The Ultimate Slice of Life Anime Guide (2023)

Anime has gained immense popularity over the years with shows like Dragon Ball and One Piece being widely known. However, even the most action-oriented anime fans can appreciate a simple story about the daily lives of the characters they love. The slice of life genre offers a range of content, from hilarious comedic moments to serious drama and even a bit of romance, catering to viewers' preferences. Some shows in this genre have been deemed the cream of the crop and are more likely to be enjoyed by those who give them a chance.

The Spring 2023 season is shaping up to be fantastic and diverse, with shows catering to action, romance, sci-fi, comedy, harem, isekai, and fantasy fans. However, the slice of life genre seems to be an exception this season. Although some shows incorporate elements of slice of life, they are mostly defined by other genres. According to MyAnimeList, there are no representatives of the slice of life genre in Spring 2023.

Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope for slice of life fans in Spring 2023 with Skip and Loafer. Produced by P.A. Works and available to stream on Crunchyroll, this show follows Mitsumi Iwakura, an ambitious teenager who moves from her rural home to Tokyo to attend high school. Mitsumi is academically prepared but underestimates the challenges of city life, which becomes clear to her on her first day of school. Skip and Loafer captures Mitsumi's journey of adapting to her new surroundings, making friends, and facing the challenges of adolescence. It is not a static show and offers a realistic exploration of adolescent life, making it an excellent slice of life anime.

The anime "Edomae Elf" is produced by C2C and can be streamed on HIDIVE. The story follows Elda, an elf who has isolated herself in a shrine due to a past negative experience. She only interacts with the shrine maiden, currently Koito Koganei, who tries to push Elda out of her comfort zone. The show's lighthearted tone centers on the two friends' unorthodox dynamic, with Elda's otaku interests serving as a safety blanket and Koito trying to help her take risks and grow. Despite Elda's likable nature, her reluctance to try new things can at times frustrate Koito, who only wants the best for her friend.

Season 2 of "Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You," titled "Tonikaku Kawaii 2nd Season," is produced by Seven Arcs and can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

Tonikawa is a unique take on the romance genre, as it follows the daily lives of a newlywed couple, Nasa and Tsukasa, rather than focusing on the typical ups and downs of a romantic relationship. The show has a slice of life feel, showcasing the everyday bliss of the couple without trying to change or grow their relationship. While the pair does face some challenges, the show quickly returns to highlighting their endearing chemistry. Tonikawa is a heartwarming and wholesome anime, with plenty of cute and awkward moments that are sure to charm its audience.

If you're looking for more great slice of life anime, School Babysitters is a fantastic choice. While it begins with a tragic backstory, the series quickly settles into a heartwarming and funny tale about brothers babysitting their siblings at their school. The anime features a cast of lovable characters, including many adorable toddlers, and provides plenty of laughs and touching moments. Another great slice of life anime to check out is YuruYuri: Happy Go Lucky, which follows the daily lives of a group of friends in their school's Amusement Club. With its charming characters and delightful humor, YuruYuri is sure to leave you feeling happy-go-lucky.

Studios

Doga Kobo, TYO Animations

Where to Stream

Crunchyroll, Tubi (Seasons 1 & 2)

One of the most popular subgenres of slice of life anime is the "cute girls doing cute things" trope, and YuruYuri initially appears to be a typical example of this type of story. The show brings together four girls with stereotypical personalities and doesn't do much with them for most of its first season.

However, things quickly take a turn for the better as YuruYuri introduces more secondary characters, each with their own unique quirks and crushes on each other. The show's humor stays consistently funny, and it becomes progressively weirder with each passing episode.

March Comes In Like a Lion is a stunning anime with breathtaking animation, realistic characters, and thoughtful writing. While it's certainly worth watching for its high quality, the show's focus on depression and shogi in the first season may not be what everyone is looking for in a slice of life series. The second season is particularly strong, but it can also be emotionally taxing at times, making March Comes In Like a Lion feel more like a drama with slice of life elements than the other way around.

Title: Komi-san wa, Comyushou desu.

Studio: OLM

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Komi Can't Communicate is back with its second season this Spring 2022. The series has established itself as one of the best slice of life anime in recent years. The story follows Shoko Komi, who suffers from severe social anxiety and has lived most of her life in isolation. Her silence is often misinterpreted as snobbishness or aloofness. In high school, Komi resolves to make a hundred friends and sets on a journey that begins with her befriending the unpopular Hitohito Tadano.

