Best Slice of Life Manga of 2016

In a world populated by anthropomorphic animals, there exists a bias: carnivores are just mindless predators in the eyes of many herbivores. However, when an alpaca named Tem is murdered within the walls of Cherryton High School, the fear toward carnivores skyrockets to an all-time high. Legoshi, a student at this school, is a gray wolf who is quite awkward despite his fearsome appearance. When turmoil affects his school life, he is forced to confront the divide between herbivores and carnivores, as well as his own place in this society. This is further complicated by his supposedly romantic feelings toward a herbivore, which might not be what they seem. Beastars details Legoshi's struggles against his inner demons while living in a society that is unforgiving toward his kind.

After her life takes a turn for worse shortly after dropping out of college, Kabi Nagata becomes depressed and develops an eating disorder. She feels immense pressure from her family to be a "normal" and productive person, along with an acute desire to belong to a community. Despite attempts to solve these problems, she struggles to resolve her pain, and her situation worsens. At 28 years old, Kabi contacts a lesbian escort service. She imagines this event as a rite of passage into adulthood she has been avoiding for so long. And while this experience does not turn out to be exactly what she was expecting, it proves critical to Kabi's reimagining of her life.

Despite their differing popularity, high school students Chiharu Saeki and Wataru Toda are close friends. Saeki is the most handsome guy in their grade who constantly rejects girls that confess to him, claiming that he already likes someone. Bonding over their common hobby of watching movies, Saeki and Wataru go to the movie theater a couple of times a month, alternating between the movies they want to see. One day, after watching a movie, Saeki confesses to Wataru but tells him that he does not have to accept or return his feelings. In exchange, Saeki requests that they go on a journey over the summer to tour the filming locations of various movies. Though Wataru tries to maintain a nonchalant disposition after the confession, he begins to question how he really feels about Saeki as they start to spend more time together through their small promise.

Jealous of other people successfully moving forward in life and constantly eaten away by her insecurities, Kabi Nagata finally musters the courage to leave her parents and move into a new apartment alone. Unfortunately, she struggles to adapt to this new lifestyle and begins to contemplate her newfound feelings of loneliness, including her estranged relationship with her mother and what it means to love and be loved. As the psychological pressure mounts, her resolve waivers. From her family to love, Nagata attempts to overcome her tumultuous past and heal the wounds that afflict her. No matter how broken she may be, she does her best to move forward.Included one-shot: Volume 2: Chika-chan no Yuuutsu

Akebi Komichi lives out in the countryside with her family. She's won entrance to the prestigious Roubai Academy middle school for girls and now she wants only two things—to wear the school's sailor uniform and to make a hundred friends!

Neko no Otera no Chion-san is a romantic comedy about a high school boy named Gen and an older girl, Chion, who is living at his family's temple in the countryside.

In this new addition to the I Hear the Sunspot series, Kouhei continues on as a student, while Taichi makes his way out into the working world to pursue his own calling and the two begin a new life together!

Chii and her husband are like any other happily married couple, except for one thing: Chii was assigned male at birth. Chii details her autobiographical account of growing up with gender dysphoria and ultimately deciding to transition in her early adult years. Shortly after Chii starts transitioning, she meets a man who is instantly enamored by her, and although he is surprised when Chii eventually tells him she used to live as a guy, he still wants to go out with her. As Chii continues to transition, her boyfriend supports her through the process, culminating in their marriage once her transition is complete.

Kyoto is home to many districts where young women work as geisha: entertainers who perform traditional songs and dance. Kiyo Nozuki is a teenager living in a small manor where a group of maiko—apprentice geisha—reside. She has always admired the geisha and originally moved to Kyoto in hopes of becoming a maiko. However, Kiyo discovers that she is not cut out for the job. Not letting it upset her too much, she decides to help her troupe using her strongest suit instead—become a caterer and cook them delicious meals to support them in their everyday lives!

