Shonen anime are often recognized for their action-filled scenes and familiar tropes, usually featuring a determined protagonist chasing a big dream, no matter the obstacles.
These characters often face intense battles and make significant sacrifices in pursuit of their goals. However, not all shonen anime follow this traditional path.
Some focus on the daily lives of their characters, offering a refreshing take on the genre. Slice-of-life shonen anime stand out by highlighting the everyday experiences of mostly ordinary people.
While many of these anime explore romance, others simply explore the lives of characters as they handle their daily routines.
This approach doesn’t make them any less interesting. In fact, these anime can be incredibly engaging, offering humor and heartwarming moments that resonate deeply with viewers.
These slice-of-life stories may lack the high-stakes battles typical of shonen anime, but they shine in their own way.
They provide fans with some of the most entertaining and touching anime, capturing the beauty in the mundane. For anyone looking to add a bit of warmth and laughter to their watchlist, slice-of-life shonen anime are a must-watch.
1) Spy x Family
Spy x Family combines secret agent thrills with a touching family story. The anime features Loid Forger, a top spy who creates a fake family a wife and a daughter as part of his mission to get close to a key political figure.
Even though they start off pretending, as the Forgers live together, they begin to form genuine bonds.
Yor Briar, Loid’s pretend wife, leads a double life. By day, she is a civil servant, and by night, she is a skilled assassin.
Spy x Family (CloverWorks & Wit Studio)
Despite her dangerous job, she is a loving and caring mother. Loid, the expert spy, finds joy in spending time with his new family, and their adopted daughter, Anya, who has telepathic abilities, feels like she finally has a place to call home.
Spy x Family blends an unusual premise with heartfelt family moments. It hints at a romance between Loid and Yor and features Anya as a delightfully chaotic and adorable child.
With its mix of humor, action, and touching scenes, this anime offers a fresh and entertaining take on the shonen slice-of-life genre.
2) Horimiya
Horimiya is a wonderfully romantic anime with a heartwarming happy ending. It follows Izumi Miyamura and Kyoko Hori as they fall in love.
Unlike many other romance anime, Horimiya covers their relationship from their initial crushes all the way to their proposal, without just focusing on confessions.
Their teenage romance is filled with genuine emotions and insecurities. Horimiya is one of the top shonen slice-of-life anime because it draws viewers into the story easily.
Horimiya (CloverWorks)
Watching this anime makes people long for a love as deep as Hori and Miyamura’s. Even though they are young, their love feels incredibly real and engaging.
This anime is perfect for fans who enjoy romance and high school life. Horimiya captures the true essence of young love and is ideal for anyone who loves heartfelt and romantic stories.
3) Hyouka
Hyouka is a mystery anime centered around the Literature Club, led by Houtarou Oreki. Oreki joined the club with the intention of doing as little as possible during high school.
However, his plans change when he meets Eru Chitanda, who gets him involved in solving various school mysteries. Alongside Chitanda and other club members, Oreki uses his sharp mind to reveals these mysteries.
Despite Oreki’s initial indifference, working closely with Chitanda reveals a deeper side of him.
He starts to find meaning in life through their shared experiences, and though he tries to hide it, he begins to develop feelings for Chitanda.
Hyouka (Kyoto Animation)
Her cheerful and energetic personality contrasts with his own reserved nature, making their interactions particularly compelling.
Hyouka is more than just a series of mysteries; it also explores the friendships and budding romantic feelings between characters.
The anime is visually stunning, with beautiful animation by Kyoto Animation that adds to its appeal.
The combination of intriguing mysteries and heartfelt moments makes Hyouka a memorable and engaging watch.
4) Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid is a funny and heartwarming story about a lonely young woman named Kobayashi, whose life takes a surprising turn when she meets a dragon named Tohru.
Tohru, who quickly becomes infatuated with Kobayashi, decides to move in and become her personal maid.
This decision leads to a series of humorous and sometimes chaotic situations as Tohru’s dragon nature clashes with the everyday life of a human.
The anime is packed with comedic characters, especially as more dragons join Tohru in the human world.
