Best Healing Iyashikei Anime

Like most entertainment mediums, anime can elicit a wide spectrum of emotions and reactions. Aching for a scare? Then watch Shiki or Another. In need of a good laugh? Gintama, Asobi Asobase, and Azumanga Daioh exist. Feel like a cry? Your Lie in April and Clannad Afterstory should be able to help. There is an anime for every circumstance, but what about when someone just wants to feel at peace?

Well, that’s where iyashikei comes in. Known as healing anime, these movies and shows are typically slice-of-life stories with calming content and plenty of depictions of nature. Stripped of any significant tension or outlandish comedy, the best iyashikei anime nourish the heart and mind.

Updated January 8, 2025, by Mark Sammut: Glancing at the Winter 2025 anime lineup, iyashikei stories do not seem to be that present. That said, Okitsura and Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf! should be decent options since they revolve around characters exploring Japanese culture. If does two shows do not hit the mark, fans can check out some older iyashikei anime.

21

Mr. Villain’s Day Off

Not Every Day Can Be About Taking Over The World

Mr. Villain’s Day Off has an inspired premise for an iyashikei anime: A sentai baddie needs time off just like everybody else. Warumono-san is in charge of subjugating the Earth, a goal that is not easy to achieve due to some Japanese heroes. While he works hard for most of the week, Warumono always makes sure to dedicate one day to relaxation, which often involves walking among humans and going to a zoo to see the pandas.

While arguably not showing enough of the protagonist’s work life to create a strong contrast with his rest periods, Mr. Villain’s Day Off still works as a lighthearted series that does not take itself seriously. Warumono is pretty cool as well, with seemingly nothing fazing him.

20

Encouragement of Climb

A Slow But Rewarding Climb

Encouragement of Climb can fill a similar void as a few more popular slice of life anime, especially Laid-Back Camp. Both series focus on a group of girls who connect through a shared passion, with the protagonist being fairly new to the activity. In the case of Encouragement of Climb‘s Aoi, she used to love mountaineering when she was a child, only to turn against it due to a fear of heights. The anime chronicles her attempts to return to this hobby, following her inspirational journey.

While generally quite relaxing, Encouragement of Climb does not shy away from the challenges synonymous with taking on these types of hikes, and disappointment is part of the experience. Still, the characters are relentlessly likable, and they are aided by consistently great animation.

Hey, Life Is Not Solely About Battles To The Death

Fate, in general, is about as far removed from iyashikei as a franchise gets; however, its popularity pretty much guaranteed the creation of a slice of life spin-off. Rather than battle royales, conflicting ideologies, and bloodbaths, Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family simply follows Shirou as he showcases Japan’s famous foods to beloved Fate characters, specifically focusing on the Fate/stay night cast.

While familiarity with the mainline entries is recommended, Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family can still be enjoyed as an isolated experience, particularly for viewers craving an anime that focuses on food.

18

Tanaka-kun Is Always Listless

Tanaka Moves At His Own Relaxed Pace

Although most school comedies fall within slice of life territory, very few can be truly defined as iyashikei. In many ways, Tanaka-kun is Always Listless has most of the ingredients associated with something like The Daily Lives of High School Boys, particularly when it comes to its secondary characters. However, the anime sets itself apart in one key area: its protagonist. Tanaka-kun’s goal in life is to simply do nothing.

He yearns to sleep in class, prefers to not walk unless necessary, and avoids drama at all costs. More importantly, he pursues this dream with everything he has. Tanaka-kun’s personality echoes throughout the show, to the point that even the art style has a vibrancy reminiscent of nature despite the fact the anime takes place within an urban environment.

17

Anima Yell!

An Uplifting & Tension-Free Sports Anime

Sports anime are not great candidates for iyashikei since there is usually a competitive element to their stories. Anima Yell! is the exception as it centers around a cheerleader club whose main priority is to spread good vibes and make a few friends along the way.

While there is a tournament towards the end of the season, it isn’t treated like the be-all and end-all. For those looking for a relaxing sports anime, Anima Yell! should not be missed.

16

Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You

A Wholesome Marriage

Known as the romance anime that starts with its couple getting married, Tonikawa‘s reputation can be a touch misleading since Nasa and Tsukasa are essentially strangers when they tie the knot. Consequently, their relationship moves at a very slow pace since they are still getting to know each other. Still, due to their circumstances, their dynamic develops quite a bit, and they spend time with each other doing fairly mundane everyday things.

