We have prepared a list for those who want to escape into a cozy fictional world.
Fans of anime, who call it the most advanced of all arts, are often put off by the fact that there is nothing particularly original about the format.
Action and drama, science fiction and fantasy are made all over the world, including animation. But Japan has its own special genres. A striking example is Iyashikei.
1. Heaven's Design Team, 2021
The opening tells us that on the fifth day, the Creator got tired of His great creations: He came up with land, water, plants, sky, light, and stars, and invited contractors for the animals.
The Heaven's Design Department is responsible for the development of fish, birds, mammals and reptiles – the whole variety of fauna was invented by these guys.
Instead of project managers, anime has angels. Through them, the client says "Approved!" in his divine language and sends another successful zoo ship into the vastness of the planet.
2. K-On!, 2009-2010
Modern TV shows about teenagers are filled with action and sometimes excessive drama. In reality, most teenagers live normal lives.
Movies, games, classes, walks around the neighborhood after school, fun at the mall or at home – these are the usual teenage scenarios. And in K-On! the characters do just that: study, drink tea, go for walks, make jokes, and occasionally perform on stage as part of their music group.
3. Polar Bear's Café, 2012-2013
A polar bear migrated from Canada to the Japanese outback and opened a cafe near the zoo. The tables are never empty – among the regulars, the penguin, the lama and the lazy panda regularly have long conversations about life.
There are people in the cafe, too. For example, the hard working waitress Sasako. Watching the orange sunsets, listening to the polar bear's puns, basking in the cozy, sunny atmosphere – it pays to spend a few evenings with the series.
4. Barakamon, 2014
Barakamon is one of the bright representatives of the Iyashikei genre. Its minimalist plot is tailored for quiet contemplation. Professional calligrapher Handa reacted aggressively to criticism of his work and was exiled to a modest village on a remote island.
Moving to the wilderness is not easy for the man. But you don't have to worry about him: the villagers, for whom the visit of the calligrapher from Tokyo is a very noticeable event, won't let Handa get bored and write hieroglyphics alone.
5. Laid-Back Camp, 2018-2024
High school girls go camping – a plot more suited to a drawing than a TV series. But that's the secret of Laid-Back Camp: a hypnotic image of clear lakes, green mountains, and soft mists envelops the viewer with coziness, making you forget the real world.
The main characters travel to real campsites in Japan and give very applicable tips about living in a tent. They show how to pitch a tent and what to pack in a hiking backpack.
To make it easier for viewers to identify with the characters, the manga author added a new girl to the company: Nadeshiko doesn't know much about camping yet, but she already has a great love for outdoor adventures.