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid (Kyoto Animation)
The lively personalities of the dragons contrast with Kobayashi’s more reserved, sometimes melancholic demeanor, resulting in countless hilarious moments.
The bright and colorful art style from Kyoto Animation enhances the anime’s cheerful and fun atmosphere, making it nearly impossible not to smile while watching.
Though Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid contains some suggestive content, it is still a delightful and entertaining series for those of the appropriate age.
The mix of comedy, fantasy, and warmth makes it a great addition to any anime fan’s collection, offering plenty of laughs and feel-good moments.
5) My Dress-Up Darling
My Dress-Up Darling is a slice-of-life shonen anime that connects closely with anime culture. The story follows Wakana Gojo, a young man who loves making Hina dolls, a passion inspired by his grandfather.
Because he knows this hobby isn’t common among boys, Gojo tends to stay isolated, avoiding attention. His life takes a turn when he meets Marin Kitagawa.
Marin is impressed by Gojo’s sewing skills and asks him to help her create cosplay outfits. They work on bringing Marin’s cosplay dreams to life, making beautiful costumes and setting up creative photo shoots.
My Dress-Up Darling (CloverWorks)
As they spend more time together, their friendship grows, and romantic feelings start to develop, adding a charming element to their relationship.
The anime gives viewers an interesting look into the world of cosplay while also exploring the challenges of young love.
With its enjoyable storyline and relatable characters, My Dress-Up Darling has gained many fans, who are excited for a second season.
6) Komi Can’t Communicate
Komi Can’t Communicate is a heartwarming anime about two high school students who help each other and gradually fall in love.
Hitohito Tadano becomes friends with Shoko Komi, who struggles with social anxiety. Tadano agrees to assist Komi in making friends, and as they spend time together, their relationship grows.
The anime stands out as a slice-of-life shonen because it focuses on the simple yet touching story of friendship and romance.
Komi Can’t Communicate (OLM)
Tadano and Komi’s interactions are filled with warmth and charm, making it easy for viewers to connect with them. Their genuine and caring relationship is the heart of the anime.
In addition to the main story, the anime features Komi’s new friends, each embodying familiar anime tropes, which adds a humorous touch to the series.
The combination of endearing moments and comedic elements makes Komi Can’t Communicate a delightful and enjoyable watch.
7) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a special anime that combines fantasy with deep character exploration.
Although it has elements like monster battles and magic, the anime’s main focus is on the characters and their journeys, rather than on fighting.
The combat scenes are included to enhance the characters’ development rather than being the main attraction.
The anime emphasizes the passage of time and the value of living in the moment. It animes that even beings who live for centuries need to appreciate the time they have with others.
Frieren Beyond Journey’s End (MADHOUSE)
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End also explores themes of regret and how old memories can both comfort and cause pain.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a thought-provoking series that invites viewers to reflect on their own lives while enjoying its beautifully animated scenes.
It’s a meaningful watch that balances action with deeper emotional and philosophical themes.
8) Tsuredure Children
Tsuredure Children is a romance anthology series that explores the highs and lows of high school relationships.
The anime features several couples, each at different stages in their romance, from those who are already together to those just starting to develop feelings for one another.
As these characters handle their relationships, they find themselves in situations that are often amusing and awkward, making the story both relatable and entertaining.
Even though the tone is lighthearted, Tsuredure Children manages to capture sincere moments of sweetness between the couples.
Tsuredure Children (Studio Gokumi)
The series skillfully blends comedy with touching scenes, showing the various ways love can grow and change.
This mix of humor and heartfelt moments makes it an enjoyable watch for anyone who loves romantic comedies.
With episodes that are only about twelve minutes long, Tsuredure Children is a quick and easy binge that delivers plenty of laughs.
Its exploration of different types of relationships makes it a charming slice-of-life anime, perfect for viewers looking for a light yet engaging romantic comedy.
9) Gamers!
Gamers! is a funny anime packed with awkward romance and gaming themes. The story revolves around a diverse group of friends who all have different interests in gaming.
