Decoding The Qualifying Factors For A Slice-Of-Life Anime

Anime or manga series isn’t just about a protagonist fighting with the villains with unnatural superpowers and an epic storyline. There are several anime that falls under the slice-of-life genre. While most anime genres have clear categorization rules, this one confused fans for quite some time. Fans have been debating over the true scope of the slice-of-life genre.

Slice-Of-Life Anime Encompasses Mundane Daily Activities

Anime became a rage after the internet boom. However, the slice-of-life genre was very loosely defined, and it still is to some sort. If one takes a look at the basic definition of what this genre encompasses, it might sound pretty simple. A slice-of-life anime is a glimpse at its characters’ regular daily activities. However, this is a broad definition that doesn’t really cover the variations that come with intricate anime storylines.

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So, it becomes difficult for fans to say with certainty which series truly deserves the tag & which one is mislabeled.

Most anime or manga series, even the ones with a lot of action and mystery, tend to enunciate their characters’ daily lives in some way or another. Whether it is a quick walk to school or partaking in club activities or competing in any local competition, everything is, simply put, a part of life. So, what makes a slice-of-life anime different from others? As per CBR.com, the key is to set the ground rules for anime qualified under this category. It can help fans decode which anime really fits into the context of the slice-of-life genre.

Non Non Biyori Classifies As A Life-Of-Slice Anime

One feature that makes a slice-of-life anime different from others and unique in its own way is its slow pace. Now, slow here doesn’t mean boring or exhausting. Rather a characteristic slice-of-life anime should be relaxed & even mundane if need be. Anime or manga with a steady pace best reflects the flow of everyday life.

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The anime series Non Non Biyori exemplifies the regular pace of life, with each episode giving fans an insight into its characters’ daily lives in the countryside. Another classic example of slice-of-life anime is Laid-Back Camp. It properly enunciates the daily camping activities of its characters in an episodic pattern as opposed to detailing a glorious camping adventure.

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Although some characters do have a more intriguing lifestyle as compared to others in slice-of-life, it’s all about an overarching story that stretches throughout the series. Most anime rom-com series are often mislabeled under a slice-of-life genre. They do feature some daily mundane activities. However, each episode is motivated towards building a romantic connection, pushing toward a uniquely dramatized end.

Horimiya Rom-Com Closely Qualifies As Slice-Of-Life

A popular example is the rom-com anime Horimiya, which is as close as they come to a slice-of-life genre. Its slow-paced structure develops the drama & romance in a mundane way while highlighting the characters’ daily lives. Although slice-of-life anime do contain some drama and comedic antics, it must be devoid of action.

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Even if the protagonist’s daily life involves a fight, the slice-of-life genre focuses more on the laid-back aspects. Apart from this, fantastical settings or supernatural elements are a big no. Also, heavy theme-based anime also doesn’t qualify for the slice-of-life genre.

[Source: YouTube]

They can have detailed character development, but anything that has intense topics like sickness, depression, or death doesn’t count. Such themes are commonly seen in dramas & coming-of-age stories. Moreover, they have a rather darker tone & emotional weight, placing them at the opposite end of the light & easy-toned slice-of-life genre.

The best way to identify a slice-of-life genre is to tap into the pace and delivery. If it lacks a heavy theme or intense action, it is a step closer to qualifying as a slice-of-life genre anime.

Do you love to watch slice-of-life anime series? Which is your favorite series in this genre? Share your thoughts in the comments!