Best Slice of Life Anime of 2018

While most girls her age envision lavish vacations with loved ones, Rin Shima discovers peace in solitary camping excursions near Mount Fuji. She meticulously handles every aspect, from pitching her tent to gathering firewood, finding satisfaction in her own company. During one of these outings, Rin's quiet solitude is suddenly broken when Nadeshiko Kagamihara, who had dozed off midway through her hike to view Mount Fuji, wanders onto her campsite in search of shelter. Though initially startled, Rin warmly welcomes the uninvited guest. The pair spend the night exchanging tales, warming themselves by the campfire, and savoring a bowl of ramen. Once Nadeshiko is collected by her sister later that evening, both girls begin to ponder the possibility of embarking on future camping trips together.

In "School Babysitters," teenager Ryuuichi Kashima takes on the role of caretaker for his younger brother Kotarou after their parents die in a plane crash. Ryuuichi stays upbeat and attentive, while Kotarou, a quiet toddler, cannot fully grasp what has happened. At the funeral, the strict academy principal, Youko Morinomiya, proposes that the brothers live with her and attend the school, on the condition that Ryuuichi works as the school's babysitter. The academy operates a babysitting club to support female teachers with their young children, but it is short on workers. Consequently, Ryuuichi must look after not only his own brother but also a lively group of toddlers.

Kaoruko "Chaos" Moeta is a struggling manga artist with big dreams. She wants to create manga about high school girls, but her plots are weak, her art is unoriginal, and her stories lack substance. Frustrated by her lack of progress, her editor suggests she work on her social skills. Taking this advice, Chaos moves into a dormitory for aspiring female manga creators. There, she meets her new roommates: Tsubasa Katsuki, who writes shounen manga; Ruki Irokawa, a creator of popular erotic manga aimed at women; and Koyume Koizuka, another shoujo artist also hoping for their first serialization. As Chaos bonds with these women, she gains fresh insights and slowly improves her craft. "Comic Girls" follows the everyday lives of these young manga artists. The series asks whether Chaos can launch her career and secure a serialization. Though the outcome is unknown, each girl is committed to helping the others in their pursuit of artistic success.

In "How to Keep a Mummy," high school student Sora Kashiwagi is accustomed to receiving unusual gifts from his father, who travels the world. These presents often come with a shock, but when a large package arrives from Egypt, it contains Mii-kun, a tiny and adorable mummy. Though initially cautious, Sora soon learns that Mii-kun is gentle and longs for companionship. The two navigate everyday life together, meeting others who also have extraordinary pets along the way. As their bond grows, Sora faces the difficulties of caring for Mii-kun but remains dedicated to nurturing the affectionate mummy.

In Fuyuki City, where the Holy Grail War has faded into memory, life has returned to normal for its residents. Shirou, now living his everyday routine alongside Saber, takes up cooking to introduce her to the pleasures of modern cuisine. Each day, he goes to the market in search of fresh and interesting ingredients, preparing a variety of dishes while keeping expenses low. His excellent culinary skills often draw unexpected guests from around the city, turning every dinner at the Emiya household into a special occasion. While his visitors relax in the living room, Shirou demonstrates the process of making his favorite meals, walking through each step. Whether it's New Year soba with tempura shrimp, foil-baked salmon, or bamboo shoot gratin with cheese, every dish is a delight. Itadakimasu!

In Tokyo's Ueno district, three young girls calling themselves the Colors act as self-appointed protectors of their neighborhood, carrying out good deeds and community service. The group includes Yui Akamatsu, who is shy; Sacchan, full of energy; and Kotoha, who is obsessed with video games. They spend their days in imaginative play and exploring their surroundings. Their adventures are encouraged by Daigorou "Pops" Kujiraoka, an older shopkeeper who uses his store's trinkets to fuel the girls' enthusiasm. But not everyone in the area appreciates the Colors' activities. Local police officer Saitou prefers focusing on his routine duties but often becomes the target of the girls' role-playing, usually cast as the villain in their games. Despite his frustration, he always finds a way to indulge their playful nature. Even if the Colors don't truly protect Ueno, they undoubtedly bring happiness to many people's lives.