A tiger and a beaver who grew up together defy peer pressure to end their friendship and join forces to fight injustice. A camel journalist who passed judgment on carnivores for years spends a life-changing night with a seductive wolf. A crocodile and a gazelle must find a way to work together as chef and assistant on a cooking show with flagging ratings. A fox and a chameleon wrestle with stereotypes about each other—and themselves. And much more...

Twenty-five-year-old Mitsuomi Kozuka finds himself back in the countryside after recently losing his job in Tokyo. At first glance, it seemed as if time froze in the rural area where he grew up. However, it is not long until Yamato Kumai comes into his life. Unlike Mitsuomi, Yamato is cheerful and full of youth, even though the two are of the same age. Despite their contrast, Mitsuomi finds solace in Yamato's presence, making him feel right at home. But living in a closed and conservative community holds them back from being open about their feelings as they both face unsettling situations and receive critical looks from the residents.

University student Kwon Eungi has little interest in pursuing romantic relationships. Aloof, unapproachable, and serious, he prefers to remain on the sidelines while his best friends discuss love. His only hobby is the dying classical guitar club, which he hopes to revive with the upcoming batch of freshmen. Luckily, among the new students is Choi Jeongwoo—an adorable embodiment of sunshine who seems immune to Eungi's tough exterior. Through guitar lessons and frequent outings with mutual friends, Eungi and Jeongwoo continue to cross paths. After learning about Jeongwoo's recent breakup by chance, Eungi develops an odd desire to ensure that Jeongwoo is well and soon accepts that it might be an indication of a burgeoning romantic attraction. Even when he notices that his feelings might be reciprocated, Eungi—who has never felt this way about another man—approaches their relationship with caution, but it only grows harder to keep his distance.

The twins, Aoi and Akane, have been living with their grandparents from their late mother's side and their father. They are now fifth graders and are about to start taking steps towards life while embracing new encounters and new experiences on their own. As they grow up, they do so by remembering the teachings of the person they still hold the dearest—Shiharu. This is the continuation of a story of growing up while holding on to small things that bring happiness in life no matter what life may throw at you.

After leaving her otherworldly home to find her fellow dragon, Tohru, young Kanna found herself unofficially adopted by Tohru and her human companion, Miss Kobayashi. From attending elementary school to making new friends, Kanna learns to adjust to the human world with the curiosity and cuteness that only a young dragon could have!

In the late Victorian era, there exists a race known as beastkin. They are those who are born with the ears and tails of an animal. Handled by the government from birth, all beastkin children are trained to become the perfect servant for their assigned human masters. Mel is one such beastkin, and her clumsiness and timidity delay her dream of finding a master of her own. Mel is eventually given to a young author. Her new master is reclusive, keeping only the company of the family maid, Colette, in an expansive mansion. The master is initially indifferent to having a beastkin servant, but their relationship deepens as they learn more about each other and become more like family.

Until recently, Kang Eun Ju worked as a designer and had a roof over her head. But after being fired from her job and kicked out of her shared room on the same day, Eun Ju desperately searches online for new employment opportunities. She soon finds a job posting that would solve both of her problems. Seeing this as a lucky chance, she swiftly submits her application and is delighted to be called in for an interview. Once Eun Ju meets her potential employer, any prior excitement quickly fades. Kwak Woo Jin speaks to her in a condescending manner and pokes fun at her resume. Eun Ju is put off by his arrogant attitude, but in dire need of money and a residence, accepts the offered position. Bedeviled by an employer with unconventional demands and more tenants than she accounted for, Eun Ju begins her hapless days as the live-in caretaker at Woo Jin's unlucky mansion.

A Fate/stay Night spin-off focused on cooking.

The culinary daily of an office worker named Iinuma.

