Slice of Life: The Underrated Genre | Guidable - Your Guide to a Sustainable, Wellbeing-centred Life in Japan
Slice of Life Manga

Slice of Life: The Underrated Genre

By Trang Mar 9, 2023

One of my go-to genres of manga and anime to read or watch during my free time when I want to relax is the Slice of Life genre. It may sound dull to watch. However, in this short article, I will explain why slice of life is my favourite genre of all time.

What Is Slice of Life?

First, we must understand what “Slice of Life” is about.

As you can see in the genre title, “slice of life” is like a play of words, as we can watch or see a part of someone’s daily routine. Furthermore, from my personal experience, slice of life features the character’s everyday perspective in the most “normal” and “natural” ways.

In the series, slice of life usually presents a sense of certain repetitive features. For example, maybe every episode is set in the same scene (a classroom, the character’s own room, or workplace) or revolves around the same topic, which you can tell from the series title.

Through the lens of the characters, we can understand many aspects of life in a unique yet so ordinary way.

slice of life section

Credit: Canva.com

Why Is It My Favorite?

The reason why I love watching or reading the slice of life genre is just as simple as the genre itself; it’s relaxing and calming.

During my free time, whenever I want to chill and relax, I usually get on Netflix and choose the slice of life option to feel at ease. As I have mentioned above, besides the pleasant factors of the genre itself, slice of life can give you various views from different perspectives.

Even though every episode has the same repetitive scenes and the same problem to counter, all of them are so different, and they have many diverse ways to solve the issue.

Why Is Slice of Life Underrated?

Why am I introducing you to this genre, you asked? To begin with, because of the straightforwardness of the genre, many series or films are fit for all ages, so you can enjoy watching slice of life anime with your family and friends.

Secondly, some of the series are super informative regarding specific topics; for example, many series introduce Japanese food throughout the episodes, so the viewer/reader can learn more about Japanese culture.

And lastly, as I said previously, slice of life is comforting to enjoy; although it doesn’t have many drama or action scenes, the genre still has that intangible factor that keeps us on edge.

Personal Slice of Life Recommendations

Here are some of my go-to choices that you should try:

Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge

slice of life manga

Credit: Amazon

The story revolves around the main character named Tanaka, who just wants a chill school life and doesn’t want to be bothered. But something will eventually happen to disrupt him whenever he is in his peaceful state. Let’s see how he deals with the problems in this series.

Manga: 13 volumes (finished)

Anime:

  • Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge: 12 episodes (finished)
  • Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge Specials: 7 shorts (finished)

I enjoy this series because of the comedic antics in the show and how Tanaka finds as many ways to be listless as possible.

Rokuhou-dou Yotsuiro Biyori

It is a series of four main characters helping each to maintain a small cafe in the corner. Throughout the series, we can see different views of various characters, their ups and downs, their struggles, and how they feel much better after a homey meal at the cafe.

Manga: 16 volumes (ongoing)

Anime: 12 episodes (finished)

Live Action: 10 episodes (finished)

Watching this series will definitely make your stomach grumble because of the beautifully drawn food. Also, you can learn a lot about Japan as the show is mainly about Japanese food and traditional Japanese sweets.

Asobi Asobase

Another series with the repetitive school scene involved three girls who created an after-school club to hang out and play various games with each other.

Manga: 15 volumes (finished)

Anime:

  • Asobi Asobase: 12 episodes (finished)
  • Asobi Asobase Specials: 2 shorts (finished)
  • Asobi Asobase: Cosplay Taikai/Otona no Watashi e: 1 short (finished)

I absolutely love this series. The character design and the comedic timing are just brilliant. Also, I really want to try some of the games they showed in the series with my friends. It will give you great relaxation after a stressful day. You can call this series “The Definition of ‘Don’t judge the book by its cover’”.

Gokushufudō

The series is about an ex-yakuza (Japanese mafia), now a devoted househusband. Every day, he makes food for his family, does chores, and helps the neighbourhood. Let’s see how he deals with daily life as a “normal” citizen.

Manga: 11 volumes (ongoing)

Anime: 15 episodes (ongoing)

Live Action:

  • Series: 10 episodes (finished)
  • A movie

The main character’s attempts to “fit in” are just so straightforward and comedic at the same time. The people interacting with him are just as confused when he approaches them. Yet, they are super patient and helpful toward the main character’s shenanigans.

Yuru Camp

reccomended slice of life

Credit: Official Website

The story is about camping-enthusiastic high school girls travelling around Japan during their breaks to learn more about camping and enjoy the peace of camping.

Manga:

  • Yuru Camp△: 14 volumes (ongoing)
  • Yuru Camp△ Anthology Comic: written by various artists (ongoing)

Anime:

  • Yuru Camp△: 2 seasons (season 3 is confirmed)
  • Yuru Camp△ Specials: 3 shorts (finished)
  • Heya Camp△: 12 shorts + special
  • Yuru Camp△ Movie

Another favourite series of mine. The series doesn’t just give lots of great camping tips; it also shows you many recipes to make during your trip, beautiful scenes of Japan that are drawn by the talented mangaka, and insights about the girls’ lives.

Will You Give Slice of Life A Chance?

Slice of Life is really nice to enjoy. As it will make you feel relaxed and feel at peace. Please watch or read the genre when you have free time!!!

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