The main focus is on the developing romance between Keita Amano and Karen Tendou. Karen is the most popular girl at school and has a crush on Keita.
However, Keita is so unsure of himself that he doesn’t realize Karen’s feelings, which leads his friends to try and help them get together.
Gamers! (PINE JAM)
The anime is filled with comical misunderstandings, with each friend getting caught up in their own mix-ups.
These errors in communication add to the humor and chaos of the anime. The voice acting plays a big role in the comedy, as each actor delivers their lines with a delightful energy that enhances the fun.
Gamers! is ideal for fans of over-the-top romantic comedies with a gaming backdrop. Its blend of humor, misunderstandings, and gaming culture makes it an entertaining watch for anyone who enjoys a good laugh.
10) Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is an anime adapted from a manga by the famous mangaka, Hiromu Arakawa, who drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up on a dairy farm.
The story follows Yuugo Hachiken, a young man who enrolls in an agricultural high school, even though he has little interest in farming.
Burnt out from the pressures of his previous private middle school in the city, Hachiken now spends his days working outdoors, helping with chores early in the morning, and slowly learning to appreciate the hard work and emotion involved in farming.
Silver Spoon (A-1 Pictures)
The anime is surprisingly emotional, filled with heartfelt moments that resonate with viewers. The characters are so well-developed that they feel like real people, making their struggles and triumphs relatable.
The story doesn’t shy away from showing both the positive and challenging sides of life in the agricultural industry.
Through Hachiken’s experiences, both he and the audience come to understand that life isn’t just about what you can produce, but also about the care and effort you put into your relationships and your work.
Silver Spoon is an anime that not only entertains but also offers valuable life lessons. It’s an anime that teaches viewers about the realities of farming while delivering a touching and genuine story.
Despite its simplicity, Silver Spoon is an underrated gem that leaves a lasting impact on those who watch it.
Memes of the Day
MotoYan ga Dechau Onee-san
Jean-san ni Gyaku Bunny Kite Moratte suru Manga [English] (Genshin Impact)
Sauce : Pixiv 122123336
Jikochuu na Kyonyuu Ane to Hinnyuu Imouto o Matomete Saimin ni Kakete Omocha ni Shite
Kajitsu
Secret of teyvat
Sauce : Pixiv 114157737
Yan-Yan
“S*x no Benkyou Shiyokka?” Kareshi ga Iru no ni Itoko kara Shojo wo Ubaware Zecchou Shidou 1-4
Hitozuma Youko to Mamoru-kun
Ecchi na Hatsumei de… Mechakucha Sex Shitemita! – Ch. 5
Netorare Hitozuma Zenpen
OuKing App
Asaka no Kyuujitsu | Asaka’s Day Off
While few can deny the success and impact of Jujutsu Kaisen on the animanga industry, one aspect of the series that often faces heavy criticism from fans is its worldbuilding.
Despite the series’ popularity, some have expressed concerns over its lack of a well-developed world, especially as it nears its ending.
Jujutsu Kaisen has, from its inception, captured the hearts of many fans with its intense battles, complex characters, and dark themes.
As a battle shonen series, it naturally emphasizes combat and the struggles of its characters, which is part of its appeal.
Nobara Kugisaki, Gojo Satoru, Fushiguro Megumi And Itadori Yuji (Mappa)
However, the lack of comprehensive worldbuilding has been a point of contention among fans, a criticism that has only intensified with the announcement of the series’ impending ending.
With the series now confirmed to be ending in just five chapters on September 30, 2024, a significant portion of the fanbase has begun expressing their frustration and disappointment with this news on social media.
Many are concerned that the series might conclude in a rushed manner, leaving too many unresolved plotlines and an incomplete world behind.
How a Potentially Rushed Ending Could Affect Gege Akutami’s Approach to Worldbuilding in Jujutsu Kaisen
For many fans, worldbuilding in an anime or manga series is one of its most crucial aspects.
A well-constructed world not only enriches the narrative by providing context or explanations for characters’ actions, motivations, and conflicts, but it also enhances the depth and consistency of any story.