Yuuichi Tachibana, who lost both of his parents and sister in a traffic accident, took in his seven year old nephew, Ayumu. To create a new life, he moves them to the city where the sea can be seen, so they can focus only on themselves. They meet Ryou Kurebayashi who runs the local souzaiya. Even though he is the same age as Yuuichi, he is a popular person who has his own shop and is loved by the neighborhood. Taking things day by day, will these three be able to overcome the lingering fears from their pasts?

Nagomu Irino returns to his Kyoto home for the first time in ten years when his father is hospitalized. Nagomu is eager to take over Ryokushou, the family's Japanese sweet shop, but he's instead asked to be a father figure to Itsuka Yukihira, the girl everyone calls the successor.

Three days dragon flight from the nearest town, deep, deep in the forest, then deeper still, lives a 'witch.' Nina the witch, also called "The world's strongest witch." Visiting her is the apprentice, Iris. This is the record of the witch and her apprentice's peaceful days, in a remote forest that breathes illusions and magic.

Uranohoshi Girls' High School, a private school in the seaside neighborhood of Uchiura at Numazu city, Shizuoka prefecture. A small high school in a corner of Suruga Bay, it is home to nine teens, led by second-year student Chika Takami, driven by one seriously big dream: To become the next generation of bright, sparkling "school idols"! As long as we don't give up, any dream can come true... All we have to do now is keep pushing hard for fame and glory! Now their "School Idol Project" begins to make their dreams come true!

A Saki spin-off series. It follows the characters Toki Onjouji, Ryuuka Shimizudani and other girls from Osaka during their elementary and middle school years.

Ootsuki, the foreman of the underground debt-slave labor camp, is finally using his one-day vacation above ground. The blacksuits of the Teiai Corporation follow him to make sure he doesn't escape, but are constantly baffled by the completely mundane ways he decides to use his time.

Snuggled in a friendly traditional commercial and working-class neighborhoods of Tokyo is the izakaya pub, "Bottakuri." In this special restaurant with an ill-fitting name, one can find tasty sake and delicious food, as well as the sort of empathy and respect that's hard to find these days…

Gilbert is a shy and reserved dishwasher in a large Parisian restaurant. Although he does everything to avoid being noticed, he seems to have a particularly well-developed sense of taste and smell and a thorough knowledge of cooking... Will these talents make him a master of flavours?

The sweet yet tragic lives of the newly formed Shinsengumi and the delicious meals its members share.

Kondo Isami, a third-year high school student, has good grades but he is forced to decide which path to take because of his family’s financial situation. One day, he learns about the government-affiliated Defence Academy where students are not only exempt from admission fees and school fees, but are given an allowance every month. He wishes to go to this academy. After graduating from high school, Kondo enters the Defence Academy and meets Matsuhira Yosuke, Okita Soji, Harada Tadashi and Takei Tomoaki who become friends. He takes the first step to a new life, but when the entrance ceremony ends, the attitudes of the senior students including Sakaki Ryuya and Nishiwaki Takashi change drastically and strict coaching begins.

Fukaya began drawing the manga and posting it on Twitter in 2015. The manga centers on a cat who is drawn to the scent of tears, and goes toward anyone who is crying in order to comfort or encourage them. *Note: Won the Short Work Prize of the 21st Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2017.*

The manga follows three men—one who works for a foreign company, one who works for a "black company" (sweatshop-like working conditions), and one who is unemployed—and something that happens when they get together. In the preview image they ask the question "who among us is the most unfortunate?"

Sakura Sanami, a newbie from the newspaper club, was deeply moved when she listened to a musical performance during an interview with Ryukoku Iwao. And in order to really be able to get that excitement she felt across to everyone, she decided to...start playing it herself? A 4-koma slice-of-life manga about traditional Japanese festival bands and the music they play.

An anthology of Sansha Sanyou by various mangaka.

MC has a government-funded sex doll whose sole purpose is to drain his semen. Yes.

The secrets of Hakata! Donko-chan introduces us to the charms of Hakata, all in local Hakata dialect! Everyone smile too!

