Iyashikei is a genre of anime that is progressively gaining popularity, but there are still a lot of hidden treasures that go unnoticed.
Iyashikei, or “healing” anime, is a type of animation that uses tranquil and frequently heartwarming stories to relax the audience. These programmes are intended to be soothing, something to watch after a long and stressful day.
While some iyashikei titles are well-known, such as Laid-Back Camp and Natsume’s Book of Friends, there are plenty of hidden gems to be discovered. A few lesser-known examples of this soothing genre are listed below.
My Roommate Is a Cat is a Warming Companionship Story
Subaru, a writer suffering from debilitating anxiety, and his recently adopted cat Haru are the subjects of My Roommate Is a Cat. The first half of each episode is recounted from Subaru’s point of view, while the second half is narrated from Haru’s, giving viewers a good sense of the human-cat bond as it develops.
Subaru and Haru are still mourning the death of their families, but they find solace in each other and the numerous friends they make along the journey. It’s a lovely series about learning to grieve appropriately and opening up to new experiences and camaraderie at its core.
Crunchyroll and Funimation both have My Roommate Is a Cat accessible for streaming.
Poco’s Udon World Is a Heartfelt Single Parenting Story
Souta returns to his hometown to attend his father’s funeral when he encounters an apparently homeless child who turns out to be a tanuki. After providing him with a place to stay, the titular Poco develops a strong bond with Souta, who easily assumes the role of a parent figure for the little tanuki.
Despite Poco’s magical roots, Poco’s Udon World chronicles Souta’s journey toward adulthood and single parenthood, portraying it in a way that is remarkably believable. There’s also udon to consider. Loads and lots of delectable-looking, meticulously animated udon.
Crunchyroll has Poco’s Udon World available to watch.
Kamichu! is a related topic. Is an Underappreciated but Endearing Iyashikei Anime Series
Kimi to Boku (You and Me) Is a Classic Young Adulthood Experience
You and Me is about a group of childhood friends: Shun, who is sweet, Kaname, who is serious, and Yuki and Yuta, who are laid-back twins. Later, they are joined by Chizuru, a hyperactive half-German, half-Japanese transfer student who manages to blend in seamlessly with the established circle of longstanding friends.
The five spend the rest of their high school years falling in love, bickering, and joking around with one another. It’s the epitome of youth at its pinnacle, poised on the cusp between young maturity and full-fledged adulthood. It’s a slow-paced coming-of-age story with little action, just lads being boys in the most innocent way possible.
Crunchyroll has You and Me available to watch.
Tanaka-kun Is Constantly Bored
The title character Tanaka is a slacker who strives to put up the least amount of effort possible in his life. He’s been lucky and become best friends with Oota, the nicest kid in school, who is virtually his polar opposite in almost every way. Oota is powerful and driven, but Tanaka is weak and apathetic. They make for a distinct set of protagonists because they operate well as a contrasting duo.
Miyano, an energetic girl who idolises Tanaka, Echizen, a delinquent with a secret heart of gold, and Shiraishi, the seemingly flawless class representative, join them. Tanaka and his friends are followed in each episode as they navigate through school life, with Tanaka avoiding as much work as possible and his friends making do. Nothing occurs in the end, and Tanaka wouldn’t have it any other way.
Crunchyroll has Tanaka-kun Is Always Listless available for streaming.
