Summary
- Takeaway 1: Non Non Biyori offers a peaceful rural life - a relaxing experience exploring rural life and joyful differences.
- Takeaway 2: Little Witch Academia is a wholesome journey of growth - watching Atsuko overcome challenges and reach her goals is enjoyable and uplifting.
- Takeaway 3: K-On! brings people together through music - the main heroines work together, have fun, and never fail to bring a smile to viewers' faces.
While everyone can appreciate a good intricate story with surprising twists and captivating action, sometimes one needs nothing but a wholesome anime, especially after a bad day. These are the types of shows that are guaranteed to make viewers forget about their worries and concerns, taking a moment to truly relax and remember how simple life can be.
In stark contrast with the epic sagas that take viewers on long, complicated journeys, these shows are laid-back and slow-paced, seeking not to tell a story of grandiose proportions or uniquely creative concepts, but rather to just give them the opportunity to sit back and unwind. No matter what one may be going through, these wholesome titles are sure to prove uplifting and inspiring.
10 Non Non Biyori Offers the Peaceful Rural Life
Production Studio: Silver Link
Non Non Biyori is one of the most well-known iyashikei and cottagecore titles for good reason. The story follows Hotaru Ichijou, as she leaves the busy life of Tokyo together with her family, moving to a small town in the countryside. Everything here is different from what she's used to, but these differences prove to be a source of joy rather than frustration.
Watching Hotaru as she learns about rural life and explores it with the ever-curious Renge Miyauchi and the friendly Koshigaya siblings makes Non Non Biyori one of the most relaxing experiences the medium has to offer.
9 Little Witch Academia Is a Wholesome Journey of Growth
Production Studio: Trigger
Little Witch Academia follows Atsuko Kagari on her journey to become a witch after being inspired by the renowned Shiny Chariot during one of her spectacular performances. Unfortunately, even while attending the Luna Nova Magical Academy, a prestigious school for ambitious young witches, she is often at a disadvantage because of her non-magical background, thus having to work harder to keep up.
While Atsuko's path may often prove to be perilous, watching her take on challenges and work hard to reach her goals is always enjoyable, and Little Witch Academia's fantastical setting and colorful art further complement the uplifting ambiance.
8 K-On!'s Music Brings People Together
Production Studio: Kyoto Animation
As one of the most popular shows of the Cute Girls Doing Cute Things sub-genre, K-On! truly lives up to the theme it is emblematic of. The story revolves around an ordinary school's Light Music Club, wherein girls learn to make music together. Some, like Mio Akiyama, are more experienced and act as guides, while others, like Yui Hirasawa, have no experience with musical instruments, having to learn from scratch.
In spite of their different musical abilities and personalities, though, the main heroines of K-On! manage to work together and have fun, never failing to bring a smile to viewers' faces.
7 Hinamatsuri's Odd Couple are Hilarious and Wholesome
Production Studio: Feel
While Hinamatsuri's premise is one of the strangest ones in the genre, the show is certain to turn any skeptical viewer into a passionate fan. The story follows two main characters: Hina, a girl with mysterious origins and strange supernatural powers, and Yoshifumi Nitta, a yakuza who suddenly finds Hina in his room one day. Due to Hina's potentially destructive powers, Yoshifumi decides to look after her, which marks the beginning of their life together.
Hinamatsuri is not only one of the most wholesome, but also one of the best anime comedies, particularly due to characters like Hitomi Mishima.
6 Barakamon's Rural Life Inspires Its Hero to Grow
Production Studio: Kinema Citrus
Barakamon revolves around Seishuu Handa, a budding calligrapher whose talent is only matched by his narcissism. After reacting inadequately to criticism, he is sent to the Goto Islands by his father to reflect on himself and his attitude. Though he may expect rural life to be quieter than Tokyo, he soon learns not to trust his assumptions, as no moment can be quiet with energetic children like Naru Kotoishi around. Another lesson he learns, and Barakamon viewers along with him, is the importance of belonging to a community and connecting with others, instead of single-mindedly focusing on one's career.
5 Bunny Drop Provides a Pure and Loving Parenting Experience
Production Studio: Production I.G.
Bunny Drop follows Daikichi Kawachi, who, upon attending his grandfather's funeral, learns that he has an illegitimate daughter, Rin Kaga, whom his family wants nothing to do with. Upset by everyone's cold attitudes, he decides to care for her by himself. As Daikichi was never planning to be a father, he has a lot to learn, but thanks to his affectionate nature and genuine desire to look after Rin, his journey ends up making Bunny Drop one of the best parenting anime.
Fans of the anime should be warned that the original manga takes the story in a much less wholesome direction.
4 School Babysitters Brings Joy Even to Its Dark Premise
Production Studio: Brain's Base
After losing his parents in a plane crash, Ryuuichi Kashima is left to take care of his toddler brother, Kotarou, by himself. Though the president of an elite school decides to take them under her care, her one condition is for Ryuuichi to join the school's babysitter's club, looking after his brother and other babies when possible. School Babysitters may seem to have a rather dark premise, but Ryuuichi's boundless optimism, along with Kotarou and the other toddlers' adorable and expressive behavior, proves to be a recipe for making School Babysitters a surprisingly heartwarming show, which anyone is sure to enjoy.
3 Bocchi the Rock! is a Wholesome Show About Belonging
Production Studio: CloverWorks
Bocchi the Rock! proves just how wonderful the power of (chart-topping) music can be. The story follows Hitori Gotou, better known by her nickname "Bocchi", a girl who is passionate about guitar and making music. Unfortunately, even though she spent a lot of time practicing, and even uploaded videos of her music online, she always had trouble making friends and finding a band to play with due to her social anxiety. That is, until she met Nijika Ijichi, and finally found a group who could understand her. Though she may still struggle in public, her efforts are always encouraging.
2 Laid-Back Camp is a Relaxing Voyage into Nature
Production Studio: C-Station
As the title implies, Laid-Back Camp is one of the most laid-back anime out there, reminding viewers to take things slowly and enjoy the simple pleasures. The story follows Rin Shima, a girl who is passionate about camping (even by herself), and Nadeshiko Kagamihara, who is keen on cycling and opportunities to see Mount Fuji. After striking up a friendship following a chance meeting, the pair often go on camping trips together. In a world caught up in chasing trends and keeping up with the latest innovations, Laid-Back Camp highlights how freeing it can be to just relax and enjoy nature.
1 Natsume’s Book of Friends Is a Heartwarming Walk Through Japanese Myth
Production Studio: Brain's Base (Seasons 1-4)/Shuka (Seasons 5+)
Natsume’s Book of Friends revolves around Takashi Natsume, a boy whose ability to see youkai has led him to be shunned by his peers and passed around to different foster homes. Upon moving to his grandmother's home, he accidentally releases a supernatural creature resembling a lucky cat and learns about the Book of Friends, which his grandmother used to seal the name of youkai she had defeated, thereafter deciding to protect it.
Natsume's encounters with different spirits of Japanese folklore are always insightful and captivating, with the show's mythological approach resulting in a uniquely heartwarming experience that makes Natsume's Book of Friends one of the most wholesome anime out there.