As summer break nears its end, the group makes the most of their remaining time together. Their usual routine takes an unexpected turn when Suguru Koshigaya wins a lottery prize—tickets to Okinawa. After a quick round of preparations, the Asahigaoka crew sets off on a three-day trip for one final summer adventure. Arriving in Okinawa and settling into their inn, they meet Aoi Niizato, the young daughter of the innkeeper. Though she is their age, Aoi's mature and composed attitude makes Natsumi Koshigaya reflect on her own childish behavior. As a new friendship begins to develop, the girls dive into their packed itinerary and eagerly take part in a variety of local activities.

In "Natsume's Book of Friends Movie: Ephemeral Bond," Takashi Natsume and his feline spirit companion Nyanko continue their task of returning the names of spirits recorded in the Book of Friends, an inheritance from his late grandmother, Reiko Natsume. One afternoon, Takashi encounters a wandering spirit named Monmonbou, who recognizes his grandmother's name and shares memories of her. Driven by curiosity, Takashi travels to a secluded town linked to his grandmother's history. There, he forms a bond with Yorie Tsumura, one of his grandmother's old acquaintances, and her son Mukuo, gaining insights into Reiko's past. Meanwhile, Nyanko wanders off in search of food and discovers a peculiar "Spirit Seed." Overnight, the seed grows into a fruit-bearing tree, and unable to resist, Nyanko eats the fruit, resulting in his split into three separate entities. To reverse this unusual transformation, Takashi and his new companions work together, unraveling further mysteries within the town.

In a world where its inhabitants are only a few inches tall, Hakumei and Mikochi share a home inside a tree. Hakumei is an energetic, tomboyish carpenter, while Mikochi is a calm and feminine tailor. Despite their contrasting personalities, they live together in harmony and enjoy their daily life in the forest. Their days are filled with work, sightseeing trips, and visits to the seaside Tsumiki Marketplace for shopping. Along the way, they befriend various creatures, including the sentient woodland animal Iwashi the weasel, the singer Konju, and the inventor Sen. Hakumei and Mikochi offers a gentle glimpse into the simple lives of its main characters as they explore and interact with their small, fairy-tale-like world.

Kouta Hasegawa, an ordinary high school student, holds dear a Pompompurin plush toy that his grandmother gave him when he was young. But after classmates tease him for liking Sanrio characters, Kouta grows shy about his fondness for Pompompurin. Through unexpected events, Kouta meets several fellow students who also have a passion for Sanrio characters: Yuu Mizuno, a popular and flashy boy well-liked by girls; Shunsuke Yoshino, a member of the soccer team; Ryou Nishimiya, a younger student who works as a library aide; and Seiichirou Minamoto, the student council president. With encouragement from these new friends, Kouta realizes that there is no reason to be ashamed of his enjoyment of Sanrio. The group decides to put on a play for the cultural festival, hoping to turn Kouta's routine school life into something remarkable.

Chiaki Oogaki and Aoi Inuyama start the Outdoor Activities Club at their school, creating a pair with ambitious goals. When Nadeshiko Kagamihara joins as the third member, their group dynamic shifts only slightly, but their welcoming and cozy environment often attracts attention from other students who stop by their small clubroom. Eventually, the group embarks on a camping trip to Australia alongside friends Rin Shima and Ena Saitou, only for an unforeseen occurrence to transform their intended relaxation into a real adventure.

The second season of One Room. Note: Excludes recap episode 0, Hanasaka Yui's Prologue.

In the OVA plot adapted from the manga's ninth volume, Ryuuichi steps away from the babysitter club to focus on studying for exams. While Ryuuichi studies, Kotarou and the other kids imitate him and practice their writing. Wanting to thank Saikawa for helping him during tests, Ryuuichi subtly tries to discover what Saikawa likes. He then prepares curry for both the chairwoman and Saikawa. Additionally, the OVA features a "Snow White" segment from the manga's sixth volume, where the chairwoman plays the Queen and Inomata, trapped in a castle and forced to only study, acts as Snow White. Ryuuichi appears as the huntsman who leads her outside, with the babies becoming the seven dwarfs, and they encounter Usaida in the forest.

