Anime is a great way to unwind and escape from the various stresses of daily life. Whether you are looking for a warm slice-of-life tale or a gentle romance, there’s an anime out there for you. So, here are the most relaxing anime to watch after work.
Sit back, grab your favorite drink, and let’s begin!
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Deaimon: Recipe For Happiness
We are kicking things off with Deaimon: Recipe for Happiness. This sugary treat based on Rin Asano’s manga is a comfort watch.
The story revolves around Nagomu who is returning home after failing to pursue his dreams. Nagomu has been living in Tokyo for the past 10 years trying to live his life as a musician.
One day he receives a letter from his mother that his father, who is the owner of a confectionary store named Ryokushou, has been hospitalized.
Nagomu is worried that there would be no one to take care of the shop if his father dies. So, he is ready to take the family’s legacy forward.
However, Nagomu is in for a shock when he finds out that his father has already chosen a successor – a 10-year-old girl named Itsuka.
She was abandoned at the sweet shop by her father and Nagomu’s family took her in.
Meanwhile, Itsuka longs for her father and Nagomu’s mother asks him to act as her father.
This easygoing anime beautifully explores the dynamics of a close-knit family and their relationships.
Apart from the plot, the anime also showcases the workings of a traditional sweet shop in Japan, which is a delight to watch.
Laid-Back Camp
This series is one of the best seinen anime you can watch. As the title suggests, Laid-Back Camp is relaxation at its best.
If you love camping or travel, you will enjoy this chill anime, also known as Yuru Camp, based on the manga of the same name by Afro.
The anime is about a girl named Rin who enjoys camping near Mt. Fuji.
From gathering wood for a fire to pitching a tent, Rin loves to unwind in her tiny little camp.
During one of her usual camping sessions, she meets Nadeshiko who lost her way while heading toward Mt. Fuji.
She is forced to take refuge at Rin’s campsite and suddenly, Rin has company for the first time.
The two girls bond over a campfire and talk about life. The pacing of Laid-Back Camp is slow, but it will allow you to immerse yourself in the tranquil setting of the anime.
Just like the title, the characters are easy-going and laid-back. The series is indeed a breath of fresh air after a tiring day.
Mushishi
This slice-of-life anime has elements of mystery and supernatural, making it a unique entry in this list.
Mushishi is a blend of thought-provoking storytelling and tranquility. Set in the mystical world, Mushi are neither animals nor plants.
And not much is known about these strange life forms. However, Ginko, who is a Mushi-shi, travels around to learn more about Mushi.
During his journey, he helps people who face problems due to supernatural events, which may be connected to the Mushi.
The setting of Mushishi is atmospheric and ethereal which will transport you to another world.
The lush landscapes paired with intricate details make the anime breathtaking.
Watch this historical anime if wish you to escape from the usual action-driven and high-energy shows.
Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater
This is a high school comedy anime series that has “adorable” written all over it.
This 12-episode anime follows Hina who is an indoor girl moving to a seaside town to continue with her education.
In this new high school, she meets Kuroiwa and joins the Embankment Club. Hina is not a fan of sea creatures, but she fishes with her fellow members and even eats their catches.
As the story progresses, Hina begins to appreciate the ocean life.
Each episode is light and showcases the adventures and misadventures of Hina and her friends as they learn about marine life and fishing techniques.
Visually, Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater shows the charming scenes of the fishing spots and seaside.
The art style and color tone of the anime evoke a sense of calm that makes it a must-watch relaxing anime.
Tanaka-kun Is Always Listless
Tanaka-kun epitomizes laziness, as this high school boy is riding the chillwave.
Much like Tanaka-kun, the anime is quite chill and laid-back making it a real fun to watch after a long day at work or college.
This sweet anime showcases Tanaka, who sighs and sleeps just about anywhere and anytime he feels like it.
After school hours, he is too lazy to play with his friends.
Meanwhile, his buddy, Ohta, and other classmates are full of energy. But even they fail to wake Tanaka up.
This lighthearted comedy anime steps away from intense plotlines and usually focuses on Tanaka’s laziness.
The humor is mostly derived from Tanaka’s interactions with his friends and classmates.
It is a great choice for you if you are seeking an easygoing anime experience.
Non Non Biyori
Non Non Biyori’s viewing experience is like a warm hug with no unnecessary drama. Even the storyline is ridiculously simple.
Asahioka Branch School is a combined elementary and middle school in a remote village. Interestingly, there are only five students, one boy, and four girls.
