Similar to video games, anime often revolves around a captivating story or character development filled with intense moments and high stakes. The genre of Isekai, in particular, boasts numerous works that transport viewers to fantastical or futuristic realms, inviting them to embark on thrilling adventures and engage in combat. This genre's emphasis on wish-fulfillment enables viewers to bypass mundane tasks and dive straight into the most exciting aspects of the story.
Nevertheless, not all anime fits this high-octane mold. Some works adopt a more laid-back approach, focusing on niche themes that may not typically generate excitement. While these titles may feature occasional fights or tense situations, they maintain an overall cozy atmosphere that permeates the show. Wish-fulfillment remains a central theme, but its focus shifts towards characters taking it easy or accomplishing goals that eluded them in their previous lives.
10 Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill
Action and powerful abilities serve as a means of acquiring ingredients and creature comforts in Campfire Cooking. Protagonist Tsuyoshi Mukouda embodies a common fantasy among his target audience, which entails traveling and indulging in delicious food alongside beloved pets, free from the burden of responsibilities.
Every aspect of the 27-year-old overworked office worker not only looks visually pleasing, but also incredibly appetizing. Renowned animation studio, MAPPA, recognized that a significant portion of the light novel's allure lies in its exquisite depictions of otherworldly cuisine. In addition, MAPPA's behind-the-scenes comparisons of the live-action references, keyframe animations, and final product serve as valuable resources for aspiring home cooks who seek to recreate the novel's recipes.
9 Farming Life In Another World
Farm Life In Another World is the perfect choice for fans of Story of Seasons and Stardew Valley who are interested in food and travel. Although the main character, Hiraku Machio, experiences a romantic storyline, the focus of the story remains on agriculture. Audiences will be captivated as they witness Hiraku's dedication to farming and his ultimate goal of creating his dream farm and town, all while showcasing a genuine understanding and appreciation for agriculture.
In addition to the enjoyable farming aspect, viewers will find humor in Hiraku's extraordinary accomplishments in everyday life. Despite being oblivious to his own abilities, Hiraku successfully creates a thriving community in the perilous Forest of Death. His natural leadership skills and talent for commerce shine through, creating unintentional yet awe-inspiring achievements.
8 Parallel World Pharmacy
In Parallel World Pharmacy, both the light novel and anime prioritize scientific accuracy to the extent possible in a fictional setting. Each episode seamlessly integrates real-world pharmacology, references to medical history, and scientific understanding of diseases. Consequently, viewers are treated to an educational anime that avoids becoming pedantic.
Likewise, the main character, Pharma de Médicis, shares a similar dedication to humility. Just as his previous self, Kanji Yakutani, he never boasts about his achievements. This selfless demeanor contributes to a relaxed atmosphere and magnifies the impact when circumstances compel him to disrupt his tranquility.
7 Restaurant In Another World
Restaurant In Another World, despite its age, remains a popular choice for those seeking delectable food and heartwarming resolutions. The anime skillfully intertwines delightful cuisine, creatively portrayed, and vividly described, to bring about satisfying conclusions.
The anime follows a unique format, with each episode consisting of two mini-stories centered around a divine dish and an otherworldly narrative. Nekoya, the restaurant at the center of it all, and its delectable offerings play crucial roles in shaping the various scenarios experienced by its patrons. The episodic structure of the series allows viewers to casually engage with the show at their convenience, offering a comforting and relaxed viewing experience.
6 Saving 80,000 Gold In Another World For My Retirement
Many working adults can easily relate to the purpose stated in this series. Orphan Mitsuha Yamano simply desires to have a comfortable retirement, or a retirement at all. Despite being pushed off a cliff, she cleverly transforms this incident into a profitable endeavor.
While Selling 80,000 Gold is not the first anime to explore the concept of selling real-world conveniences in a fantasy world, it stands out by allowing the protagonist to convert fantasy gold into real currency. This enables her to retire both in the fantasy world and in reality. It may feature more combat than some viewers prefer, but Mitsuha's actions ultimately revolve around achieving her retirement dreams.
5 My Next Life As A Villainess
The action in My Next Life As A Villainess is heightened by its premise and origin world, yet it ultimately presents itself as a show with low energy. This romcom anime effectively diffuses tension through its distinct blend of humor, kindness, and the obliviousness of its main character.
The endearing nickname "Bakarina" given to Katarina Claes plays a significant role in grounding the anime and keeping it free from unnecessary drama. Despite her attempts to change her character's predetermined fate, Katarina approaches every situation practically and with a no-nonsense attitude. Her genuine and unaware personality consistently brings the series back to a relaxed and familiar state.
4 Isekai Izakaya "Nobu"
Although Restaurant In Another World and Isekai Izakaya share similar concepts, the latter has a distinct and inviting atmosphere. The izakaya setting significantly impacts the way characters interact with each other, influences the plot, and shapes the growth of the main character.
Nobuyuki Yazawa, the owner of Nobu and the story's protagonist, experiences personal development as both a business owner and a chef, thanks to his customers from the parallel world. These interactions teach him how to effectively pair alcohol with food, and he enhances his culinary skills to overcome challenges he previously faced in his former job. Meanwhile, viewers are treated to mouthwatering izakaya dishes and alcoholic beverages, reminiscent of what they might find at a local Japanese-style restaurant.
3 The Slime Diaries
Tensura is a gripping and high-stakes series, filled with tension and death. However, The Slime Diaries takes a different approach, offering a lighthearted and enjoyable experience. It showcases the cozy, laid-back, and humorous aspects of the main series through shorter episodes. While still capturing the essence of the original, it deviates from the strict four-panel format and expands on skits. This anime focuses on the day-to-day lives of the characters, providing glimpses of Rimuru's downtime, the villagers' routines, and revealing intricate details not found in the main storyline.
2 Ascendance Of A Bookworm
The plot of Ascendance of Bookworm becomes much more intricate in the later volumes of the light novel. However, in the early stages of the story, it revolves around the lighthearted tale of a bookworm's journey to read another book in their newfound life.
The anime adaptation condenses a significant amount of content from the light novel and alters it to be suitable for a younger audience. The approach taken makes it an enjoyable watch for adults who wish to introduce anime to their younger relatives or children they are taking care of, resembling the nostalgic vibes of Saturday morning cartoons. Adults can even acquire revised versions of the light novels that are specifically tailored for children.
1 I Shall Survive Using Potions!
FUNA, the author of Saving 80,000 Gold, has found success in the slice-of-life isekai genre with their latest work, I Shall Survive Using Potions! The story follows Kaoru Nagase, an overworked salarywoman, who yearns for a peaceful life after an accidental encounter with an inept being results in her disintegration.
Despite her efforts to remain inconspicuous, Kaoru constantly attracts trouble due to her adeptness at cheating. However, in her rare moments of respite from the perils of adventure, she wisely exploits her cheating abilities and business acumen. Fans eagerly anticipating the anime's release in 2023 can delve into the manga or light novel adaptation to gain a deeper understanding of the plot.