In their daily commutes to work or school, a variety of individuals find themselves stopped at railway crossings, where a diverse array of encounters unfold. These meetings bring together friends, rivals, acquaintances, and total strangers, each adding to the shifting fabric of narratives. The series portrays the dialogues that arise during these pauses, which can be lighthearted or serious, predictable or surprising, yet always possess a distinctive capacity for engagement.

The series portrays the everyday lives of the Alice twins and their older brother, who has a sister complex. It shows their shared moments, including eating together, arguing, and spending time with friends, highlighting the charming daily activities of the cute Alices.

In "Yotsuiro Biyori," Sui Tougoku takes over Rokuhoudou, a classic Japanese café, after inheriting it from his grandfather. He runs the establishment together with Gregorio Valentino, Tokitaka Nagae, and Tsubaki Nakao, and the place is known for its exceptional hospitality that consistently turns first-time visitors into loyal patrons. Every staff member has faced their own personal struggles and utilizes the café as a way to assist others through food, drink, or guidance. While their days are usually calm, the café's sudden surge in popularity pushes Sui and his team toward an unexpected journey.

The second season of Amanchu! follows the continuing adventures of Hikari Kohinata and Futaba Ooki as they discover happiness in both scuba diving and life's simplest moments. Hikari grew up in a small coastal town on the Izu Peninsula, while Futaba moved there from Tokyo; despite their opposite personalities, the two met at Yumegaoka High School and immediately formed a strong bond. The always-timid Futaba found the perfect counterpart in the cheerful and optimistic Hikari, and their friendship gave her the bravery to take her first steps toward experiencing many of life's small pleasures. After successfully passing the Open Water Diver exam, Futaba now sets her sights on earning the Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

After an unforgettable summer break, Aoi Yukimura stays dedicated to her newfound passion for mountain climbing. Having overcome her fear of heights and kept the childhood promise she made to Hinata Kuraue, she eagerly pursues every chance to climb, including another opportunity to ascend Mt. Fuji. Though the next expedition is scheduled for the following summer, Aoi throws herself into rigorous training to ensure she succeeds this time. As the seasons change and their anticipation builds, the challenges of taking on new obstacles begin to strain the friendship between these longtime companions, exposing different views on where their futures lie.

In the C-class idol group Ongaku Shoujo, managed by Pine Records, eleven girls strive despite their low popularity and sales. Despite these challenges, both Producer Ikebashi and the members persistently work towards improving their standing. To help achieve a breakthrough, Ikebashi proposes adding a new member to the group. Through an audition process, Ongaku Shoujo encounters Hanako, setting the stage for what will become a legendary ensemble.

Aine Yuuki is a student in the regular division at Star Harmony Academy, living a normal school life. Her life shifts when she meets Mio Minato, an idol student, who inspires Aine to join Aikatsu to realize her dream of forming friendships. Aine builds close bonds with fellow idols Maika Chōno and Ema Hinata. Together with Mio, Aine works toward earning the prestigious title of "Diamond Friends." Meanwhile, Karen Kamishiro and Mirai Asuku, who have already achieved "Diamond Friends" status, belong to the elite Diamond Class.

Special episode included in the second Blu-ray/DVD volume.

Set in Kyoto, the penguin Chitose-chan roams the city's streets, interacting with residents and often receiving tasty treats along the way. Well-known Kyoto landmarks such as Kiyomizu Temple, Ginkaku Temple, and Gion are depicted through Chitose's unique perspective. This heartwarming and comforting short story follows Chitose's adventures, offering a soothing experience for readers.

Mirai Momoyama and Emo Moegi are first-year middle school students who dream of being idols. They opt to utilize the Pri☆Chan System, a platform employed by celebrities and corporations for streaming. Emulating many girls who launch their own channels and share content, the two take on the role of their own producers, establishing a channel in hopes of achieving Pri☆Chan idol status.

