10 Best Laidback Slice-Of-Life Anime To Relax You

The diversity of genres within the world of anime are just part of what makes the medium so fun to watch, and slice-of-life anime are no exception. Often following characters through their daily activities, slice-of-life stories are the perfect low-stakes watch for some relaxation.

Adding to this laidback feel, there’s even a sub-genre of slice-of-life anime, iyashikei, which can be translated to mean “healing,” in which peaceful stories and settings are intended to have a calming or healing effect on viewers. Whether a part of the iyashikei sub-genre or not though, slice-of-life anime are united by their focus on the characters’ actions and connections over any demanding plot.

Flying Witch (2016) – Stream On Crunchyroll

Flying Witch is an iyashikei anime that follows Makoto, a young witch who, at the start of the story, moves to live with her relatives in the Aomori prefecture as part of her training. The series follows her new life there in a way that’s both comedic and heartwarming.

A perfect choice for fans of Kiki’s Delivery Service, Flying Witch showcases the small quirks of Makoto’s witchcraft and how it evolves as she spends time with her family and friends. Focusing on life’s small pleasures amongst beautiful scenery, every Flying Witch episode is full of comfort.

Restaurant To Another World (2017 – 2021) – Stream On Funimation

One of the best food-related anime to be released in recent years, Restaurant To Another World is set in a restaurant that, once a week, secretly opens its doors to a magical realm, serving up great food to mythical creatures like elves and mermaids.

Whilst this series does make use of many fantasy and isekai genre traditions, its ultimate focus is on the personal stories of the restaurant’s staff and customers, rather than their heroic exploits. With its mouthwatering dishes and sense of escapism, Restaurant To Another World is a fantastic blend of genres.

Diary Of Our Days At The Breakwater (2020) – Stream On Funimation

Following a trend in slice-of-life anime that focuses on characters discovering a new hobby, Diary Of Our Days At The Breakwater sees protagonist Hina moving back to her old hometown, where she both reconnects with a childhood friend and joins her school’s fishing club.

Each episode has Hina and her fellow club members either going fishing or gathering supplies to do so, and whilst such a concept could sound boring, the series’ focus on Hina’s friendships and developing affinity for her club, as she overcomes her fears, makes for a laidback, sweet watch.

Sweetness And Lightning (2016) – Stream On Crunchyroll

With a reputation as one of the best anime about parenting, Sweetness and Lightning may not initially seem like a relaxing watch, particularly when coupled with the fact that its set-up has protagonist, Kōhei, looking after his young daughter, Tsumugi, after the death of his wife, but the story’s focus on the pair’s wholesome bond outweighs its heavier moments.

Following Kōhei’s decision to learn how to cook nourishing meals for his daughter, and with the assistance of high schooler and fantastic cook, Kotori, Sweetness and Lightning is a gentle anime that thrives on showing the benefits of a great home-cooked meal.

Laid-Back Camp (2018 – 2021) – Stream On Crunchyroll

Laid-Back Camp (sometimes also known as Yuru Camp) is a series that follows a group of friends on their camping adventures, led by newbie, Nadeshiko, and longtime solo-camper, Rin. Nadeshiko’s outgoing nature works as a great contrast to Rin’s introverted personality, and the two learn a lot from one another on each trip they take.

Characterized by its cozy atmosphere, beautiful scenery and dedication to quiet moments of perfection, whether found in the food the campers make or the hot springs they visit, Laid-Back Camp is an iyashikei anime that perfectly showcases the benefits of the outdoors.

K-On! (2009 – 2010) – Stream On Hulu

An anime that passes the Bechdel Test with flying colors, K-On! centers around a group of girls that join their school’s light music club to stop it from disbanding, and then form a band and develop their musical style.

A well-known series with plenty to satisfy both comedy and musical anime fans, K-On!’s friendship dynamics are also very memorable. Though some plot points carry over multiple episodes, as a slice-of-life this anime, it is also notable for having great seasonal episodes, perfect to watch for both the summer and winter months.

Aria (2005 – 2008) – Stream On Funimation

Aria is a fantastical slice-of-life anime series set in the city of Neo-Venezia, a futuristic place on the planet Aqua. It follows new arrival, Akari, as she strives to become a tour guide and gondolier (a gondola operator), learning about her dream career and the history of her new home.

Though Aria is significantly longer in terms of episodes than many slice-of-life series, its unhurried pace keeps the watching experience laidback. Its unique setting makes every episode interesting, whilst the accompanying soundtrack acts as a perfect addition to the show’s feel.

Let’s Make A Mug Too (2021) – Stream On Crunchyroll

An anime featuring an obscure but fun club, Let’s Make a Mug Too focuses on Himeno, who moves with her father to the city where her mother was from. Having lost her mother when she was young, Himeno is surprised to learn that she was an incredibly talented pottery maker, and so she joins her school’s pottery club.

With fantastic characters and a particular concentration on Mino ware pottery, Let’s Make a Mug Too is a fabulous story about reconnection that also teaches the audience in a gentle way, and will have viewers longing to join a pottery class.

Barakamon (2014) – Stream On Funimation

Barakamon follows a young professional calligrapher, Seishu Handa, who is sent by his father to live on a small island after having an angry outburst at someone who criticized his calligraphy style. Whilst there, Seishu meets a whole host of delightful villagers and continues to develop his skills as a calligrapher.

One of the villagers that Seishu meets is a young girl named Naru, whose energetic and inquisitive personality is a direct contrast to Seishu’s own. Barakamon showcases Seishu’s evolving connection to both his craft and the new people he meets, with both comedy and lightness.

Non Non Biyori (2013 – 2021) – Buy On Apple TV

Perhaps one of the most well-known slice-of-life series, Non Non Biyori takes place in a small countryside village and follows the daily life of new resident, Hotaru, alongside her new friends, where the total student population is just five.

Another iyashikei story, Non Non Biyori follows Hotaru and friends as they navigate life in such a rural area, where many of the nearest shops are miles away, and shows how they fill their time surrounded by nature.

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