Best Slice of Life Anime of 2024

As a seasoned anime enthusiast with over two decades of watching under my belt, I must say that the upcoming lineup for the Spring 2024 season is nothing short of impressive. Among all these highly anticipated returns and exciting new series, one that truly stands out to me is Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7.

Anime, known for showcasing the fantastical and improbable across various genres, also finds room within its vast imaginative scope for everyday, ordinary scenes. These instances form the basis of the slice-of-life genre. Unsurprisingly, the 2024 anime calendar has a plentiful supply of titles falling under this category, with many shows and productions unveiled across the year’s different seasons.

Although they may not have the same level of excitement and visual spectacle as series like “Solo Leveling,” these shows provide touching and endearing scenes that resonate with fans and viewers. This article intends to showcase the top slice-of-life series of 2024. If you’re a fan of stories about friendship, personal development, or the charm found in everyday moments, this year’s offerings have something for everyone. Here are some standout choices for your viewing pleasure in 2024.

10. The iDOLM@STER Shiny Colors

MyAnimeList Score: 6.13

In a simple and conversational way: The TV show “iDOLM@STER Shiny Colors,” based on manga, focuses on the relationship built on determination and persistence between the lead character, Mano Sakuragi, an exceptionally gifted singer, and her driven producer.

Mano’s path towards becoming an idol starts following a crucial meeting with the producer, which eventually results in the formation of a fresh idol group: the Illumination STARS. Now, with dreams in her heart, Mano is ready to embark on this journey with her fellow teammates. But first, they need to triumph in the Winner Idol Nova Grand Prix competition.

9. Kinokoinu Mushroom Pup

MyAnimeList Score: 6.34

Kinokoinu Mushroom Pup offers a heartfelt exploration of grief and its accompanying experiences, standing out as one of the most compelling slice-of-life anime of the year, even amidst the final releases of fall season. The narrative revolves around Hotaru Yuuyami, a writer who finds himself on the brink of being consumed by sorrow following the death of his last family member, Hanako, their beloved dog.

After enduring two months of writer’s block and heavy sorrow, Hotaru finds solace when a peculiar mushroom from his garden, later transforming into a dog-like creature named Kinoko Inu, unexpectedly appears. Before too long, Hotaru and Kinoko start cohabiting. It appears that Hotaru might need to reconsider his feelings about acquiring another pet if he wants to share his life with Kinoko Inu.

8. The Way of Pon

MyAnimeList Score: 6.48

Production Studio: Studio OLM
Streaming Platforms: N/A
Premiere: Winter 2024

In the captivating world of “The Way of Pon” series, the bond of friendship is held in high regard, particularly as it unfolds the lively escapades of Nashiko Jippensha, a spirited girl who finds herself expelled from home due to her boisterous nature. With no other place for her and her companions to continue their camaraderie, fortune smiles upon Nashiko when she is granted access to her father’s previously shuttered mahjong parlor, transforming it into an ideal haven.

In the midst of tidying up our shared space, Nashiko and I stumbled upon an extraordinary talking bird, claiming to be a Mahjong spirit! Skeptical at first, we eventually gave in to its whims and embarked on a friendly game of Mahjong. To our surprise, as the tiles began to click into place, we found ourselves captivated by this ancient pastime. As the games progressed, it became apparent that we were becoming more engrossed than initially planned!

7. A Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring

MyAnimeList Score: 6.67

In this fresh retelling, we embark on an extraordinary journey titled “A Sojourn in a Fantasy Realm: Parenting and Magical Escapades“. It all starts when the haphazard blunder of the wind deity, Silphyleel, leads to the untimely demise of Takumi Kayano, a 28-year-old man. To make matters worse for our protagonist, Silphyleel is unable to send him back to Earth, instead reincarnating him into the mystical land of Etelldia.

In a fresh realm known as the Forest of Gaia, divinely bestowed and equipped by the deity Takumi, our protagonist emerges. Here, he encounters remarkably resilient five-year-old twins, who against all odds have survived the forest’s perils. Compelled by compassion, Takumi adopts them, forging an alliance with these young companions. With the trio united, they embark on their initial of numerous journeys together.

6. Dahlia in Bloom: Crafting a Fresh Start with Magical Tools

MyAnimeList Score: 6.80

In the captivating tale, A Blossom Reborn, we trace the life of a young woman, originally from Japan, who breathes new life as Dahlia Rossetti, following an untimely demise due to excessive labor in her past existence. She finds herself born into the family of a newly titled British baron.

