Experiencing the Real
Anime has often been used as a form of escapism. Many youths found this massively popular form of media enticing, especially within Western culture. It showcased romance, action, horror and so much more with unique designs in a foreign language that set Japan apart from the rest of the world. Slice-of-Life.
But what many struggle with is finding the genre for them. Anime has infinite possibilities, and with its wide range of genres, it can often feel intimidating. But fear not! I will be explaining in both easy and complicated terms what these genres boil down to and which would be best suited for you! So sit back, relax, and let me show you what you can get those grubby little hands on.
Before we start, this is both a beginner’s guide and a refresher course. I know anime veterans who still think isekai is another word for anime with magic. Those poor boys I swear. This will help clear up any issues a new fan may have and refresh the memories of those aging anime veterans over the age of 27. We know your memory isn’t the greatest my friends. It’s alright we don’t judge! Anyways we start ourselves off with Slice-of-Life!
Slice-of-Life
Typically known as the romance genre Slice-of-Life encompasses many beautiful and heart-string-tugging moments and visuals. I have seen many a fan turn their nose since they don’t find it impactful enough or have any substance to it. Which honestly baffles me to the core.
No matter where you go or who you talk to we all have experienced one of these emotions: Love, heartbreak, depression, fear, emotional pain, hopelessness, insanity, gut-wrenching sorrow, happiness, relief, infatuation. This is Slice-of-Life.
The everyday. The normal. The real. Anime does a fine job, of making you care for a character no matter which genre you go into. However, unlike Shonen (Action anime) we aren’t made to love a character based on their ability to wack a monster good. We care because of the words we hear them speak, the actions we see them take. Good Slice-of-Life doesn’t need fancy graphics or intense plots to make you care. It simply needs to show you the heart.
Now that’s all well and good to explain what Slice-of-Life means from an abstract perspective but lets get into the facts here.
Slice-Of-Life Quirks
No this isn’t an MHA reference. This Genre is one that I adore because of its focus on character-driven stories, the plot isn’t action-based or horror-themed. It simply relies on characters and their relationships to create a cohesive narrative. Many examples can be given but one of my favorite shows is Horimiya.
This show takes normal teenagers on their journey to understanding the true selves of one another and looking past the physical. It’s always keeping character at the forefront. No world to save, no battle to fight. Simply existing and combating their own issues step by step alongside each other. I’ve written a post you can check out here if this seems like something you’d enjoy.
The genre can also take its form in family plots. The anime Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting while having action components isn’t a Shonen anime. Instead, its main theme focuses on the premise that family isn’t the blood you carry. It’s who you choose to spend your time with.
And in the anime Those Snow White Notes, I have never been moved by music in the way that show captivated me. I watched it again and sadly I could never capture the awe and magic that was that first viewing. A show you can never watch a second time is one that must be treasured to its fullest.
My Recommendations
If any of you are looking for some heartfelt plots with well-rounded and relatable characters then give Slice-of-Life a chance. This genre has something for everyone and you’ll be surprised just how amazing these shows can be when given the chance.
With that, I leave you and ask that you give this genre a chance. I know my go-to for a cozy day under a blanket is watching two characters slowly fall in love. There’s no feeling like watching a show that was made to make you smile.