Exploring the Charm of Healing Anime Genre
Discovering the Calm and Healing World of Iyashikei Anime
Iyashikei, a sub-genre of slice-of-life anime, is known for its peaceful and healing atmosphere that sets it apart from other media. Derived from the Japanese word for healing, iyashi, these series aim to soothe the viewer’s soul through quiet, gentle narratives and tranquil visuals.
One of the unique qualities of iyashikei anime is its relaxing pacing. The stories usually avoid high tension or dramatic plot twists, instead favoring slow, episodic progression that highlights everyday life moments. Problems faced by characters are small-scale, often internal or interpersonal rather than external threats.
Iyashikei anime also focus on nature and scenery, creating a calming backdrop. Beautiful, often rural or natural settings are practically a “character” themselves. This can be seen in series like Mushishi, where the Japanese countryside serves as a serene setting, or in Flying Witch, where a rural town provides a peaceful backdrop for the story.
Another characteristic of iyashikei anime is its episodic structure. Many works feature self-contained episodes rather than a continuous, overarching narrative. This allows for a focus on character development through subtle growth in everyday experiences rather than dramatic changes or action-driven arcs.
Some iyashikei series incorporate gentle fantasy or supernatural touches while maintaining tranquility. For example, Mushishi features a man who can see ethereal lifeforms called Mushi, and Flying Witch follows a witch in training living in a rural town.
Examples of iyashikei anime include Mushishi, Flying Witch, Usagi Drop, Aria the Animation, and Barakamon. These series embody the genre’s core aim to provide a soothing, healing experience through visual beauty, personal insight, and low-key conflict.
Interestingly, the genre has found its way into western cartoons, with various shows being inspired by anime. The fusion of Star Wars and anime is a current event, with examples including Hidamari Apartments in Hidamari Sketch, the canal-filled streets in Aria the Animation, and the Japanese countryside in Mushishi.
Meanwhile, the world of sports anime also puts an emphasis on character development. Despite often getting flack for being about sports, these series are actually about the characters and their stories. Examples of this theme include Usagi Drop, Aria the Animation, and Barakamon.
In the realm of animated films, Justice League: Warworld, a new film in the DC Animated Universe, features returning DC alums like Jensen Ackles, Stana Katic, Teddy Sears, Troy Baker, and John DiMaggio. Darren Criss reprises his role in this film, which is part of the dubbed, Tomorrowverse.
References: [1] Crunchyroll. (n.d.). What is Sports Anime? Retrieved from https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/09/20/what-is-sports-anime [2] Otakukart. (2021, March 15). The Fusion of Star Wars and Anime. Retrieved from https://otakukart.com/fusion-of-star-wars-and-anime/ [3] Anime UK News. (2021, March 15). Iyashikei: The Healing Anime Genre. Retrieved from https://animeuknews.com/2021/02/15/iyashikei-the-healing-anime-genre/ [4] My Anime List. (n.d.). Iyashikei. Retrieved from https://myanimelist.net/genre/1667/Iyashikei
Delving into the realm of entertainment, the healing sub-genre of anime, known as iyashikei, has influenced fashion and beauty, lifestyle, and even conventions. With a focus on tranquil visuals and gentle narratives, iyashikei anime provides a distinctive aesthetic that has seeped into fashion trends and cosplay styles.
Moreover, the episodic structure of iyashikei series, with their emphasis on character development through everyday experiences, has set a precedent within the entertainment industry, influencing the narrative choices in various media, not just anime.
