Animes That Can Give You Lesson about Life

Denpa Kyoushi (Ultimate Otaku Teacher)

• Episodes: 24
• Aired: Apr 2015 – Sep 2015
• English Dubbed: YES

Junichirou Kagami was once a physics genius whose papers would frequently appear in academic juniors. Pretty impressive for a high schooler. However, he undergoes a drastic change after graduating from college; instead of pursuing bigger and better things, he becomes a shut in who spends his days watching anime, collecting figurines, reading manga, and surfing the web. It is only through both the assistance of his younger sister and convenient timing that he finds himself as a substitute at his former high school. Can Kagami actually help out the high school students who still revere him?

As the title of the series implies, Kagami is much more of an otaku (someone focused on certain aspects of pop culture at the expense of their social skills) than a NEET. However, he does display some key NEET behavior, especially when he’s shut himself in and shut everyone out at the beginning of the series. The show demonstrates that sometimes the best way to get someone out of such a state is to force them into certain situations where they not only can’t rely on their isolation, but also rise to the occasion in order to solve whatever predicament they’re in. Not to mention realizing what they’re missing in the outside world. In this case, as Kagami helps each of the students solve their own problems, he eventually grows out of his stupor (even if his personality more or less remains the same). Definitely a show with a positive outlook that can change a person’s perspective especially student’s perspective in life and education.

Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU)

• Episodes: 26
• Aired: April, 2013 – June, 2015
• English Dubbed: YES

There are some who truly believe romance and life aren’t things one can enjoy. Hachiman Hikigaya is a firm believer in this and isn’t afraid to let others notice that. Unfortunately, Hachiman’s teacher notices this bizarre thought process and elects him to join a very interesting club. Alongside the cold and stoic Yukino Yukinoshita, Hachiman will need to help other schoolmates who have problems in their daily lives. Will this new club activity help Hachiman rekindle his teen youth or will it prove his point?

Yahari ore no Seishun really makes you question about the standards set by society. On a macro level, it discusses about the teenage lives and how the relationship between popularity and groups are predominantly existent during this phase of life. Hachiman Hikigaya is the central character of the series and the social outcast in the series. Choosing to align himself with the adverse side of the popularity spectrum, he expresses his discontent for interpersonal relationships with bitterness. After much progress into the story, we find that rejects in society often possess the deepest understanding of relationships.

Aishiteruze Baby★★

• Episodes: 26
• Aired: Apr. 2004 – Oct. 2004
• English Dubbed: YES

Katakura Kippei is a popular high school student who is also a playboy. He enjoys flirting around with pretty much every girl he sees. His life takes on a different twist when he is left to take care of his 5-year-old cousin named Yuzuyu. Yuzuyu’s mum, Miyako, appears to have abandoned her, so Kippei, who does not have much knowledge in taking care of a baby, has to shoulder the role of a parent!

Although Aishiteruze Baby ★★ is categorized as a shoujo romance, it is really not about it, but rather it is geared towards the slice of life genre. This is a sweet and touching story which revolves around a reformed playboy who begins to develop a sense of responsibility when he has to take care of his young cousin. The baby anime also explores more serious themes like emotional traumas, abusers, and stalkers.

Usagi Drop

• Episodes: 11
• Aired: July 2011 – September 2011
• English Dubbed: YES

Produced by Production I.G., Usagi Drop tells the story of Kawachi Daikichi—a single man of thirty years old, whose life changed after he attended his grandfather’s funeral and met his grandfather’s illegitimate child, Rin, who is still six years old. As the rest of the family seems to not know what to do with their grandfather’s previously-hidden illegitimate child, and not knowing where her Mother had run off to, either, Rin finds herself being ostracized from the rest of the family. That is, until Daikichi finally puts down his cup of tea and decided to take Rin in and try to raise her. Thus, begin the life of a single salaryman trying to raise a tiny girl who is technically his aunt.

Looking at how Rin is in the first two episodes would definitely remind you of Kotarou—both children are quiet and reserved, but once they’re around people they can trust and enjoy being with, they just radiate cuteness. While Usagi Drop offers a more serious look at the daily life of Daikichi raising Rin, both series are similar in that they’re both heartwarming slice-of-life that would make you simultaneously laugh and cry at times. And while you’re at it, both opening and ending songs of this anime are super cute! You can also enjoy voices of Tsuchida Hiroshi, Sakamoto Maaya, Uchiyama Yumi, and of course the adorable young seiyuu Matsuura Ayu!

To conclude, Slice of Life anime is arguably one the most understated and possibly underrated genre in the anime world. However, the genre also possibly contains anime’s most subtle, honest titles. Even if anime is best known for titles that have taken the world by storm, Slice of Life anime is something that surely deserved to be fully appreciated, for all its humble glory.