Best Slice of Life Anime of 2023

In his final moments, Hiraku Machio was confined to a hospital bed due to illness before he died. Touched by his tragic destiny, a god decides to bring Hiraku back to life in a different world, granting him the opportunity to live however he wishes. Wanting to pursue agriculture in this new life, he is given a versatile "Almighty Farming Tool" that can transform into any required implement. Relocated to what seems like an isolated woodland, Hiraku begins building and farming from scratch, gradually transforming the barren area into a thriving settlement.

In another world following his reincarnation, Ryouma Takebayashi uses the blessings granted by the gods to tame many slimes and enhance the well-being of people near him. As his laundry venture, Bamboo Forest, succeeds, he intends to grow into the neighboring town of Lenaf. Keeping his promise to his dear companion Eliaria Jamil, he commits each day to refining new skills, strengthening bonds, and uncovering additional varieties of slimes.

It has been two years since the Yuzuki brothers lost their parents, and they have been managing their household together ever since. Hayato, the oldest, shoulders the responsibility of being the family's steady anchor. The second brother, Mikoto, keeps his composure but reveals a gentler side, especially toward the lively and energetic third brother, Minato. Although full of spirit, Minato often tends to be a bit awkward. The youngest, Gakuto, stands apart as a clever and diligent first-grader. The story follows the brothers' everyday routines as they balance family duties, schoolwork, and involvement in their community.

At age 26, Kentarou Momose quits his previous job after suffering health issues caused by harassment at work and begins fresh at another company. His new supervisor and direct mentor is 34-year-old Yuusei Shirosaki. Although Shirosaki is known as a competent and well-regarded leader, which at first makes Momose nervous about repeating old mistakes and traumas, Momose quickly finds reassurance. Shirosaki uses methods that appear odd, but his intentions are truly to assist. Through this process of adaptation, Momose understands there is no need to feel cautious around his delightfully quirky boss.

Arisu Tachibana, an elementary school girl with a mature demeanor and aspirations of becoming an idol, is summoned by her company's president to join the newly established Third Entertainment Section. Along with eight other young girls, Arisu meets her producer as they begin their idol careers. To everyone's surprise, their producer is a childlike adult, far from what they had expected. As a first-time producer, he is also unaware that he will be managing a group of small, young idols. Arisu initially feels disappointed by this unexpected turn of events and longs for a different leader. However, the producer is determined to make the most of the opportunity, driven by his genuine passion for idols and his desire to help them succeed. He conveys his commitment to his new role. Over time, the young idols start to accept him after witnessing his relentless enthusiasm, setting the stage for their journey toward realizing their dreams.

“No” is not a word that exists in the vocabulary of a concierge. That’s just one of the strict rules Akino must follow as she starts her new position as a salesclerk at the refined and sprawling Hokkyoku Department Store. This is no ordinary store—its clientele are all animals, and the most esteemed among them belong to extinct species. Sea minks, laughing owls, Japanese wolves, and even a colossal mammoth named Mr. Woolly, a celebrated sculptor whose works are displayed in the store, all shop here. Still, it remains a luxury retail establishment, and the nervous Akino finds herself overwhelmed by the customers’ demanding requests. These range from rare merchandise to more intricate emotional issues. Can the green Akino satisfy their whims and live up to their expectations? To keep her job, she must succeed while being constantly watched by the finicky floor manager Mr. Toudou, a sinister consultant eager to reduce the workforce, and the store’s mysterious president (who is definitely not a penguin, just so you know!).

Akira Kiyose is a high school student with a passion for singing who catches the attention of the talent agency sMiLea Production. At the agency, he discovers that its training program is backed by the legendary idol group "Anela," whose unexpected retirement once amazed the world. Along with teammates Banri Naoe and Chihiro Isuzugawa, Akira forms an idol group of their own, striving for fame while competing against other acts including "LEGIT" and "JAXX/JAXX."

A new Love Live! Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Doukoukai original video animation released in Summer 2023.

Elizabeth, Joou-sama Tsuihou no Hi!? While playing a game of chess alongside her sister ship Valiant, Queen Elizabeth stakes her title as queen for a single day, fully convinced she will keep it. To her surprise, Valiant wins and eagerly takes on the temporary role of queen, leaving Queen Elizabeth to experience life as one of her own attendants. Valiant soon discovers she is not adequately prepared for the heavy duties of her new position. Elizabeth, Jinei Konshinkai ni Jinryoku The highly anticipated gathering of all nine Azur Lane factions draws near. During the representatives' meeting, a theme is chosen while Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth and Iris Libre’s Richelieu are absent. As a result, neither faction can secure space to set up their booth at the event. To ensure the assembly's success, Queen Elizabeth steps forward to negotiate with the other factions, urging them to accommodate their beloved commander's needs.

After breaking up with Yuuko, Miyu Samura's luck takes a sharp turn for the worse. A few months later, Yuuko reappears with a toy poodle, saying she can no longer keep it. Though Miyu has no experience with dogs, he reluctantly takes in the puppy, which soon gets him in trouble with his landlord because of its energetic behavior. While walking the puppy, Miyu runs into professional dog trainer Shinichirou Niwa and his well-behaved standard poodle, Ourson. Niwa quickly corrects the puppy's misbehavior and gives Miyu blunt but useful advice on caring for dogs. Impressed by Niwa's abilities, Miyu quits his job to become his assistant. Even though Niwa finds people more difficult to handle than dogs and his business is struggling, Miyu stays determined to support him.

