Best Slice of Life Anime of 2021

As Tooru strives to perfect her role as the ideal maid and Kanna Kamui adjusts to elementary school, the Kobayashi household remains filled with lighthearted antics. A massive landslide near the location where Kobayashi first encountered Tooru uncovers immense draconic power. With no known dragon claiming responsibility, Ilulu, a formidable Chaos Dragon, descends from the heavens. Possessing strength comparable to Tooru's, she initially condemns Tooru's bond with humanity and challenges her to a fatal duel. Yet, intrigued by Kobayashi's unique capacity to befriend dragons, Ilulu decides to remain, seeking to understand what sets Kobayashi apart. The arrival of this new troublemaker injects even more excitement into Kobayashi's already bustling life with her dragon maid.

Following a memorable Christmas holiday camping trip with her newfound friends, Rin Shima embarks on a solitary journey to welcome the New Year's dawn by the seaside. Her plans proceed smoothly until unforeseen weather conditions block the roads, preventing her from returning home. Trapped for a few days, Rin receives an invitation from Nadeshiko Kagamihara to stay at her grandmother's residence. What was initially intended as a brief two-day adventure transforms into a prolonged exploration filled with new sights and experiences. Throughout her stay, Rin encounters both old acquaintances and new faces. Yuru Camp△ Season 2 further explores the joys of camping through the ongoing adventures of Rin, Nadeshiko, and their companions.

The gentle adventure continues. As the brief but eventful summer fades away, autumn brings a new school term and endless possibilities. Though the four girls return to their peaceful daily routines, the arrival of new faces adds energy to the quiet countryside life of Asahigaoka. The Non Non Biyori sequel gently brings us back to the lives of Hotaru Ichijou, Renge Miyauchi, Natsumi Koshigaya, and Komari Koshigaya, who have fully embraced rural life and turn everything they encounter into pure fun.

Koguma is a quiet second-year high school student who has nothing she can claim as her own—no family, no hobbies, no friends, and no ambitions. One ordinary afternoon while heading home, she stops by a motorcycle shop hoping to buy a motor scooter. Confronted by the high prices and her limited budget, she feels discouraged and is about to leave. Suddenly, the shop owner offers to sell her a used Honda Super Cub for just ten thousand yen. Seeing a chance for change, Koguma purchases the motorcycle, believing it might bring some brightness into her otherwise empty life. As she takes short trips around her town on her new Super Cub, Koguma slowly builds meaningful connections and steps confidently into a new chapter of her life.

The Western restaurant Nekoya is cherished by its regular Japanese customers for its delicious blend of Western and Japanese dishes, all crafted by the friendly head chef, Master Tenshu. Though the establishment appears closed on Saturdays in Japan, this is actually when Nekoya opens its doors to the Other World, serving those in search of extraordinary food. Spanning locations from castles to forests, this eatery—known to visitors as the "Restaurant to Another World"—draws a wide variety of guests. These diverse customers are served by either the polite demon Aletta or the mysterious elf Kuro. With every meal, whether a first encounter or a repeat visit, Master Tenshu and the staff deliver an unforgettable dining experience filled with tales and tastes from many different worlds.

Each person has their own dreams, and Kanon Shibuya, who has musical ability, is no exception. However, because of intense stage fright, she fails to enter Yuigaoka Girls' High School's music program and ends up in the general course. Kanon thinks about giving up music entirely until her classmate, Tang Keke, reignites her passion through her excitement for school idols. Keke and Kanon attempt to form a school idol group, but they face strong opposition from Ren Hazuki, whose father serves as the school's principal. Even so, the girls manage to meet with the principal and gain permission to establish their school idol club, on the condition that they take first place at the Yoyogi School Idol Festival. Their path as aspiring idols is full of obstacles, but through determination and forming new bonds, they slowly put together a group of skilled members. Together, they strive to become the brilliant idols that others can only dream of being.

A salaryman has a chance meeting with a girl named Ai on the train. Every Monday, they cross paths again during their commutes, as he acts as her guardian in the packed车厢，并一边聊着天。

A series of short animations that were uploaded to Kyoto Animation's official YouTube channel leading up to the second season's premiere on July 7. Note that this entry's total episode count includes episodes 1–13 as well as the three special episodes that were released during the second season's broadcast.