Web shorts focusing on each of the 22/7 idols during their everyday lives. 1) day01 Miu Takigawa (day01 滝川みう), March 23, 2018. 2) day02 Miyako Kouno (day02 河野都), March 23, 2018. 3) day03 Ayaka Tachikawa (day03 立川絢香), May 24, 2018. 4) day04 Reika Satou (day04 佐藤麗華), July 7, 2018. 5) day05 Nicole Saitou (day05 斎藤ニコル), Sep 15, 2018. 6) day06 Akane Maruyama (day06 丸山あかね), Oct 7, 2018. 7) day07 Jun Toda (day07 戸田ジュン), Oct 7, 2018. 8) day08 Sakura Fujima (day08 藤間桜), Nov 12, 2018.

A Monday broadcast of BanG Dream! on Nico Live revealed information about a new spin-off anime centered on the group Pastel*Palettes. The series, titled Pastel Life, is described as a slice-of-life anime. Details regarding its format and broadcast schedule have not been announced yet.

At Ayanagi Academy, Halloween has arrived, bringing pumpkins, decorations, and sweets that fill the campus with a festive mood. Yuuta Hoshitani and his classmates are enjoying the holiday excitement until Kouki Nanjou tells a terrifying ghost story that leaves everyone on edge. When night falls and the dormitory lights go out, eerie figures start to appear, making the students suspect that Nanjou's tale might be real. While Hoshitani and some others tremble in fear, the rest of the group sets out to investigate the strange happenings and uncover what is truly behind them.

The second season of Koneko no Chii: Ponponra Daibouken features an original storyline crafted by mangaka Kanata Konami, focusing on the concept of travel.

Kaoruko is about to meet a prospective marriage partner, but her mind is elsewhere—dwelling on a boy she met in Chichibu long ago, whose name she never learned. The vivid memories of wandering with him near Chichibu Shrine, taking in the flowers at Hitsujiyama Park, the riverside cliffs at Nagatoro, and the sea of clouds from Mitsumine Shrine linger in her heart. These precious moments inspire her to relive them. Carrying a faint hope and a sense of nostalgia, Kaoruko chooses to go back to Chichibu, wishing to find that mysterious boy once again.

Mirai Momoyama and Emo Moegi, two middle school freshmen who have been close friends for a long time, dream of becoming idols by registering as a channel on Pri☆Chan. Together with their classmate Rinka Aoba, they head to their favorite Prism Stone Shop. However, they accidentally slip into a different dimension and end up in the PriPara World...!? Can Mirai, Emo, and Rinka find their way back home safely? The stage of their dreams is now ready to shine!

Kimono no Matsu Mirai (Basho) e commemorates the 60th anniversary of Soka city. Souta grew up in Soka but had been living and working in Tokyo; he recently moves back to search for a new home alongside his fiancée Miki. While looking for a place to settle, he spots an unusual bird and chases after it, which brings him to Akiko—a woman who has been transported from the past. Souta guides Akiko through the city, and as he does, she contemplates the ways the town has transformed over the years and reflects on her own future, given that she is also engaged.

The daily life of a family with two cats, Azuki and Daizu, is depicted. The cats belong to a woman in her thirties who works in an office and is a cat lover. She lives with her father, mother, grandfather, and older brother, whom the cats call "Megane" (Glasses). After the previous owner of a Shiba Inu named Mamenosuke passed away, Megane adopted the dog. Since Mamenosuke was raised among cats, he actually believes he is a cat.

This is the third season of Rilu Rilu Fairilu. It follows a girl who discovers a special item called the "Magic Pendulum," which she uses to enter the Fairilu world. There, she embarks on adventures, and the series depicts her journey of growing up.

Iinuma leads a typical salaryman's existence, but his life centers on his passion for eating. This appetizing gourmet manga follows his gastronomic journeys, inviting readers to relish his restaurant experiences.