The "fake family" four-panel manga centers on a high school girl named Mieko. Lured by high salary, Mieko puts herself forward for a mysterious "little sister" job. Mieko's parents ran away at night when Mieko was in elementary school. She has lived with relatives ever since, but money usually runs out. However, Mieko is also worried about being left behind by her friends and the latest trends. This questionable "little sister" job becomes Mieko's lifeline.

A Relaxing Coffee Comic by the Winner of the 22nd Dengeki Comic Award [Grand Prize] “Kano-ka Onsen” is a hot spring town nestled in the mountains, famous for its coffee. Amber, who has come to attend Kaldi Academy, a facility specializing in coffee located in the town, strikes up a friendship with Moka and Miru at “Pure Coffee Shop Moka,” a café on the outskirts of town. The three of them arrive at Kaldi Academy for an information session, but when the flamboyant principal suddenly appears, a test begins—with tuition exemption on the line!?

Choi Yuri x lust for sleep!! Proud honor student Soyoko Okita 16-year-old meets a mysterious beautiful girl, Fukaina Nemu, one day. Soyoko tries to find a secret of sleep that has better grades than herself! But she always sleeps soundly!? The happy sleeping face of the two makes me relaxed and nervous. Zzz's comedy and sleep comedy...

There are so many things I love, so every day is sure to be fun— A heartwarming slice-of-life novel depicting the ordinary yet happy days of Mugiimoto Sanpo, a woman in her twenties who works at a library.

Set 30 years after the original, the story of the confectionary store continues.

"Please keep quiet about me!" The secret that dry girl Takanashi Akira has discovered. That is, the cool and handsome school prince, Oribe Yoichi, is a "cross-dressing guy". He's good at making sweets, is always high-spirited, and loves girls...!? An upbeat romantic comedy about a tsundere cross-dressing guy and a laid-back girl!

Yuzuriha is your average OL, and what she looks forward to everyday is buying a delicious lunch at her local side dish* shop and meeting the owner, Tajima-san. With his casual reactions and smiles sending her heart aflutter, all she wants is to know more about him, and those feelings grow day by day. *i.e. little dishes meant to be eaten with rice or another main.

Toru Usui was transferred from the city office to a museum, where he had a shocking encounter with with Akari Kiyosu, an ornithologist. What happens behind-the-scenes at a museum, where their jobs will pay off 100 years later? "I love this! I want to find out!" For the first time in his life, Usui's heart was touched, by working with these extraordinary researchers, who live by these words!

Sake-lover Motoki Akiyama (better known as Pon-chan) is taking applications for like-minded individuals to enjoy ponshu (aka nihonshu, or sake) with her! It’s another delicious day spend alongside her younger brother Matsuya (in charge of food), long-time friend and liquor store owner Dai-chan (in charge of sake), and Chief Pon (in charge of drinking)! *Note: This series is on hiatus.*

An office worker, Ogino, who cooks too much rice, and a college student, Hirase, who loves Ogino's rice. They started dating after sharing a meal next door to each other. Because they care for each other so much, they begin to think about what they want to do and their future in order to be together forever. Ogino is determined to do his best, but he also feels uneasy about the changes in each other...? Source : Pixiv

In a world where heroes protect peace at all costs, the retired hero "Telephone" has a shocking revelation...! This is a Superhero gag comedy from an author who loves American comics.

Due to circumstances, Takumi and Nyaachi, who are transferred to another world, are invited by the station master they meet at a station building to live and start working there. After some time passes, they decide to renovate the corner of the station building, and the coffee shop “Swallow” is newly opened for business. The “Swallow” operates on a two-part system, in the morning and in the afternoon. In the mornings, it’s the classic breakfast set, and in the afternoons, there are three kinds of lunch set on the recommended menu. Takumi, who is entrusted with the job of the “station master’s representative-cum-store owner” and Nyaachi, the “station’s assistant-cum-poster girl,” will offer their special cinnamon coffee to the customers who drop by the station today.