Worldbuilding serves as the foundation upon which the plot and characters stand, and without it, the story can feel hollow or incomplete.
One such anime that is universally praised for its worldbuilding is Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece. This series has set a benchmark for worldbuilding in the entire animanga industry.
With its vast and intricate world, One Piece offers Elegant motifs of cultures, histories, and characters that few other series can match.
The depth and detail of its world make every adventure within it feel significant and meaningful, contributing to the series’ long-standing success.
No, my issues with JJK worldbuilding isn’t that it takes place in the real world. Is the fact Gege can’t develop what he set up Schools? abandon & don’t do anything Shibuya After, US Army and Zenin massacre? ignored Higher Ups? one note and offscreen Heian era? 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/BSkJN2Yr4U — Thunder Devil (just that guy) (@ThunderTheDevil) August 19, 2024
On the other hand, Jujutsu Kaisen is a battle shonen series at its core, which is why fans often used to keep their expectations low when it came to worldbuilding or expanding on some of the series’ intricate plotlines.
The series thrived on its high-stakes battles and the tension between its characters, which often overshadowed the need for a deeply developed world.
This approach worked for a time, as fans were willing to overlook the lack of worldbuilding in favor of the series’ other strengths.
However, now that the series is seemingly rushing toward its end, many fans on social media are heavily criticizing the mangaka, Gege Akutami, for his lack of focus on Jujutsu Kaisen’s worldbuilding.
They claim that the series’ potentially rushed ending will only exacerbate this issue, leaving too many questions unanswered and the world of Jujutsu Kaisen feeling incomplete.
Consequences of Rushed Worldbuilding and Plot Resolutions
Many of the fans’ harsh online criticisms are certainly not without good reason.
They argue that Akutami is ending the series in an extremely rushed manner, which could have detrimental effects on the story as a whole.
With only five chapters remaining, there are simply too many plotlines and events left to resolve, and fans are worried that the series won’t have enough time to wrap them up satisfactorily.
JJK plotlines left to resolve IMO: -Merger outcome -Tengen & Kenjaku relationship -Hakari vs Uraume -Megumi & his father -Nobara status -Yuta in Gojo’s body -US military, geopolitical strife -Jin Itadori whereabouts -Angel & Fallen Angel connection -Open-barrier DE mechanics — Lightning (@lightningclare) August 20, 2024
One of the fans’ biggest complaints with Akutami’s decision to end the series next month is that he never truly emphasized Jujutsu Kaisen’s worldbuilding.
While the series has excelled in many areas, such as character development and fight choreography, it has often fallen short in terms of worldbuilding.
This has left many fans feeling as though the world of Jujutsu Kaisen is underdeveloped and lacking in depth.
For instance, the aftermath of the Shibuya Incident arc one of the most significant events in the series has not been fully explored.
How did the citizens of Japan cope with the large-scale destruction and massacre that took place in Shibuya? What were the long-term consequences of this event on the wider world?
These are questions that fans have been asking, but which the series has yet to answer.
Similarly, the whereabouts of the U.S. army after their involvement in the Culling Game arc remain a mystery.
The series introduced this plotline with great fanfare, but it has since been left unresolved.
The aftermath of the Zen’in clan massacre is another example. The ruthless killing of the higher-ups in the Jujutsu society should have had significant repercussions, but these have been largely ignored or given less importance.
What’s more, Akutami never actually got around to giving fans even a brief idea of the Heian Era, a crucial period in the history of the Jujutsu Kaisen world.
The Heian Era is often mentioned as the golden age of Jujutsu sorcery, a time when curses and sorcerers were at their peak. It was also the era when Sukuna, the King of Curses, rose to power.
Despite its importance, this era has been largely glossed over, leaving fans with only a vague understanding of its significance.
While this is not to downplay the things that Jujutsu Kaisen does right, it can be argued that the worldbuilding of the series had much room for improvement.
Sukuna’s Malevolent Shrine From Jujutsu Kaisen (image via MAPPA)
The series could have expanded on the geographical scope of Jujutsu sorcery, exploring how it is practiced outside of Tokyo and Kyoto.