In his search for Nyanko-sensei, Takashi Natsume comes across Mitsumi, a timid and small youkai who has been assigned the duty of "Ishi Okoshi" by his master, the powerful ayakashi Gantetsu. The Ishi Okoshi's job is to wake Gantetsu from his deep sleep. Noticing how sincerely Mitsumi wants to carry out his responsibility, Natsume decides to assist him in completing this task. But time is running short, and others are also trying to rouse the divine being. A mysterious stranger starts showing up at the home of Kaname Tanuma, Natsume's friend. Over several days, this person has brief exchanges with Tanuma and then leaves. Natsume finds out that the visitor is actually a youkai in disguise, who claims to have no harmful intentions. Even though Tanuma trusts this youkai, his health begins to worsen, making Natsume suspect the visitor's true intentions. What is the reason behind this sudden appearance, and what connection does the youkai have with Tanuma?

Tajimi is famous for its Mino ware ceramics. Himeno Toyokawa's mother was a celebrated potter from that area, but she passed away when Himeno was just four years old. Her mother's legacy continues through the unique mugs displayed at the Toyokawas' newly opened city restaurant. After her father's business failed in Tokyo, the family moved back to Tajimi. Himeno brings one of her mother's cherished mugs to high school, hoping to connect with her peers. This catches the attention of Mika Kukuri, an eccentric classmate, who introduces Himeno to Tooko Aoki, the president of the Pottery Club. Learning about her mother's strong ties to both the club and pottery, Himeno asks her father for permission to join, which he gladly gives. With support from Mika and her childhood friend Naoko Naruse, Himeno becomes a member of the Pottery Club, aiming to honor her mother's legacy and explore her new passion for ceramics.

Extra episodes of Mini Dra shorts were released across all five volumes of the Blu-ray/DVD releases of Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid S.

ASMR has become increasingly popular lately, ranging from the enticing noises of mukbang to the soothing murmurs of voice acting. High schooler Akari Sawake is a devoted fan of this trend. Equipped with her reliable headphones, she explores the different ways ASMR can heighten sensory experiences and eagerly spreads the word about its numerous advantages to those around her.

During summer break after her first year of high school, Maise is stuck working at her family's hotel in a quiet seaside town. The boredom breaks when a mysterious young man named Ichirou checks in. Strange apparitions start appearing—sights that only Maise and Ichirou can see: the lobby and guest rooms morphing into an aquarium, a giant tree bursting through the floor, and rowdy monsters taking over the hotel restaurant. Determined to uncover the truth, Maise sets out to discover not only what is causing these bizarre phenomena, but also why Ichirou has come to this remote town in the first place.

In a world overflowing with negativity, five fairies from elite clans are dispatched to Earth to collect "attachments" that sustain their own realm. Disguised as high school boys and a bartender at Bar F, they conceal their true identities as they carry out their mission. At Bar F, the boys encounter numerous female clients burdened by deep emotional scars and offer to help resolve their issues. In exchange, the fairies request permission to take a piece of the customers' hearts. As they investigate the root of each client’s suffering, they uncover a malevolent force bent on spreading chaos and evil. The fairies must identify this menace and foil its schemes, all while remaining true to themselves.

Mystery Camp For Nadeshiko Kagamihara, Aoi Inuyama, and their companions, discovering peace in nature is a constant source of happiness. However, when their camping excursion takes surprising turns, it sparks curiosity about the unknown wonders waiting to be found. Tabisuru Shima Rin Around the campfire, members of the Outdoor Activities Club, including Ena Saitou, give Rin Shima multiple recommendations for her planned journey. Each proposal reflects their own tastes, but Rin has her own ideas regarding how she wishes to approach it.

In "Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House," childhood friends Kiyo Nozuki and Sumire Herai both share the same dream of becoming maikos, apprentice geishas. When they join a maiko house, Kiyo is judged unsuitable for maiko training and instead takes on the role of a live-in cook. Sumire, in contrast, proves to be an ideal maiko candidate and begins her training without any trouble. Though Kiyo is initially disappointed, she keeps a cheerful attitude, bringing joy to the household through her cooking and inspiring those around her with her positive spirit.

With the Mino ware competition nearing its conclusion, Himeno Toyokawa strives to produce a masterpiece that surpasses her previous creations. Balancing her own ambitions with the legacy inherited from her mother, she seeks inspiration—a pursuit as challenging as her artistic objectives. When her father suggests that her next work should become the centerpiece of the café, the pressure mounts. Through fresh encounters and experiences, Himeno and her friends revive their enthusiasm for pottery and gain a deeper understanding of its fundamental essence.

In the sci-fi fantasy series Eden, set thousands of years into the future, the city known as "Eden 3" is home solely to robots whose human creators vanished ages ago. While performing a standard assignment, two agricultural robots accidentally awaken a human baby girl from cryogenic stasis, leading them to question their belief that humans were nothing more than a banned myth from antiquity. The pair then secretly raise the young girl in a hidden sanctuary away from Eden.

