Spring 2025 is packed with promising original anime, long-awaited adaptations, and exciting sequels. Amid all the hype and action, these three slice-of-life anime stand out by offering a much-needed sense of peace and calm to the season. Here are the Top 3 Slice of Life Anime 2025.
Slice-of-life anime captures moments when characters step out of their comfort zones and try something new. They’re typically slow-paced yet comforting—like a warm pick-me-up after a tiring day. Some are even inspiring, emotional, funny, and occasionally graced with a bit of sakuga magic. The three shows below tackle different themes with the same laid-back charm. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Zatsu Tabi: That’s Journey
Adapted from the manga by Kenta Ishizaka, Zatsu Tabi follows aspiring manga artist Chika Suzugamori as she embarks on various trips across Japan in search of inspiration.
The first episode unexpectedly gripped me. Chika has faced multiple failures in getting her manga serialized and is now struggling to come up with ideas that might actually work. Her trips are a form of escapism—and they don’t always go as planned. She climbs a mountain hoping for a scenic view, only to be underwhelmed. She visits a famous wave spot, but the wave doesn’t occur during that season. She wants to ride a trolley train, but it’s not running at the time. These missed expectations highlight a refreshing truth: not all journeys are fulfilling in the ways we expect. Sometimes, detours bring more joy than staying on the “right” path.
Despite the setbacks, these travels help Chika reconnect with old friends, and there’s something subtly likable and authentic about her experiences. I’m curious to see how her story unfolds.
Zatsu Tabi is animated by studio Makaria and 5 episodes have aired so far. The studio is new and their other anime, The Brilliant Healer’s New Life in the Shadows is airing this season as well.
Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi (Food for the Soul)
Next is Food for the Soul, an original anime by P.A. Works, created by Non Non Biyori author Atto, who is also illustrating the ongoing manga.
The story follows Mako Kawai, a shy introvert and food enthusiast. She loves cooking but feels too self-conscious to eat out. Her routine changes when she bumps into childhood friend Shinon Ogawa, who ropes her into joining her club. Though Shinon initially intended to slack off and enjoy the club’s budget, the rules force the group to actually engage in club activities—conveniently centered around cooking.
This becomes the perfect opportunity for Mako. Alongside her new clubmates, she dives into cooking, exploring different cuisines and food cultures. It’s another feel-good anime, this time with a culinary twist and quirky characters. If you’re into YouTube cooking ASMR, this might be right up your alley. It gave me Koufuku Graffiti vibes—cute girls doing cute things while cooking; quite literally. There’s also some nice character development: an introvert learning to open up, and slackers finding meaning in something simple and wholesome.
mono
From Yuru Camp creator Afro, mono is about a group of girls exploring photography and videography. I was hesitant to start it since the season is already packed with CGDCT (cute girls doing cute things) anime, but it quickly won me over.
Animated by the newly formed Studio Soigne, mono is funny, cute, and relaxing, with a dash of playful energy. Each character has her own motivations and goals, but they all share a love for capturing the moment and exploring new places.
Set in the same universe as Yuru Camp, the series is filled with Easter eggs and cameos that fans will appreciate—though some of them feel a bit forced. Episode 3, for example, tries to pay homage to the original series in a way that’s charming, if slightly overdone.
Afterthought
One thing I noticed: all three of these anime involve some form of travel, despite focusing on different themes. I suppose that’s inevitable. If you want something to happen, you’ve got to move. As exhausting as it can be, there’s a certain joy in the journey itself.
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