This short anime takes its inspiration from the songs of the band Kuusou Iinkai, and the screenplay was written by the group's lead singer, Ryuuichi Miura. The theme song is performed by Kuusou Iinkai.

Long ago, Haruka Hoshinogawa made a wish with her grandfather beneath the town's old cherry blossom tree and received a cherry blossom ribbon as a present from him. As she grew up, she treasured that gift while beginning fifth grade at her school. One day, noticing the old cherry blossom tree was wilting, her grandfather decided to leave the shop and travel the world, entrusting Haruka with its care in his absence. The next night while she slept, her treasured ribbon sprouted a strange egg, which hatched into a Cocotama—a god born from an object that has been cherished with love and care. Haruka woke up and accidentally spotted the Cocotama on the table, causing it to retreat into its Hiding Egg. When she picked up the egg, it transformed into a mysterious key. Left with questions, the Cocotama introduced herself as Ribbon, and Haruka learned about the existence of such beings and the mysteries surrounding the strange key she now held. Ribbon realized that the key was actually the Key of Wonders, and that Haruka had been chosen by it as the Legendary Contractor to the Cocotamas. Now, the two of them strive to run the shop and meet new Cocotama friends while uncovering the mysteries and powers behind the Key of Wonders.

Manul no Yuube is a short anime adaptation of a web manga of the same name, airing within the "Darwin Kita! Kikimono Shin Densetsu" series on NHK1.5. The story focuses on animal characters who frequent the bar called Manul no Yuube. The bar is run by Mama, a Pallas's cat (Otocolobus manul), and attended to by the hostess Tsunomin, a Brazilian treehopper (Bocydium globulare).

This series follows two companions: an easily fooled weasel who loves anything cute and round, and a dormouse that feigns innocence. Together, they spend their days engaged in short, cheerful stories of play and enjoyment, all set in Nagano Prefecture.

Third season of Shounen Ashibe: Go! Go! Goma-chan.

The story revolves around Matthew, a rabbit who often gets lost in daydreams and worries. His two best friends are Keron, a frog with a gloomy outlook who has a fondness for good-luck charms, and Ham, a hamster who rarely speaks and goes through life at an unhurried tempo. Together, the three navigate common challenges and explorations within a mysterious forest, where their distinct characteristics blend and interact.

The story of "Moshimoshi, Terumi desu" follows the daily life of Terumi-san, an employee at the phone company Moshimoshi Dou who has a strong aversion to the internet, and Rintarou, a middle school student who has feelings for her.

In "Hoshi no Shima no Nyanko," the story follows three cats—Hopi, Toto, and Mao—as they set out on a voyage across the ocean to find a location where they can create their own community. Their aim is to discover the enigmatic "Island of Stars." After stumbling upon it by accident, they begin constructing on the island but face multiple obstacles throughout their undertaking.

"Futsuu tte Nandarou?" is an NHK documentary series that focuses on people living with developmental disorders. The series includes two-minute animated vignettes based on real stories, in which the subjects recount their personal experiences. Throughout their upbringing, these individuals found it difficult to understand their own circumstances, as did their teachers. Each animated segment, produced by a different artist, aims to illustrate what is considered normal for these individuals and how they eventually find their place in society. These animations were created to support NHK’s campaign for raising awareness about the documentary series. Later, the animated clips were made available for streaming on NHK’s official website and its YouTube channel.

Short episodes that introduce the Cocotama's from Kirakira Happy★Hirake! Cocotama TV series.

In this animated television advertisement for Sofy soft tampons, a female protagonist embarks on an extended road journey accompanied by her companions. The product protects her from leaks, especially during stretches when frequent bathroom breaks are not possible.

This collection contains forty short episodes focusing on a delightfully plump cat called Oi-san. It also includes the unnumbered episode "はじまり" (Hajimari), which came out at the same time as the first numbered episode.

Second season of Sylvanian Families: Mini Story.

Bori, Toto, and Mochi are three lively cats who live with their human companion in an apartment above a coffee shop. They like keeping the shop's customers amused and mingling with the local animals in the area.