In this new chapter of my life, I find myself as the daughter of the late Baron Carlo, a renowned magic artificer. His footsteps have always been a beacon for me, guiding my desire to delve into the realm of enchantments and practical inventions. With each passing day, I cling tightly to memories from past lives as a source of inspiration.

5. Mr. Villain’s Day Off

MyAnimeList Score: 7.26

Production Studio: SynergySP, Shin-Ei Animation
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Prime Video,
Premiere: Winter 2024

In this series, even the main antagonist can have an unproductive day at work, as portrayed in “The General’s Day Off”. The storyline revolves around the planetary conquest and war, but it is essentially a depiction of one character’s downtime. The series focuses on The General, a powerful alien with a role in an extraterrestrial organization, whose objective is to annihilate Earth and its inhabitants. On this particular day, however, he appears to be taking a break from his usual destructive pursuits.

Despite the fact that the General is an extraordinary being, he too requires days of rest. A single day off would prevent even the hardworking Rangers, who are solely committed to opposing the General, from hindering him from purchasing ice cream and completely relaxing on his deserved day off.

4. Tadaima, Okaeri

MyAnimeList Score: 7.76

Embarking on a captivating journey exploring the ties that bind and the dreams of a new chapter, Welcome Home, I’m Back chronicles the lives of the Fujiyoshi Family, encompassing Masaki Fujiyoshi, the loving husband; Hiromu, his devoted wife; and their cherished toddler son, Hikari, as they venture into a new community in search of fresh beginnings. Owing to societal prejudices against Masaki, an Omega—a secondary gender capable of giving birth instead of the Alpha like Hiromu—the couple grapples with the challenges of their unique partnership.

Fortunately, the family doesn’t have to face their troubles all by themselves as their son forms a bond with his college neighbor, Yuuki Hirai, living next door. Life appears to be going well for them until an old acquaintance from their past resurfaces, posing a threat to the tranquil life they are striving to create.

3. Love Live! Superstar!! Season 3

MyAnimeList Score: 7.79

Production Studio: Sunrise Studio
Streaming Platforms: Prime Video, Crunchyroll
Premiere: Fall 2024

In the third installment of “Love Live! Superstar!!”, the Love Live! competition winds down, and Kanon Shibuya decides to pursue studies abroad, causing her departure from the school idol group. However, an unexpected turn of events occurs when Wien Margarete’s parents appeal for Kanon to extend her stay in Japan for another year to assist their daughter, Wien.

As Kanon works on finding her bearings, Wien opts to establish an idol group. To appease Wien’s parents and not let Wien’s enthusiasm go to waste, Kanon decides to join Wien’s new group and enlists the sister of a former group member to round out their trio. However, while Kanon’s freshly formed group aims to overlook any controversies surrounding Wien, her previous group is still grappling with the fallout from losing their top lead.

2. Laid-Back Camp Season 3

MyAnimeList Score: 8.02

Production Studio: Studio 8Bit
Streaming Platforms: Prime Video, Crunchyroll
Premiere: Spring 2024

For the Spring 2024 anime season, “Laid-Back Camp” makes its triumphant return for its third season, and with it comes the eagerly awaited comeback of our nature-loving heroine, Rin Shima. The storyline kicks off with the Outdoor Activities Club immersed in their DIY club projects, an enthusiasm that spreads to Nadeshiko Kagamihara, sparking her desire for another camping adventure.

Yet, for Rin and Ayano Toki, this was merely one of several ideas they had in mind, as they extended an invitation to Nadeshiko to join them on a camping trip by the Ooi River. With great enthusiasm, Nadeshiko promptly accepted their offer, and the trio could barely contain their anticipation, swiftly setting their camping plans into motion.

1. Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7

MyAnimeList Score: 8.67

In simpler terms, “Natsume’s Book of Friends,” a veteran in the ‘slice-of-life’ genre, presented a retrospective, both nostalgic and triumphant, focusing on the young Natsume. This narrative encompasses his past, present, and future that remains shrouded in uncertainty. Now a high school student, Natsume is learning to view his ability to see yokai as a blessing rather than a curse.

Moving past old hurts and forming meaningful relationships, Natsume realizes that every facet of his existence – particularly his role as guardian of the Book of Friends – has become deeply ingrained within him. What’s even more captivating is that there are still many secrets to uncover in the world surrounding him.

2024-12-21 22:14