heavier storylines are a-typical of the sub-genre, they typically conclude on a gratifying note. Rather than characters leading a life free of hardship, this anime’s healing factor comes from Rei and company living through familiar struggles.
10 Aria The Animation
A classic series that is still ongoing, Aria the Animation takes place on a distant planet that also feels somewhat familiar. Clearly inspired by Venice, Aria is set on Mars and follows a group of women who serve as gondoliers.
RELATED: Slice Of Life Anime Series That Are Underrated
Slow-paced and splendidly animated, Aria warmly guides viewers through its lovely scenery while touching upon the lives of its strong cast of characters. The music is also fantastic, perfectly complementing the anime’s visuals and carefree mood.
9 Girls’ Last Tour
Iyashikei is about tone, not setting. Sure, it makes sense to set this type of story in a small village deep in the mountains; however, there is nothing that forbids the subgenre from going all post-apocalyptic. Girls’ Last Tour presents an utterly devastated world set after the collapse of civilization, and it follows two girls named Yuuri and Chito.
Humanity may lie in ruin but that doesn’t mean Girls’ Last Tour’s protagonists cannot choose to live. Following the everyday lives of Yuuri and Chito, the anime is oddly uplifting, sweet, and hopeful; it just happens to be set in a really grim climate.
8 Flying Witch
As part of her witch training, Makoto moves to Hirosaki, a city in Aomori, to make it on her own (alongside some family members). Flying Witch perfectly captures the spirit of living in a relatively large but quiet city, a fact enhanced by its lovable and down-to-earth characters.
Makoto’s earnest nature and approachability make her an instantly likable lead, and she is added by her energetic cousin, Chinatsu, and outgoing sister, Akane. Flying Witch’s backgrounds and scenery are nothing short of gorgeous.
7 Slow Loop
Slow Loop is about fishing and friendship, two things that go surprisingly well together. As their parents have gotten together, Hiyori and Koharu are now step-siblings, and the children form a bond over the former’s love of fly-fishing. Inspired by its central activity, this anime maintains a steady, relaxed pace, albeit one punctuated with refreshing moments of comedy and even drama.
Slow Loop dives deep into the art of fishing, and these sequences are quite interesting since they reflect Hiyori’s passion for the hobby. The series does not neglect its characters and central relationships either, both of which are given ample time to blossom.
6 Mushishi
Mushi are spirits that exist unseen by humans; they are not malevolent or purposefully dangerous, but they can unwittingly cause problems. Ginko’s role is to travel across Japan and provide assistance in situations when Mushi and humans are struggling to co-exist.
This premise could easily describe a shonen or action series, but Mushishi opts for something far more meditative. Mainly set in nature, Mushishi is often happy to just observe the Mushi, allowing these natural entities to simply be. It makes for a rich experience.
5 Barakamon
When Seishu Handa reacts poorly to a negative review of his latest calligraphy drawing, the young artist is sent by his father to the isolated Goto Island. Initially, Seishu hates everything about this move, especially since the locals seem utterly incapable of not disrupting his work. However, Seishu loosens up before long.
RELATED: Greatest Slice Of Life Anime Of All Time
Barakamon is hilarious, more so than the average iyashikei anime. While the laughs are plentiful, they stem from a place of unbridled positivity and growth, particularly once Seishu’s early angst subsides.
4 My Neighbor Totoro
In a filmography that consists of almost nothing but masterpieces, Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro still stands out as being something extra special. The definitive iyashikei movie, Studio Ghibli’s 1988 classic follows a family as they move to the countryside so that a family member can heal.
My Neighbor Totoro is literally about the “healing” power of nature, and the anime’s tone, aesthetic, and pacing reflect this premise. While overflowing with magic, this movie is personal and modest rather than epic and grand.
3 Laid-Back Camp
Be warned – this anime might induce a sudden urge to go camping.
Laid-Back Camp follows a group of teenagers as they travel to different campsites in Japan, specifically the Yamanashi Prefecture. Be it Asagiri Plateau, Lake Shibire, or Yanahime Shrine, Laid-Back Camp meticulously and lovingly animates natural attractions from this area of the country.
The anime serves as a fantastic advertisement for these places while offering a means to witness their beauty for those who cannot make the journey. The characters are also very endearing, particularly Nadeshiko and Rin.
2 Natsume’s Book of Friends
Natsume can see spirits and inherits a book from his grandmother containing the names of many different yokai. This grants Natsume power over these spirits; however, the teenager opts to return these names rather than use them for personal gain.
While not entirely devoid of intense or distressing moments, Natsume’s Book of Friends is mostly a slice-of-life anime about a protagonist who is slowly recovering following years of hardship. Natsume’s relationship with the spirit Madara is delightful.
1 Non Non Biyori
When it comes to iyashikei anime series, Non Non Biyori is the standard-bearer. Set in a rural village and primarily following a group of five students, Non Non Biyori is happy to just let its characters exist free of conflict, tension, or drama.
This world is also beautiful, a fact the anime goes out of its way to show. With extended shots of nature, likable and nice characters, and the occasional laugh, Non Non Biyori is soothing.
MORE: Best Slice Of Life Games (That Are Not Visual Novels)
