Slice-of-lifemangais a genre beloved for its ability to capture the essence of everyday experiences. From the poignant journeys of characters finding their place in the world to the charming tales of everyday adventures, this genre provides a window into the subtleties of human emotions and relationships.
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Among the genre’s many gems, Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You by Karuho Shiina and Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey by Akiko Higashimura stand out for their heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters. This list explores some of the best slice-of-life manga, each shining a spotlight on the beauty and complexity of ordinary life.
10Bunny Drop
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.06
Bunny Drop
Why Read Bunny Drop?
Bunny Drop is a heartwarming slice-of-life manga by Yumi Unita that showcases the journey of Daikichi Kawachi, a 30-year-old single man, who suddenly finds himself as the caretaker of Rin, a six-year-old girl, who is the illegitimate daughter of his deceased grandfather. The narrative beautifully captures their journey as they adjust to their new life together.
Usagi Drop is well-known for its delicate and realistic portrayal of parenthood and family dynamics. The manga delves into the challenges Daikichi faces as a new parent, from learning to prepare meals for Rin to enrolling her in school. The art style, characterized by soft lines and a gentle palette, complements the story’s warm and nurturing theme.
Release Date
Where To Read
June 25, 2025
9When Will Ayumu Make His Move?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.51
When Will Ayumu Make His Move?
Why Read When Will Ayumu Make His Move?
When Will Ayumu Make His Move? is a charming slice-of-life manga by Soichiro Yamamoto. The story follows Ayumu Tanaka, a high school student who quits the Kendo club and joins the shogi club with a personal mission: to confess his feelings to the club president, Urushi Yaotome, but only after he manages to win a game against her in shogi.
What sets this manga apart is its blend of traditional Japanese shogi with a sweet, slow-burn romance. Each chapter often revolves around Ayumu and Urushi’s shogi matches and the playful, flirtatious interactions that ensue, showcasing their deepening relationship and mutual affection. This manga stands out for its original premise, with the warmth of a high school romance.
July 13, 2025
8Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.64
Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro
Why Read Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro?
Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro is a slice-of-life manga by Nanashi that revolves around the playful yet often teasing relationship between a timid high school student, Naoto Hachiouji, and his underclassman, Hayase Nagatoro. Nagatoro finds joy in teasing and sometimes tormenting Naoto, but as the story progresses, it becomes evident that her actions are rooted in a genuine affection for him.
What distinguishes this manga is its exploration of the dynamics of a unique high school relationship. For instance, Nagatoro’s teasing is portrayed with a mix of humor and underlying warmth, challenging typical romantic tropes. The interactions between Nagatoro and Naoto often lead to situations that unexpectedly develop their relationship and Naoto’s self-confidence.
June 26, 2025
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7Senryuu Shoujo
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.01
Senryuu Shoujo
Why Read Senryuu Shoujo?
Senryuu Shoujo is an unusual slice-of-life manga by Masakuni Igarashi. The story revolves around Nanako Yukishiro, a high school girl who, instead of speaking, communicates through senryu, a form of short Japanese poetry similar to haiku. She befriends Eiji Busujima, aformer delinquentwith a gentle heart, and the manga follows their daily school life and interactions with each other and their classmates.
Senryuu Shoujo stands out for its innovative use of senryu in storytelling. The contrast between Nanako’s poetic sweetness and Eiji’s misunderstood tough exterior adds to the manga’s appeal. Additionally, the art style, characterized by clean lines and expressive characters, complements the light-hearted and endearing tone.
August 24, 2025
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.25
Why Read Beastars?
Beastars is a unique slice-of-life manga by Paru Itagaki, filled with smartanthropomorphic animals. The manga centers around Legoshi, a large but timid gray wolf, and his experiences at Cherryton Academy, amidst an ongoing tension between carnivores and herbivores. The story begins with the mysterious murder of an alpaca student, impacting the already fragile interspecies relations.
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Beastars cleverly explores societal issues through the lens of its animal characters. For instance, Itagaki skillfully uses predator-prey dynamics to parallel real-world issues like discrimination, societal expectations, and personal identity. The manga’s art style, characterized by dynamic and expressive illustrations, enhances the story’s intense emotional and psychological aspects.
August 06, 2025
5Honey And Clover
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.28
Honey And Clover
Why Read Honey And Clover?
Honey and Clover is a slice-of-life manga by Chica Umino that explores the lives of a group of art college students. It primarily focuses on Yuta Takemoto, an architecture student, and his friends Shinobu Morita and Takumi Mayama, who navigate the complexities of love, dreams, and the struggles of early adulthood.
What makes Honey and Clover stand out is its realistic portrayal of the transition from adolescence to adulthood. For example, the manga skillfully captures the bittersweet nature of unrequited love through Takemoto’s feelings for Hagumi Hanamoto, a talented yet naive art prodigy. With its whimsical yet expressive quality, the art style perfectly complements the manga’s blend of humor, melancholy, and heartfelt storytelling.
July 16, 2025
4Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.29
Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You
Why Read Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You?
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You is a touching slice-of-life manga by Karuho Shiina that centers around Sawako Kuronuma, a high school girl misunderstood by her classmates due to her shy nature and resemblance to the horror film character from The Ring. Her life begins to change when she befriends the popular and kind-hearted Shota Kazehaya.
What sets Kimi ni Todoke apart is its nuanced portrayal of teenage emotions and the process of overcoming misjudgments. For example, the manga meticulously illustrates Sawako’s inner transformation as she learns to communicate and express herself, thanks to Kazehaya’s unwavering kindness and support. This gradual development is realistically portrayed, avoiding the clichés of sudden transformations.
June 03, 2025
3Barakamon
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.44
Why Read Barakamon?
Barakamon is a heartwarming slice-of-life manga by Satsuki Yoshino about Seishuu Handa, a young and somewhat narcissistic calligrapher from Tokyo. After an incident against a veteran calligrapher’s criticism of his work, Handa is sent to the Goto Islands to cool off and find new inspiration. There, his life takes a turn as he meets lively and curious villagers like the young girl, Naru.
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Barakamon stands out for its exploration of self-discovery and the impact of community on personal growth. For instance, Handa’s interactions with the islanders, particularly Naru, challenge his preconceptions and gradually change his approach to life and art. The manga brilliantly uses humor and heartwarming moments to illustrate these changes.
July 13, 2025
2Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.53
Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey
Why Read Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey?
Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey, an autobiographical manga by Akiko Higashimura, stands out for its honest and personal narrative. It chronicles Higashimura’s journey from a rebellious teen to a celebrated manga artist. Central to the story is her relationship with her eccentric and strict art teacher, Kenzou Hidaka.
This manga is unique because of its raw portrayal of growth and regret. For example, Higashimura candidly depicts her youthful arrogance and the later realization of her teacher’s profound impact on her life. The art style, which shifts from whimsical to serious, mirrors the protagonist’s emotional journey, effectively conveying the struggles and triumphs of her artistic and personal development.
August 21, 2025
1March Comes In Like A Lion
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.88
March Comes In Like A Lion
Why Read March Comes In Like A Lion?
March Comes in Like a Lion is #1 on this list because it’s a poignantcoming-of-age animeand manga by Chica Umino that uses delicate and expressive visuals to convey the nuanced emotions of the characters. The manga tells the story of Rei Kiriyama, a professional shogi player who struggles with deep loneliness and a troubled past despite his young age and success.
What sets this manga apart is its sensitive portrayal of mental health and human relationships. For instance, Rei’s interactions with the Kawamoto sisters, who provide him with a semblance of familial warmth and comfort, are depicted with great care, highlighting the healing power of human connection.