Going by the currently adapted content, Tonikawa is a (mostly) carefree slice of life story revolving around two incredibly likable characters who are adorable together. Tsukasa tends to steal the limelight with her sharp wit, but Nasa is also a shining light and one of the best male leads in the romance anime genre. Tonikawa is pure wholesome fluff.

15

Teasing Master Takagi-san

Cute Teasing & Character Development

Teasing Master Takagi-san is about two middle school students who engage in a seemingly endless (and harmless) war, with one side of the battlefield generally winning most of the conflicts. These challenges are presented as short skits, and while the pranks do drive the story to an extent, the anime is essentially a slow-burning romance featuring two charming and innocent characters.

Even though Takagi knows exactly what to do and say to push Nishikata’s buttons, her teasing is never mean-spirited or aggressive, which makes the series a pleasant watch rather than a potentially uncomfortable one. Teasing Master Takagi-san also gets better with each new cour, although the anime can be frustrating to watch since the three seasons are on different streaming platforms.

14

School Babysitters

Family Bonds & Friendship

School Babysitters is the definition of cute and wholesome. Except for the main brothers’ depressing backstory, the anime mostly revolves around a school’s daycare that asks its students to take turns babysitting each other’s young siblings. That generally covers each episode, and the season does not have an overarching story, which is standard practice for a slice of life iyashikei anime.

School Babysitters does a great job of defining its characters’ personalities, ensuring they are unique enough to allow for fun dynamics to flourish between them. Even the babies are personable and have more to offer than just naturally adorable designs. The anime touches upon themes of family, friendship, and responsibility, all the while maintaining a light and relaxing tone.

13

Aria The Animation

A Scenic Journey Through A Beautiful City

A classic series that is still ongoing, Aria the Animation takes place on a distant planet that also feels somewhat familiar. Clearly inspired by Venice, Aria is set on Mars and follows a group of women who serve as gondoliers.

Slow-paced and splendidly animated, Aria warmly guides viewers through its lovely scenery while touching upon the lives of its strong cast of characters. The music is also fantastic, perfectly complementing the anime’s visuals and carefree mood.

12

Girls’ Last Tour

A Healing Anime Set After The End Of The World

Iyashikei is about tone, not setting. Sure, it makes sense to set this type of story in a small village deep in the mountains; however, there is nothing that forbids the subgenre from going all post-apocalyptic. Girls’ Last Tour presents an utterly devastated world set after the collapse of civilization, and it follows two girls named Yuuri and Chito.

Humanity may lie in ruin but that doesn’t mean Girls’ Last Tour‘s protagonists cannot choose to live. Following the everyday lives of Yuuri and Chito, the anime is oddly uplifting, sweet, and hopeful; it just happens to be set in a really grim climate.

11

Flying Witch

Supernatural Healing Anime

As part of her witch training, Makoto moves to Hirosaki, a city in Aomori, to make it on her own (alongside some family members). Flying Witch perfectly captures the spirit of living in a relatively large but quiet city, a fact enhanced by its lovable and down-to-earth characters.

Makoto’s earnest nature makes her an instantly likable lead, and she is added by her energetic cousin, Chinatsu, and outgoing sister, Akane. Flying Witch‘s backgrounds and scenery are nothing short of gorgeous.

10

Slow Loop

A Fishing Anime That Feeds The Soul

Slow Loop is about fishing and friendship, two things that go surprisingly well together. As their parents have gotten together, Hiyori and Koharu are now step-siblings, and the children form a bond over the former’s love of fly-fishing. Inspired by its central activity, this anime maintains a steady, relaxed pace, albeit one punctuated with refreshing moments of comedy and even drama.

Slow Loop dives deep into the art of fishing, and these sequences are quite interesting since they reflect Hiyori’s passion for the hobby. The series does not neglect its characters and central relationships either, both of which are given ample time to blossom.

9

Play It Cool, Guys

Iyashikei Anime About Awkwardly Cool Guys

Play It Cool, Guys is just pleasant. The anime follows a group of guys who steadily become buddies during a series of clumsy but charming interactions. They all have a habit of overthinking situations as they try to act as appropriately as possible, which usually results in awkward but harmless moments. Despite the all-male cast, the anime does not have Boys Love subtext, which is refreshing since there are not all that many shows about mature guys (or women, to be frank) who are just trying to make friends.

