Favorite Slice of Life Manga Vol.2
Today on the blog, I’m delving into the wonderful world of Slice of Life Manga! If you’re interested in seeing my previous post on Food Themed Manga click here!
The “Slice of Life” genre claims a large section of the Japanese manga market and usually focuses on school, which is the most dominant force in young people’s lives, including their interpersonal relationships both in and out of their families. A common trait in slice of life anime and manga is their emphasis on seasonality or procedures.
I’ve read so many over the years, but here are some picks of stories that I’ve read and continue to stick with me. Enjoy!
Satoko and Nada
Satoko, a Japanese student studying in America, has a new roommate: a Saudi Arabian woman named Nada! They might have different customs, but through mutual respect―and the hilarious adventures of their daily life―Satoko and Nada prove that friendship knows no borders.
I love reading stories about cross-cultural interactions and stories that teach readers about a culture different from their own. Satoko and Nada follows a narrative about cultural exchange and the college experience. At its core what I love most about this story is that it’s a heartwarming story of friendship. There are humorous moments, lots of delicious foods, heart-to-heart stories, and many teachable moments.
Cat + Gamer
Her coworkers can’t quite figure her out—she never talks about her personal life, she never works overtime, and she never joins them for happy hour. Is she antisocial? Nope, she’s rushing home to play video games! One day, a stray cat is found in the office parking lot, and before Riko knows it, the cat has moved in with her! Having no experience with pets, Riko uses lessons drawn from video games to guide her in cat care, while her cute companion tries to understand her behavior through a cat’s worldview.
This is a series that is wholesome is cozy. The chapters have an episodic nature to them as readers follow the main character, Riko, and her new journey of caring for her first pet. Musubi is the cutest kitten and is very hard for the reader to resist. Musubi treats each day as an adventure by discovering new household items to play with or distract Riko from her video games. It’s a lighthearted manga that is sure to put a smile on the reader’s face. I found myself curious to see what would happen next in each chapter. This is a great read for animal lovers or those looking for a low-stakes manga story.
Run on Your New Legs
Shouta Kikuzato’s hopes of starting on his school’s prestigious soccer team are derailed when a terrible incident costs him his leg. Now in his first year of high school (again), Kikuzato has resigned himself to never reaching his athletic dreams. But when Chidori, a passing prosthetist, notices Kikuzato’s artificial limb— and speed—as he races through the train station, the specialist proposes a Chidori will build Kikuzato a brand-new leg designed solely for speed. All Kikuzato has to do is run!
The story follows Kikuzato who becomes integrated in the world of sports after his leg injury. He finds a newfound passion for running after meeting a prosthetist who gives him a new outlook on life. This series is inspiring and offers representation for people with disabilities. I found myself easily getting immersed into the story and Kikuzato’s journey along with other characters. Readers see Kikuzato and other para-athletes overcome obstacles and push forward to a brighter future. This series is a good balance of humor and more serious moments.
BL Metamorphosis
Ichinoi, a 75-year-old woman living a peaceful life, unwittingly buys a Boy’s Love manga one day…and is fascinated by what she finds inside. When she returns to the bookstore to buy the next volume, the high school girl working there–Urara, a seasoned BL fan–notices a budding fangirl when she sees one. When Urara offers to help Ichinoi explore this whole new world of fiction, the two dive into BL fandom together, and form an unlikely friendship along the way.
Urara and Ichinoi are both dealing with loneliness despite dealing with people every day, Urara struggles with growing apart from her childhood friends and social anxiety. Ichinoi is looking for a hobby to help fill the void left by her last husband and wants a change in a mindless routine. Soon the two become best friends despite their background and age gap. It is heartwarming to see their friendship starts to bloom in this first volume and how they interact with other. While this series is about friendship, it’s also about dismantling stereotypes (with an additional focus on the manga community).
Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan
Uramichi is a 31-year-old host on a kids’ show who leads exercise routines and teaches life lessons colored by one main theme: Adulthood sucks. Alongside mascots played by a couple of bushy-tailed twentysomethings and a singing duo whose music embodies the notion of being kicked while you’re down, Uramichi wades through the misery of working life, one sardonic comment at a time…
This dark comedy series is hilarious and relatable to any adult as Uramichi struggles to navigate adulthood and his daytime job. It’s equal parts slice-of-life and work comedy that has many outlandish moments that keep the reader entertained. Uramichi’s sardonic remarks are very on point at times and I readers can see a lot of their selves in him. This manga being feels good to read about the struggles of being an adult, and it makes you feel less alone in this busy world we live in.
That concludes my favorite Slice of Life manga list! What are your favorites or recommendations?
Metamorphosis looks like one I’d really enjoy: I’ve made a few friends on the other side of a counter myself!
It’s such a wholesome manga, you should definitely check it out.