Unaired episode 13 included with the Blu-ray release of Getsuyoubi no Tawawa 2.

In "Yoru no Kuni," Chiyo cannot accept the death of her beloved dog Choco. Drifting into sleep, she arrives in the Night World. Guided by Yoru, she explores this enigmatic realm where darkness is beautiful. As she works through her grief, the previously starless world slowly begins to glow. Hina and Tsumugi have been inseparable since childhood, keeping an exchange diary as a symbol of their friendship. When Tsumugi becomes upset that Hina shares this private bond with a new friend, she throws the diary away. Falling asleep, she enters a labyrinth inside the Night World. Initially refusing Yoru's assistance, Tsumugi ventures deeper into the maze and ultimately confronts her own loneliness. Akatsuki starts another day anxious about her stagnating art career. In despair, she throws away her artwork until an old sketchbook catches her attention. Inside is a letter from a former friend who once gave her hope. As she reviews her memories, Akatsuki begins to recall who that friend was and may rediscover her passion for painting.

Anya Dostoyevskaya, a trainee Undine at the Orange Company, becomes disheartened after discovering that her gondolier mentor, Alice Carroll, has been neglecting her own former mentor, Athena Glory. Athena, who once worked as an Undine and now performs as an opera singer, has been trying to arrange a meeting with Alice, but Alice appears to be avoiding her for reasons that are unclear. To help resolve this situation, Anya joins forces with her fellow Undine colleagues, Ai Aino and Azusa B. McLaren. As the three work to bring Alice and Athena back together, Anya begins to understand the feelings of her seniors, which may hold the key to healing their unresolved rift.

Time passes quickly when you're having fun, and it feels like just yesterday that Shinobu Omiya stood nervously awaiting the arrival of Alice Cartelet, who had traveled from England to attend school alongside Shinobu in Japan. Now that they've reached their third and final year, Alice, Shinobu, Aya, and Yoko have grown into the closest of friends, with Karen, Honoka, and Kana joining their circle as well. But with this being their last year together, their time must be divided between preparing for the big senior trip to Nara and Kyoto, and figuring out what lies ahead for all of them in the future... and for Shinobu, what awaits could be something so incredible that she never even dared to imagine it!

In "Aria the Benedizione," Aika S. Granzchesta, the chosen successor and head of the Himeya Company—an Undine guild made up of female gondoliers—shocks everyone by declining to inherit the organization's celebrated gondola, going against custom. Her pupil, Azusa B. McLaren, confused by this surprising move, questions Aika but learns nothing. Seeking clarity, Azusa and other Undines organize a secret gathering with Aika. As the anticipated winter season arrives, bringing calm and splendor to Neo-Venezia, Aika reflects on her path as an Undine and the deep influence it has had on her. Thinking back on precious moments from the past, Aika feels those memories will continue to steer her toward an uncertain but bright future.

Takashi Natsume, together with his faithful feline guardian Madara, journeys to the peaceful region of Hitoyoshi Kuma in Kumamoto. There, they take in the scenic splendor of Kaname Falls and unwind at Tsurukame hot springs, discovering serenity amid the beautiful landscapes during their eventful day.

The narrative of "Aikatsu Planet!" centers on a cutting-edge virtual reality platform known as Aikatsu Planet, which allows users to design avatars and pursue their dreams of becoming famous virtual idols. Mao Otoha, a typical first-year student at the elite Seirei High School, unexpectedly takes on the role of Hana, the top idol avatar, after the former user, Meisa Hinata, vanishes without warning. Mao conceals her true identity as Hana from her schoolmates and friends.

This anime follows a protagonist who is worn out from the grind of everyday life, constantly fatigued and longing for comfort and relief. They crave gentle praise and emotional healing, and find themselves thinking that children have it easy since they get to be pampered. Wanting to flee from reality, they head to a shop and buy a blue pacifier. As soon as they place it in their mouth, the pacifier glows with an odd light and magically carries them to another world. There, the protagonist finds themselves in the body of a five-year-old, spending their days at a day care center staffed by many handsome male caretakers. These caretakers calm the kids using a technique called "There, There Magic."

Kanashiki Debu Neko-chan follows Maru, a cat taken in by Anna from a shelter in Matsuyama city. Under the family's care and plentiful meals, Maru slowly becomes overweight and passes most of his days resting near the window, looking out at the garden. His satisfaction turns to envy when the family brings home a new cat named Cerisier and gives it plenty of affection. After a fight with Cerisier, Maru is stung by the family's harsh words and takes the advice of another cat, deciding to leave and discover what lies beyond.