Pierrot’s art style boasts soft colors that echo the iyashikei anime‘s relaxed and carefree tone, ensuring none of the episodes have anything resembling tension. Even the “embarrassing” misunderstandings are so minor that they are cute and funny rather than cringe-worthy. At just 11 minutes per episode, Play It Cool, Guys is the perfect anime to throw on as a palette cleanser in between action-packed thrillers.

8

Bunny Drop

A Beautiful & Moving Anime

At first, Production I.G’s Bunny Drop might seem like a terrible pick for an iyashikei recommendation since the first episode is a whirlwind of emotions, most of which are not positive. However, the anime finds a lovely rhythm after that point, gradually transforming into a wholesome slice of life. An adult with little direction or motivation, Daikichi decides to adopt his grandfather’s illegitimate daughter, Rin, after witnessing the rest of his family’s treatment of her.

Naturally, Daikichi and Rin are initially awkward around each other since they are strangers, and they both have a lot to learn about their new roles (particularly Daikichi). Bunny Drop explores the trials, tribulations, and joys of family. The anime dives into the challenges of adoption, while also just allowing the two leads to gradually grow comfortable with each other.

7

My New Boss Is Goofy

Healing And Moving Forward

Most iyashikei anime are healing stories for the audience, not so much the characters; however, exceptions exist. One of the better slice of life anime of 2023, My New Boss is Goofy follows Kentarou as he starts a new job at a marketing firm. While capable, his confidence is non-existent due to suffering abuse at the hands of his previous boss, leaving him traumatized and terrified that the same thing might happen under his new supervisor. Thankfully, Kentarou finds himself working with Yuusei, a wholesome guy who shows genuine care for his colleague while regularly affirming his potential.

My New Boss is Goofy crafts a cozy work environment filled with people who just want to do their best, not only for themselves but also for everyone around them. Although slightly repetitive, the humor is endearing and painless.

6

Mushi-shi

Observing Nature & Myth

Mushi are spirits that exist unseen by humans; they are not malevolent or purposefully dangerous, but they can unwittingly cause problems. Ginko’s role is to travel across Japan and provide assistance in situations when Mushi and humans are struggling to co-exist.

This premise could easily describe a shonen or action series, but Mushi-shi opts for something far more meditative. Mainly set in nature, Mushi-shi is often happy to just observe the Mushi, allowing these natural entities to simply be. It makes for a rich experience.

5

Barakamon

Resetting On A Remote But Lively Island

When Seishu Handa reacts poorly to a negative review of his latest calligraphy drawing, the young artist is sent by his father to the isolated Goto Island. Initially, Seishu hates everything about this move, especially since the locals seem incapable of not disrupting his work. However, Seishu loosens up before long.

Barakamon is hilarious, more so than the average iyashikei anime. While the laughs are plentiful, they stem from a place of unbridled positivity and growth, particularly once Seishu’s early angst subsides.

4

My Neighbor Totoro

A Studio Ghibli Iyashikei Anime Masterpiece

In a filmography that consists of almost nothing but masterpieces, Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro still stands out as being something extra special. The definitive iyashikei movie, Studio Ghibli’s 1988 classic follows a family as they move to the countryside so that a family member can heal.

My Neighbor Totoro is literally about the “healing” power of nature, and the anime’s tone, aesthetic, and pacing reflect this premise. While overflowing with magic, this movie is personal and modest rather than epic and grand.

3

Laid-Back Camp

Japan’s Natural Beauty

Laid-Back Camp follows a group of teenagers as they travel to different campsites in Japan, specifically the Yamanashi Prefecture. Be it Asagiri Plateau, Lake Shibire, or Yanahime Shrine, Laid-Back Camp meticulously and lovingly animates natural attractions from this area of the country.

The anime serves as a fantastic advertisement for these places while offering a means to witness their beauty for those who cannot make the journey. The characters are also very endearing, particularly Nadeshiko and Rin.

Be warned – this anime might induce a sudden urge to go camping.

2

Natsume’s Book of Friends

An Anime About Healing From Past Trauma

Natsume can see spirits and inherits a book from his grandmother containing the names of many different yokai. This grants Natsume power over these spirits; however, the teenager opts to return these names rather than use them for personal gain.

While not entirely devoid of intense or distressing moments, Natsume’s Book of Friends is mostly a slice-of-life anime about a protagonist who is slowly recovering following years of hardship. Natsume’s relationship with the spirit Madara is delightful and changes quite a bit throughout the many seasons. The anime generally sticks to a slow and deliberate pace, with Natsume allowing things to come to him rather than directly pursuing them.