One of the girls is Hotaru who has moved with her family from Tokyo to Asahigaoka village.
There is a sudden change in her lifestyle, but Hotaru is captivated by the quiet nature of the countryside.
She quickly forms a tight bond with the girls and they become best friends.
Non Non Biyori’s focus is mostly on the daily lives of these girls as they navigate their way through school and their village.
The depiction of Japan’s rural life is charming and nostalgic because it took me back to my childhood days in the village.
The slow pacing and lack of any unwanted twists make this school anime a great watch for someone who wants to relax and unwind.
Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid
From Kyoto Animation, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid is a heartwarming slice-of-life anime.
Easily one of the best wholesome anime series, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid is a lovely blend of laid-back and a bit of high energy.
The unique animation of the anime makes it quite different from other slice-of-life shows.
Kobayashi is a regular office-goer who leads a boring life in her tiny apartment.
But one day she ends up saving the life of a female dragon named Tohru who can transform into a girl with horns and a long tail.
Tohru is willing to do anything to pay her debt of gratitude, whether Kobayashi likes it or not.
While the anime may not be entirely relaxed, it has a mix of heartwarming, comedic, and action moments.
Flying Witch
Full of magic and wholesomeness, Flying Witch is about a young witch-in-training named Makoto who moves to the countryside to live with her family.
Makoto and her black cat familiar, Chito, set out on a journey to Aomori, a place loved by witches because of its affinity with magic.
Chito and Makoto start their life by living with the latter’s cousins, Kei and Chinatsu.
Despite Makoto’s limited powers, she along with Kei and Chinatsu try to live to the best of their abilities.
Flying Witch delicately shows rural life and magic. Plus, the soothing soundtrack is like icing on the cake.
For an enchanting experience, you will not want to miss Flying Witch.
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Aria
This sci-fi anime is a quintessential example of a relaxed anime series.
Aria is set on a planet named Aqua that is covered with water. The series follows the lives of the apprentice gondoliers called Undines.
The anime mostly shows the everyday lives of the characters and captures the scenic beauty of the aquatic city.
15-year-old Akari is the main character who arrives at Aqua from Man-Home, which was earlier known as Earth.
She is a gondolier trainee at Aria Company led by Alicia Florence, who is one of the best gondoliers.
Through rigorous training, Akari wishes to become a great gondolier. She is ready for this magical journey on the planet of Aqua.
Restaurant to Another World
This is a fantasy isekai anime that blends the culinary world with magical creatures from another world.
Restaurant to Another World revolves around an eatery called Yoshoku no Nekoya or the Western Cuisine Cat Restaurant located on the first basement floor of a building near an office area.
The restaurant feeds office workers, but there is a secret clientele of this eating joint.
Every Saturday, Nekoya is filled with special customers who are people from the other world. For these mystical creatures, this cuisine is otherworldly and yummy.
Each episode is a self-contained tale with different characters and their special connection to Nekoya.
The anime shines in bringing fantasy and food together in this unique style of storytelling.
Moreover, the animation of the series brings tasty dishes to life that will certainly tantalize your taste buds.
Tamako Market
This romantic-comedy anime series is a treat to watch as it showcases the life of a cheerful high school girl named Tamako.
She works at her family’s mochi shop in the shopping district.
Tamako Market also showcases the importance of a warm community of businesses striving to work hard together.
The anime explores themes of family, personal growth, friendship, and romance.
The inclusion of a romance plot doesn’t derail the overall relaxed tone of the anime.
The humor and charming character dynamics ensure the series has a chill flow.
If you are feeling low, then Tamako Market is sure to bring your spirits up and deliver that much-needed dose of joy.
Sweetness and Lightning
This is a gentle tale of a single parent working toward raising his young daughter to the best of his abilities.
Sweetness and Lightning is all about a father kickstarting his culinary journey to provide delicious home-cooked food to his daughter.
After the death of his wife, Kouhei has been taking care of his daughter Tsumugi.
Since he is weak in the culinary department, he relies on ready-made meals from convenience stores.
Kouhei is feeling frustrated for not being able to provide a healthy meal to Tsumugi.
He chooses to enlist the aid of Korori, one of his students, and together they set out on an adventure to explore the realm of food and culinary science.
This cozy anime focuses on the bond of family over shared meals. Sweetness and Lightning highlights the power of simple pleasures in life, and it will leave you feeling warm inside.
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