5 Genuinely Relaxing Anime Shows
For those times when everything else feels like too much.
There is a sub-genre of slice-of-life anime known as Iyashikei. Works that fall under this label focus on providing a gentle experience. Watching shows of this nature leaves the viewer with relaxed feelings that can help heal and uplift one’s spirits.
There’s a distinctly different feeling to these kinds of shows compared to the average fare. Even if you’ve never watched anime before, these are all good shows to start with. For those times when you really need something gentle, or you just want to relax into a show that leaves you feeling light and good after watching it, here are a few recommendations.
Laid-Back Camp
Some fans like to call these kinds of shows “Cute Girls Doing Cute Things” and that’s pretty apt at describing Laid-Back Camp. A group of girls go on winter camping trips, and participate in a camping-related after school club. The humor and relaxing pace blends perfectly, and viewers get to see really nice artwork of beautiful nature scenes accompanied by a soothing soundtrack.
Those interested can watch it on Crunchyroll. There are 2 seasons at the time of writing, and also a side-story short 3-minute anime series called Room Camp, also available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Flying Witch
Join 15-year old Makoto Kowata and her cat Chito on a visit with her family for some relaxing witch training. This slice of life series mixes a bit of magic with everyday life to create a fun and easygoing atmosphere. There are some creative and imaginative aspects that will surprise and delight viewers.
There’s only a single season of the show at the time of writing, but it’s well worth the time for viewers who are looking for something relaxing. Flying Witch is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Non Non Biyori
A city girl moves to the countryside, and makes friends as she warms up to small town life in Non Non Biyori. Beautiful scenic artwork abounds, in a slow-paced feast for the senses. Reacquaint yourself with appreciation for the little things in life right along with the characters in the show as you enjoy each moment of the day, and each episode as well.
The series has 3 seasons presently for a total of 36 episodes. They are all currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
ARIA
ARIA The Animation has an interesting setting. Mars was terraformed, and transformed into Aqua — a planet full of shimmering waters. Professional gondoliers known as “Undine” guide people around the many canals of the Aqua city of Neo-Venezia. Akari Mizunashi leaves her life in “Manhome” behind to pursue the craft of an Undine at the renowned Aria Company.
The series is available to watch on Crunchyroll, and includes ARIA The Animation (Season 1), ARIA The Natural (Season 2) and the third season ARIA The Origination.
Natsume’s Book Of Friends
Natsume Takashi is a young man who has been able to see spirits since childhood. It has caused him some difficulties in the past, but as he matures, he begins to come to terms with his ability. When an old book he inherits from his grandmother turns out to be connected to the spirits, he begins a journey of self-discovery and gains new understanding and appreciation for the world around him.
Natsume’s Book of Friends is an excellent show that reminds all of us about what’s really important in life, and how to be better people by connecting in simple but profound ways. The series can be viewed on Crunchyroll, but it is broken up into multiple parts. Seasons 1–3 are on a single page, and the others have their own pages. You can find them here: Season 4, Season 5, Season 6.
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