One month after being abruptly let go from the Cosmopolitan Philharmonic Orchestra, the eccentric and gifted conductor Haruo Hibiki finds it difficult to land a new position. With limited options, he reluctantly takes a teaching post at Kawagoe Private Academy. His contract states that if he can start a boys' choir and win the yearly competition, he will be reinstated to his former orchestral role. Desperate to revive his career, Haruo scours the school for students whose voices show promise for choir. But his poor communication skills create friction with many pupils, notably Tenshi Dei, a gifted singer plagued by stage fright. With only a year to reach this challenging goal, Haruo must close the distance between himself and the boys he gathers, cultivating their abilities to build a competitive choir.

Second season of Rail Romanesque.

In Little Shark's Outings, a baby shark explores the pleasant streets of Yauo Town, finding joy in simple summer activities like drinking cider, eating freeze pops, doing radio calisthenics, visiting festival stalls, and hanging out with friends. The town's charm and beauty are shown through the young shark's innocent viewpoint.

Mini anime of Cool Doji Danshi exclusively on the dTV streaming service.

Akari and Nagi travel to Kyoto during their first summer break after starting high school, driven by a specific goal. Akari is eager to reach their destination as fast as possible, but Nagi prefers to take in as many sights as they can to fill their trip with memories. Akari keeps urging Nagi to hurry onward, yet Nagi continues exploring, leaving Akari with no choice but to tag along. As they experience Kyoto's attractions for the first time, Akari slowly starts to understand the pleasure of traveling. Eventually, the pair arrives at their intended location… Tabi Hani is a crowd-funded initiative centered on exploring Japan through travel. The debut episode, "Kyoto-hen" (京都編), was screened for the project's supporters at UPLINK Kyoto on April 8, 2023. Initially, a second and third episode were scheduled.

This brief anime was directed by loundraw, with music composed by BUMP OF CHICKEN. It is part of the "TOHO animation: Music Films" initiative, created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of TOHO Animation.

A year has passed since six middle-aged men with little to lose formed an idol group, living together and pursuing their aspirations of fame. After overcoming many trials and building deeper bonds, they have grown accustomed to their new way of life. The next installment of the Eternal Boys' story is now presented on the big screen as a feature film consisting of three connected episodes.

This brief animated film was helmed by Mizuki Itou and features music from HENTAI SHINSHI CLUB. It is included in the "TOHO animation: Music Films" initiative celebrating the 10th anniversary of TOHO Animation.

In this story taking place before Ruru meets a trainee witch in Ura Ura-Harajuku, Ruru is a 15-year-old girl who has trouble discovering what she likes or feels passionate about. One day, she finds something she truly enjoys for the first time. Even though she is surrounded by things she does not like, she wishes she could lose herself in what she loves.

I can bring you joy, but I cannot erase the tears you've cried. Ochibi-san lives a calm and unhurried life in Mametsubu-cho, a small neighborhood in the historic city of Kamakura, Japan. Along with his companions—Nazeni the dog, Jack the playful kitten, and Pankui the always-hungry dog—Ochibi-san goes through a year filled with fresh encounters and new experiences in Mametsubu-cho. From viewing cherry blossoms in spring, to swimming in summer, gathering leaves in autumn, and savoring tasty meals in winter, each season brings its own special pleasures.

This manga revolves around a cat that is attracted to the smell of tears and approaches anyone who is weeping to offer comfort or encouragement.

In the origins of Cinnamoroll, a white dog fell from the heavens and was discovered by an employee at Café Cinnamon. The "I.Cinnamoroll" series explores an alternate reality where Cinnamoroll did not meet the Café Cinnamon worker on that pivotal day. The "I" in the title symbolizes both the English pronoun "I" and the Japanese word "ai" (love), emphasizing the brand’s emphasis on self-care and personal well-being.

Short TV anime focusing on the origin of the five main characters.

The second season of Gunma-chan, an anime series based on the Gunma Prefecture mascot character, Gunma-chan.

Ecchan, Sapphi, Rocco, and Moffan form the idol group "Uchuu Seifuku" and strive to become the top idol unit in the entire universe by putting on a show at the Space Budokan! Yet, trouble always arises just a few minutes before each live performance is set to begin! This is an original short anime available exclusively on the streaming service DMM TV.

Shuwawan! revolves around the daily life of Harumichi Saitou, a photographer and essayist who is deaf, along with his deaf spouse and their hearing children. The family communicates with one another using sign language. The anime is based on Saitou's personal manga diary, Ikuji Manga Nikki, which chronicles his experiences raising children.

A series of vignettes depicting the everyday scenes of people and Snorlax spending happy times together!

A new animated TV series based on the Sylvanian Families toy line, continuing from Freya no Happy Diary.

The third season of Chickip Dancers.

This anime short follows the mascot of Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting, a talking bear named Sakuma-kun, as he and his family visit various hot springs throughout Japan.

What is Mendako? It is a member of the octopus family that resides in the deep sea. Some individuals find comfort in watching them spend their days peacefully on the ocean floor.