It could have gone deeper into the structure and politics of the Jujutsu society, shedding light on the origins of sorcery, which date back to a time period over 1,000 years before the current JJK timeline.
Missed Opportunities in Expanding Jujutsu Kaisen’s World
By depriving the series of intricate worldbuilding, Gege Akutami missed the chance to make the world of Jujutsu Kaisen feel more immersive and complete.
Worldbuilding is not just about creating a backdrop for the story; it’s about making the world feel alive, with its own rules, history, and culture.
A well-built world can make even the smallest details in a story feel meaningful and connected, creating a richer and more engaging experience for the audience.
In the case of Jujutsu Kaisen , fans have often complained that the series currently feels incomplete.
The world of Jujutsu sorcery, with its curses, sorcerers, and ancient rituals, is full of potential, but much of it remains unexplored.
This has led to a sense of frustration among fans, who feel that the series could have been so much more if only it had taken the time to flesh out its world.
Additionally, wrapping up a climactic storyline like the ongoing Shinjuku Showdown arc in a matter of mere five chapters is certainly not a good showing for the series.
The Shinjuku Showdown arc is one of the most intense and pivotal arcs in the series, and fans were expecting it to be given the time and attention it deserves.
The Shinjuku Showdown Arc (Mappa)
However, with the series set to conclude in just five chapters, there is a real concern that this arc and the series as a whole will be rushed to an unsatisfying ending.
According to some fans, even the My Hero Academia mangaka, Kohei Horikoshi, took his time to create a proper epilogue for his magnum opus.
My Hero Academia has its own share of flaws, but Horikoshi’s decision to take his time with the ending allowed him to wrap up the story in a way that felt complete and satisfying.
Fans were given the closure they needed, and the world of My Hero Academia was left feeling whole.
Akutami, on the other hand, looks to conclude the Shinjuku Showdown arc, the epilogue, and the story arcs of the remaining characters in a matter of five chapters without properly expanding on the Jujutsu Kaisen worldbuilding.
As such, it’s only natural for fans to feel frustrated with Akutami’s decision to end a series as popular and impactful as Jujutsu Kaisen in such a short time.
Creative Choices of a Mangaka and the Fans’ Reactions
That said, it’s also important to remember that, at the end of the day, it is the mangaka’s decision as to what they want to do with their series and how they want to conclude it.
Gege Akutami has created something truly special with Jujutsu Kaisen, and he has the right to decide how his story ends.
Every creator has a vision for their work, and sometimes that vision doesn’t align with the expectations of the fans.
However, that doesn’t mean fans’ frustrations are unwarranted. The relationship between a creator and their audience is a complex one, built on trust and mutual respect.
Fans invest their time, emotions, and money into a series, and in return, they hope to see a story that fulfills its potential.
When a series fails to meet these expectations, especially in its final moments, it can lead to feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction.
Gege Akutami And Gojo Satoru (Image via Shueisha)
The world of Jujutsu Kaisen is one that has captured the imaginations of many, and the series’ unique blend of dark themes, intense battles, and complex characters has made it a standout in the shonen manga world.
However, the lack of focus on worldbuilding has always been a point of contention, and as the series approaches its end, this issue has only become more pronounced.
Fans can only hope that, despite the rushed timeline, Akutami will find a way to bring the series to a satisfying endinng.
While the world of Jujutsu Kaisen may not be as fully realized as some would like, there is still a chance for the story to end on a high note.
A well-executed ending, even if it doesn’t address all of the series’ shortcomings, can leave a lasting positive impression and provide the closure that fans are seeking.
In the end, Jujutsu Kaisen’s legacy will be determined not just by its strengths, but also by how it handles its weaknesses.
A rushed ending could exacerbate the series’ flaws, particularly in terms of worldbuilding, but it could also provide a final opportunity for Akutami to tie up loose ends and give fans a sense of completion.
Whatever the outcome, Jujutsu Kaisen will remain a significant and influential work in the animanga world, one that has left a lasting impact on its fans and the industry as a whole.
