Not all anime fans may be aware of iyashikei, a slice-of-life sub-genre where the protagonists live in relaxing settings, which is known for having a soothing, and even healing effect on viewers. Aside from the ever-so-popular adventure, horror, and mystery anime, the slice-of-life genre is one of the most beloved among viewers. This slower-paced, low-key genre often focuses on seemingly mundane or random moments in the protagonists’ lives. Furthermore, the stakes are commonly quite low. Famous slice-of-life anime include Mushi-Shi, Hyouka, and Usagi Drop.
Slice-of-life anime are not without conflict, but the problems are quick to resolve and rarely have an impact on the rest of the show. For anime audience members who appreciate a slower-paced, low-stakes story, Slice-of-life stories aren’t the only anime to add to their queue. Iyashikei, a slice-of-life sub-genre, may be the perfect solution to expanding an anime watchlist without ruining the peaceful vibes of a calming viewing experience.
Most anime fans can agree that logging into Crunchyroll and tuning into a top-favorite anime series has a relaxing effect. Even during the most intense scenes, there is something de-stressing about sitting down after a long day with a good snack, clicking on the TV, and toggling over to the app to enjoy the newest anime obsession. However, Iyashikei is made specially for soothing viewers, and is proven to have healing effects on them.
The Benefits of Binging: Why Anime Fans Should Watch the Iyashikei Genre
The Iyashikei Genre Is the Perfect New Obsession for Slice-Of-Life and Studio Ghibli Fans
Iyashikei is a Japanese media genre that is found in anime or manga. It is a sub-genre of slice-of-life anime, which has very similar qualities. However, what sets iyashikei apart is its intended purpose. In this niche genre, protagonists live tranquil lives in peaceful environments, which is meant to have a soothing effect on the audience. In fact, the Japanese word “iyashikei” can be translated to “healing.”
Another unique quality of the iyashikei genre is the escapist mindset. While this genre stays true to the slice-of-life pace, keeping conflicts to a minimum, each story commonly takes place in an alternate, fantasy-like reality. These environments are highly reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films, emphasizing nature, a quiet landscape, and incredibly detailed backgrounds and lighting.
Relaxing Recommendations for Worn-Out Watchers
There Are Plenty of Iyashikei Anime Ready to Be Added to Any Fans’ Watchlist
For those hoping to dive into the world of iyashikei anime, there are a plethora of options available on Crunchyroll:
Series Title | Plot | Number of Episodes |
Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle | Syalis is a princess. A really cute one. She’s stuck in a castle full of demons, waiting to be rescued by her knight in shining armor. So what does she do? What any of us would. Take a nap. | 12 |
Non Non Biyori | The closest bookstore sells Jump every Wednesday, the video rental shop is ten stations down. Vegetables are left out for sale, and no one’s ever even seen a lock on a house. That’s the country life they live, but these five girls at Asahigaoka Branch School are enjoying it! Enjoy the leisurely, laid-back life of these unique girls! | 12 |
Laid-Back Camp | Nadeshiko, a high school student who has moved from Shizuoka to Yamanashi, decides to see the famous, 1000 yen-bill-featured Mount Fuji. Even though she manages to bike all the way to Motosu, she’s forced to turn back because of worsening weather. Unable to set her eyes on her goal, she faints partway to her destination. When she wakes up, it’s night, in a place she’s never been before, with no way of knowing how to get home. Nadeshiko is saved when she encounters Rin, a girl who is out camping by herself. | 43 |
Barakamon | BARAKAMON follows the story of Seishu Handa, a calligrapher, who as a punishment for punching another famous calligrapher is outlawed to a small island. As a city boy will Seishu be able to adapt to his new environment? | 12 |
Usagi Drop | By force of circumstances, a 30-year-old single man with a full-time job suddenly starts raising a 6-year-old girl. While running each other ragged, the two of them gradually grow into a “family”. This is the long-awaited anime version of “Bunny Drop”, the extremely popular and finely crafted comic by Yumi Unita. It’s a heartwarming and entertaining work that naturally depicts child-raising experiences, but also the instantly relatable warmth and noise of being in a family. | 12 |
Mushi-Shi | They are creatures only known as ‘Mushi,’ whose abilities range well into the supernatural. While their existence and appearances are unknown to the humans around them, there are a few like Ginko who is a ‘Mushi-shi’ that travels around to investigate and find out more about the ‘Mushi.’ During the course of his discovery and understanding, he helps those who are troubled by the Mushi themselves. | 48 |
Hyouka | A worthy addition to any animation fan’s collection, Hyouka is a stunning masterwork that spins a charming tale of high school romance and mystery. After disenchanted student Hotaro Oreki joins his school’s Classic Lit Club, he meets Eru Chitanda, a kindhearted and inquisitive girl with boundless curiosity and a knack for getting him caught up in all sorts of trouble. | 22 |
However, one of the most popular anime recommendations for new iyashikei watchers is Aria: The Animation. This story follows Akari Mizunashi, a 15-year-old girl who leaves behind everything she knows to travel to a sparkling water-covered planet, Aqua. Audiences can tag along on her journey towards achieving her dream of becoming an “undine” (a female gondolier who navigates the canals of Neo-Venezia). The series ran from 2005 to 2015 and has a total of 57 episodes, all available on Crunchyroll.
While action-adventure anime such as Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and One Piece are all the rage, fans often forget about the wide variety of entertainment that Japanese media has to offer. In the same way that some people enjoy watching cartoons after an intense horror movie to calm themselves down, some viewers may enjoy the soothing benefits of the isyashikei genre after fast-paced shows like Kaiju No. 8 or Berserk.
Iyashikei, anime’s most relaxing genre, has an abundance of shows waiting to be enjoyed by viewers on Crunchyroll searching for a new way to unwind in an often-expeditious world.
