Best Manga About Agriculture
Although many people cherish watching anime, they often forget that most anime serve as adaptations of the original source material. While there are some instances where the anime is better than the manga, those instances are few and far between.
With the amount of manga released on a daily basis, it could be hard to cut through all those books to find the “Best of” for any chosen topic.
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable manga through the years. For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best manga, our attention this time turns to those with a strong focus on agriculture. From chilling realistic scenarios to strange supernatural occurrences, there’s a good choice to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll add them!
Moyashimon – Masayuki Ishikawa
Moyashimon is a delightful series that delivers a unique stance on agriculture. Through its charming characters and comedic narrative, it shines light on the importance of agriculture while providing readers with informative insight into the intricacies of farming and the connections between humans and microorganisms.
One aspect many readers will appreciate from Moyashimon is how it makes agricultural topics accessible and entertaining. By following its protagonist’s endeavors, the manga provides readers with an animated and engaging perspective on the world of agriculture. Ishikawa’s ways of exploring processes like fermentation give readers splendid insight into the techniques used in agricultural areas.
Therefore, if you’re after a fun, lighthearted series with educational value, check out Moyashimon.
Silver Spoon – Hiromu Arakawa
Silver Spoon is a comfy work from the well-beloved manga author, Hiromu Arakawa. This manga offers a wonderful blend of realistic storytelling, relatable characters, and peaceful imagery. It not only educates readers about farm life, but it delves into deeper themes regarding identity, career choices, and the value behind hard work.
Many adore this story for its accurate portrayal of agricultural life. In it, we follow Yuugo, a city boy who enrolls in an agricultural high school in the countryside. Through his perspective, readers get exposed to the daily challenges farmers counter.
From physical labor to the uncertainties of nature, readers may develop a newfound appreciation for farmers and what they contribute to society.
Shouta no Sushi – Daisuke Terasawa
Natsuko no Sake – Akira Oze
Mai no Mushigurashi – Amagappa Shoujogu
Mai no Mushgigurashi is a slice-of-life comedy with great drama bits. For the most part, it details the lives of two female companions named Mai and Nanako. While the former is on the hunt for work, she enjoys spending time with the latter on the farm. They’ll spend their time throughout the work conversing with each other and participating in many outdoor activities.
From planting crops to catching bugs, this tale aims to envelop readers in a calm atmosphere. The way Mai and Nanako’s relationship progresses through the tale is wholesome. They display a solid appreciation for the other’s company, leading to natural, feel-good story developments that’ll warm anyone’s heart.
While the story has its somber moments, you’ll adore the way Amgappa Shoujohu implements them.
Little Forest – Daisuke Igarashi
Little Forest delivers a beautiful tale that captures the sense of agriculture while offering readers a heartwarming tale. Set in a rural village, the manga follows Ichiko, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery by returning to her hometown and embracing a simpler, more sustainable way of living.
With its stunning artwork and emphasis on farming traditions, you’ll love what Littel Forest offers. Daisuke’s delicate illustrations vividly depict the beauty of rural landscapes, capturing the richness and tranquil energy of nature. From lush crop fields to the vibrant colors of seasonal forests, you’ll be immersed in this world’s aesthetic. The way the tale emphasizes traditional farming methods will delight readers too.
As Ichiko learns from her grandmother and other villagers, the manga showcases the invaluable wisdom passed down through generations and the time-honored techniques that have sustained communities for centuries. This encourages readers to value traditional practices, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wisdom spread in this work.
Farming Life In Another World – Kinosuke Naito & Yasayuki Tsurugi
Farming Life In Another World is an engrossing manga that features a unique take on agriculture. The story follows Ryoma, who gets reincarnated into a world filled with magic and fantasy creatures. In this realm, he’ll pursue life as a farmer which helps distinguish this tale from other isekai works. With its creative world-building and fun storytelling, our tale stands out as a wonderful agricultural work.
The manga seamlessly blends elements of fantasy with agricultural settings and practices. This creates a riveting backdrop for the story. From magical crops that yield incredible produce to mythical creatures that pose unique challenges to farming, the manga introduces readers to a realm where agriculture is intricately tied to the world’s fantasy aspects.
If you want an isekai manga that features key farming elements like livestock management and follows a genuinely likable protagonist, check this tale out,
Animal Land – Makoto Raiku
If you grew up with the anime Zatch Bell as a child, you may not be aware that Makoto Raiku had other wonderful works under his belt that are worth reading. Animal Land is a fabulous fantasy series with incredible action, adventure, and comedy elements. It’s set in a world where animals have evolved to adopt human characteristics and follows Monoko, a tanuki who finds a human baby.
Monoko doesn’t know how this creature ended up here nor does he know how he can understand him and his fellow creatures. One thing is certain, he’ll need to count on the baby for support if he hopes to protect his brethren from vicious wildcats. This manga captures the importance of agriculture in sustaining communities.
No-Rin – Yasunori Tanaka
No-Rin is a comical and interesting agricultural-themed tale. It weaves together romance, comedy, and agriculture to provide readers with a story that’s wholesome and enjoyable. In it, we follow Kousaka Hata, a high school student who enrolls in an agricultural school and learns his celebrity crush has done the same.
Many folks love this tale for its accurate portrayal of agriculture. From crop cultivation techniques to livestock practices, the manga delivers a detailed world of farming. The author Shiratori Shirow, diligently explores various aspects like soil preparation, irrigation methods, and pest control, which are essential for anyone wanting to to become a farmer.
On top of having some stellar drama and romantic elements, No-Rin is a tale worth checking out.
Only Yesterday – Hotaru Okamoto
Only Yesterday is a peaceful tale with an incredible cast, a well-written tale, and a beautiful world that’s no different from our own. It follows Taeko, a woman who travels to the countryside to visit her family and help them with their harvesting issues. While aboard a train and on the farmland, she’ll recall memories of her schoolgirl life.
Although the story is straightforward, it subverts the reader’s expectations by implementing heavy-hitting sequences that’ll throw viewers off. This manga showcases Taeko’s blindness to rural life and displays how difficult farming can be for someone to transition from one lifestyle to another. Additionally, the story tackles realistic issues girls face as they grow older.
These topics may not appeal to most audiences, but others will appreciate Hotaru Okamoto for tackling these specific issues. If you’re looking for a well-crafted slice-of-life tale with great takes on family life, agriculture, and youth, check out Only Yesterday.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best manga about agriculture through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!