The official Twitter account for the manga creator agency wwwaap revealed on January 5 that its Shikaruneko (Angry Cat) character is getting a mini-anime adaptation. The series is scheduled to debut this spring on TV Tokyo.

Kogitsune explains the symbolism behind various flowers to Nyanko-sensei, then puts together a bouquet to offer Natsume. This ONA served as a promotional film for a Bandai Spirits Ichiban Kuji event held from March 19, 2021, at FamilyMart, Ministop, and other convenience stores, bookstores, hobby shops, and game centers. The event theme was "The Language of Flowers," and its prize lineup included plush toys, stoles, tote bags, brooches, stationery, handkerchiefs, and acrylic charms. The final prize was a clover-shaped cushion.

A web animation for PriPara created to support the identically named smartphone game. It contains Episode 0. Episode 1 and Episode 0 were first shown ahead of release during the "PIA LIVE STREAM" event on August 18, 2021 and September 1, 2021 respectively.

The narrative centers on three dinosaurs living in the contemporary era, sharing a home at the apartment building known as Dino-Shou, also called "Dino Manor."

In a certain city, for just a moment in time, the lives of three strangers intersect.

A spin-off picture drama series featuring characters from Artiswitch, following what became of each character after the main story and exploring incidents that occurred behind the scenes.

Mini Mashiro no Oto anime released on the official Twitter account.

The story follows a crocodile living an ordinary existence, completely unaware that only 100 days of life remain. The crocodile goes about daily activities, spending time with fellow animal friends.

The TV anime adaptation of San-X's newest mascot character series, Chickip Dancers, follows Hone Chicken, a reserved but inquisitive chicken with bones still inside, and Skip Gaeru, a frog who moves from place to place by putting on dance performances.

This anime is inspired by Gunma-chan, the mascot character representing Gunma Prefecture. The story takes place in Hiragana Gunma, a peculiar location existing somewhere in the world. Though unusual, this place is filled with kindness and warmth. Similar to the diversity of people around you, Hiragana Gunma is home to many odd residents. What adventures might Gunma-chan be having in this strange setting?

Tenkorin Okakura is a lazy high school student who tries to avoid doing any real work. While daydreaming about a deity of painting, she wishes she could accomplish her goals without effort or commitment. Raijin, the thunder god, answers her call by bringing actual historical artists into her life and tells Tenkorin that she must learn from them to turn her dreams into reality. Following their lessons, Tenkorin starts on the path to becoming a true painter with a bright future ahead.

About a century after the salaryman office worker rose to prominence in Japan during the 1920s, society now finds itself at a crucial turning point. To investigate how work styles have transformed over the past hundred years, SmartHR produced a brand film that contemplates this historical progression. This look back at history is meant to encourage people to consider how they want to work in the future.

In "Koi wa 1-nichi ni Shite Narazu," Mitsuki Hattori labors diligently with the goal of becoming her section chief Watanabe's trusted right-hand assistant. Having harbored a quiet crush on him for years, she is crushed upon hearing that he will be transferred to a different department. Resolved to prove her value to Watanabe before his departure, Mitsuki strives harder to make a lasting impression on him.

Second season of Tadaima! Chibi Godzilla.

Short anime based on the Music Interact Football for All (MIFA) organization's mascot Mifanda.

Animation released to celebrate YouTube channel Fischer's member Ndaho getting married.

During her last summer spent with her father, a young girl reflects on their shared memories while attending his funeral. The story takes place on a small Japanese island, which is also the director's hometown, and explores the connection between her father's passing and an ammunition storage facility located in the nearby mountains.

In the Kintamani region of Bali, a Kintamani Dog named Kinta lives with his father, who suddenly disappears without a trace. Driven by the need to find him, Kinta embarks on a journey.

The third season of Ooya-san to Boku.

A commercial set in Shiga Prefecture for the waste disposal company Kinkan Group.

Part of TV Tokyo's Kinder TV program.

In "On-chan no Kyou wa Donna Kanji?", the program concentrates on kanji related to Hokkaido, which are vital for early elementary school children, with the goal of supporting regional education initiatives. On-chan, the beloved mascot of Hokkaido Television Broadcasting (HTB) and popular among viewers of all ages, picks one kanji each day. They then imaginatively represent its shape and meaning, executing an endearing dance that follows correct stroke order.