The world of anime is expansive and offers many unique stories with compelling characters, engaging plots, and epic moments. While some anime come and go, many deliver unique and memorable experiences. Those types of anime typically contain well-written storylines and characters.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, we’d like to highlight the best anime for relaxation & mindfulness. From comfy life-themed scenarios to those with an adventurous tone, these anime will put your mind at ease.
Feel free to leave your comments about our choices below. If we happen to miss your favorite cozy series, let us know too. We’ll get them added on when we have free time.
Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence
Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence is a 2023 slice-of-life anime that came and went, and one that some won’t forget. While its first season concludes on a slightly unsatisfying note for romance enthusiasts, the journey to its finale will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
The story follows Pastor Lawrence and his lady saint Cecilia as they go around solving people’s problems. When they’re not resolving issues, they’re eating, conversing, and spending quality time with each other. The situations our characters indulge themselves in are grounded with some scenarios requiring Cecilia to use his Saint abilities to overcome them. It’s a goofy series with minor drama and depth, but one that’s best enjoyed when you’re bored or need to decompress after a hard day’s work.
You can read our thoughts on Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence in our full-season review here!
Skip and Loafer
Skip and Loafer is a phenomenal slice-of-life series with great depth and one with relatable characters and scenarios. In it, we follow Iwakura, a girl who heads to Japan to attend high school. She hopes to befriend many people despite being unfamiliar with the area. Many romantic, amusing, and joyous shenanigans ensue, leaving audiences with a tantalizing and soothing tale to watch.
Furthermore, you’ll love how each character gravely impacts the other in meaningful and joyous ways. This allows them to attain phenomenal growth and to come off as realistic humanoids rather than flat beings with no charm. On top of having a phenomenal musical score that elevates the emotions felt throughout the anime’s run, Skip and Loafer is a must-watch series.
You can read our thoughts on Skip and Loafer in our full-season review here!
Laid-back Camp
Barakamon
Barakamon is a wonderful series that follows a talented calligrapher named Seishuu. He’s forced to live on a remote island due to external complications. Nonetheless, he’ll try his best to keep his artistic motivation afloat.
This is another anime that successfully showcases the wonders of living a peaceful existence. The island’s serene setting, combined with its locals’ laid-back nature, creates a tranquil atmosphere that audiences will appreciate. Additionally, the anime delves into topics like growth and discovery and spends time highlighting Seishuu’s trials and triumphs he experiences on the island.
With touches of introspection and humor, Barakmon is a must-watch anime.
Flying Witch
Flying Witch is a charming and enchanting anime about magic, life, and family. The anime follows Makoto, a young witch-in-training who moves to the countryside to live with her relatives. This anime is known for enveloping audiences with its pleasant atmosphere. It achieves said atmosphere through its compelling visuals and slow-paced storytelling.
As Makoto adjusts to her countryside living situation, the series spends time immersing audiences in her everyday moments and rural living routines. From exploring various landscapes to chatting with friends and family, the anime encourages audiences to value the simplicities in life and to relish the serenity it brings to them.
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me To You
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You revolves around Sawako, a shy high school girl who embarks on a quest of self-growth while being assisted by those closest to her. This anime envelops viewers in a relaxing atmosphere through its use of pastel colors, serene backdrops, and a melodic soundtrack. Additionally, the anime has multiple still segments, enticing viewers to contemplate.
Moreover, the anime explores ideas like empathy and emotional growth. Through Sawako’s relationships, the anime highlights why it’s important to forge tight connections and to be mindful of those around you. Whether you enjoy spending time with your friends or attending joyous festivities, you’ll get a kick out of the content presented in Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service may not have the most dynamic plot out of all the Ghibli films, but it will definitely leave you feeling relaxed. The story follows Kiki, a young witch who sets up a delivery service in a seaside town. Like other Ghibli works, Kiki’s Delivery Service features an enchanting and serene setting for audiences to examine.
The tranquil seaside town, with its streets and buildings, provides a satisfying backdrop for Kiki’s endeavors throughout the tale. The detail that went into the anime’s animation, coupled with its beautiful OST, allows audiences to lose themselves in Kiki’s world. On top of the wonderful growth she receives throughout the work, you’ll end up returning to this anime many times after an initial viewing.
Non Non Biyori
Non Non Biyori is a delightful slice-of-life anime that follows your typical “cute girls doing cute things” formula. We follow four girls who tackle various activities in their countryside setting. Like most “moe” anime, this series delivers a fun cast, setting, and a bunch of scenarios that’ll make viewers laugh, smile, and feel warm inside.
This anime’s countryside background provides viewers with a peaceful experience. Non Non Biyori’s emphasis on nature’s beauty and simple joys encourages audiences to appreciate the small things in life. Moreover, the scenarios our girls participate in from catching bugs to jumping in rivers will remind you of the times you spent with your companions during your youth.
K-On!
K-On is recognized for paving the way for future “moe” series. This anime centers around a group of high school girls who form a music club. K-On’s music plays a pivotal role in contributing to the series’s relaxing atmosphere. The series features a great blend of catchy and melodic songs that’ll raise audiences’ spirits.
Whether you’re watching the girls practice in their club room or perform on stage, K-On’s soundtrack is therapeutic, allowing audiences to rest and clearly contemplate life’s complications. Also, K-On stresses why it’s significant to have loving relationships with others. While watching the girls attend various shops or discuss music, you’ll realize how human communication is a great weapon to use against stress. Overall, K-On is an excellent slice-of-life series that’ll leave you entertained and comfortable.
Sweetness & Lightning
Sweetness & Lightning is an emotional series about family and cooking. The anime centers around a widowed father named Kohei, and his daughter Tsumugi. Together, they explore the joy of baking and the importance of family connection.
Sweetness & Lightning conveys a sense of warmth through cooking and food preparation. Viewers will cherish seeing Tsumugi and Kohei preparing, baking, and devouring meals together. This creates a soothing atmosphere that’ll help viewers engage themselves in the meals they prep and the happiness they bring them.
On top of successfully touching upon heavy themes like grief and loss, Sweetness & Lightning is a phenomenal anime worth checking out.
So, there we have it, our picks for the 10 great anime for relaxation & mindfulness!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!