The show is an uplifting tale that provides a realistic glimpse into the world of anxiety, particularly in the initial episodes. Komi and Tadano's friendship is heartwarming, and it opens up the path for the introduction of more quirky characters.

Title: Lucky Star

Studio: Kyoto Animation

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

Lucky Star is a classic slice of life anime series that centers around four high school girls and their daily lives. The show is known for its humorous take on everyday situations and its unique animation style. With Kyoto Animation at its helm, Lucky Star is a must-watch for slice of life anime fans. It is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Compared to other slice of life anime, Lucky Star's impact on the genre is undeniable as it helped establish a so-called "cute girls doing cute things" formula that is still utilized to this day. However, when revisiting the series, it can feel unoriginal and slow-paced. The characters, particularly Konata Izumi and Kagami, are the show's strongest points and provide the majority of the humor. It's important to note that the first episode may not be the best representation of the anime's potential.

If you're looking for a heartwarming and peaceful anime, Natsume's Book of Friends is the perfect choice. The story follows Natsume, a boy who can see Yokai, as he inherits a book from his grandmother that contains the names of various spirits. Rather than using the book to control the Yokai, Natsume decides to free them by returning their names. This unique twist sets Natsume's Book of Friends apart from other action-packed anime series. The show's slow and calm pace, coupled with occasional bursts of drama and violence, creates a tranquil and elegant viewing experience. You can stream Natsume's Book of Friends on Crunchyroll.

Japanese Title

Working!!

Studio

A-1 Pictures

Where to Stream

N/A

Working!! is an anime that takes a unique spin on the service industry job experience. It features a cast of quirky coworkers who engage in silly antics that will keep you entertained throughout the series. From a floor chief who swings a katana around to a waitress who constantly messes up orders, the characters in this anime will make you laugh and enjoy every moment. Although it is not available for streaming, it is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a good comedy series.

Maison Ikkoku is a classic '70s anime that has inspired many slice of life shows that followed. The anime is named after a boarding house where the story takes place, and it revolves around the romantic relationship between Yuusaku Godai and Kyoko Otonashi, the new manager of the boarding house. The quirky and amusing tenants of the house add to the light-hearted moments and make the blossoming love story between Yuusaku and Kyoko even more special.

Horimiya was the most-watched romantic comedy debut ever, winning the hearts of fans with its relatable and charming characters. As a slice of life show, it manages to avoid the forced drama that plagues other romances, giving viewers a refreshing and down-to-earth experience. Plus, it has some surprisingly spicy moments that add an extra layer of excitement. You can catch Horimiya on Crunchyroll or Hulu.

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid stands out from other slice of life anime with its unique premise of a human living with dragons. The show manages to balance its comedy and heartwarming moments, making it a delightful watch. Kobayashi's character arc of opening up and forming connections with the dragons is a joy to see unfold. Plus, the animation from Kyoto Animation is stunning as always.

Clannad and its sequel, Clannad: After Story, are regarded as cornerstone anime in the slice of life genre. Based on a 2004 visual novel, the anime follows Tomoya Okazaki, a high school student who tends to get involved with girls who have problems. While the first season is a decent slice of life drama that introduces the main characters, Clannad: After Story shows Tomoya and Nagisa's lives after high school. Unlike most slice of life anime that focus on childhood or adolescence, Clannad goes beyond that and depicts its characters' growth, change, love, and loss. In short, Clannad is an emotional rollercoaster that occasionally inspires tears.

When it comes to slice of life anime, viewers often expect light and carefree stories that provide a temporary escape from the struggles of everyday life. These shows usually feature relatable characters that are idealized versions of ourselves, in schools without bullying, romances without strife, and friend groups without conflict. However, Girls' Last Tour takes a completely different approach. Set in a post-apocalyptic world long after humanity's downfall, the show follows two girls as they try to survive each day and make their way to the city's highest level. While their journey provides them with a vague purpose, they are under no illusion that it will lead to the revival of civilization. Girls' Last Tour is a melancholic, hopeless, yet unforgettable story that stands out from the typical slice of life genre.

K-On!

Studio

Kyoto Animation

Where to Stream

Netflix, Hulu

Similar to Azumanga Daioh, K-On! follows a group of high school girls as they navigate their school days and form a music club. While the plot may seem simplistic, the characters are anything but one-dimensional.

Each girl has their own unique personality and interests, and the show does an excellent job of exploring their individual growth and development. K-On! also features some fantastic music, which adds to the overall charm of the series.

Overall, K-On! is a heartwarming and entertaining anime that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.