Anime Can Help You Relax (Scientifically)

After a long day, sometimes you just want to relax. Although anime as a medium is often absurd, funnily enough it's also home to some of the most subdued and down-to-earth shows. Seemingly mundane, these shows accomplish something magical... they erase the static of life and allow you to finally just... be.

Iyashikei has come to define a genre of healing, gentleness, and relaxation. This raises the question... how? Whether consciously or not, the effects of iyashikei almost universally have a scientific basis. It's weird to think about how watching cute anime girls changes how your brain works, but your brain is weird! I'll try to elucidate some of the ingenious techniques these shows use, but more likely I'll just gush endlessly about them. Sorry if I stutter.

Original essay, has been changed somewhat:

Watch Non Non Biyori and Flying Witch on Crunchyroll.

and watch Hidamari Sketch on HiDive

References:

An Ode to Iyashikei: The Science of Relaxation

[asahinayanase]

Mushishi is one of favorite Iyashikei anime.

[CatsMeowPaw]

Non Non Biyori and Hidamari Sketch are two of my favourite series. They're just so good and comfy, right and just. The sad part is I feel I cannot share these series with anyone else as the shows look like silly kids shows, and as an adult I surely should not be watching them. I challenge anyone to find a finer ending and song than Hidamari Sketch x SP.

[korisnthere]

I also appreciate your use of outside references in your videos. The only other anituber I can think of who uses more academic references to support their ideas would be Pause & Select

edit: Also you say "invoke" instead of of "evoke" at least once, I think maybe more than once. Just a little heads up, as I've done it plenty of times myself.

[gunsmithcat]

7:45 - I was honestly SHOCKED they'd have a scene like this an Ijashikei show - but thank good it still turned out wholesome in the end. The carthasis was real!

[oshinoedan]

Hidamari sketch and girls last tour are my 4th and 5th favorite anime. I'm really looking forward to trying aria

[steven]

The newest iyashikai is Yuru Camp, but i bet most of you already know that! ^^

[Unclaimed_Username]

I was introduced to this genre through Senko and I feel like this is a much-needed thing these days. Everything is so negative and pessimistic, that these sorts of shows aren't so much a breath of fresh air, as they are opening the curtains and windows and letting a wind blow through your room for a moment. It's nice, and refreshing, and makes you think of nostalgic feelings beyond the window to what waits outside.

[CureSapphire]

Great video, I was getting a bit worried there for a minute when you had this long video about Iyashikei and didn't mention Aria at all, despite it being the thumbnail, but I was happily surprised by the way you used it to talk about the coming together of all the previously mentioned ideas in a single series. Also, as others have mentioned, I love the use of references, even if they are mostly just articles. The effort is seriously appreciated.

If you have not you should seriously consider reading Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou. I could make some arguments for it being my favorite iyashikei work, even potentially above aria, so it will likely be very up your alley. The manga is a godsend, and the 1998 OVA (which covers a few stories from early into the manga) is fantastic. The 2002 OVA is okay, but in my mind doesn't compare to either of the former two (But it has music from the same group as all of Aria, so that's good at the very least).

[shadowcurtain]

My favourite Genre Non Non Biyori and Flying Witch 2 of my favourites Iyashikei of all time

[Rmx]

Non Non Biyori has been one of my favorite shows for a while now.. Guess I have to check out Aria and Flying witch on crunchyroll next. TBH I had not heard of this sub genre before but it only made sense for it to exist, Non Non Biyori was just so calm yet engaging that I fell in love with the feel of the show. Other slice of life animes just didn't have quite the same feeling. Also wanted to thank you for using so much of your time to create this video, I enjoyed your video thoroughly, thank you.
Also, Hachikuji <3.

[bertfechner]

Don't know if it counts but for me it's K-On! And Little Witch Academia. Always gives me the warm and fuzzies.

[cloin]

Revisiting this video, I can only imagine how much you must love Yuru Camp. Everything you say in this video can be applied to how perfectly the iyashikei style is exexuted in this season's comfiest gem :D

[austinp]

I'm surprised no YKK ova in here (not that its omission detracts from this excellent breakdown of genre, nice vid!)

[micanikko]

I keep watching your videos no matter the length. I feel like im learning a lot. As someone who’s scatterbrain and can barely write a proper essay, I appreciate your work a lot.

Its always informative yet its not dry.
So thank you. Please don’t change!

[AxelordMuschainner]

Wow!!! Just wow!!! This is such an elaborate, complex and analytical explanation of what Iyashikei is. Thank you very much for making this video! I was really looking for someone who can explain Iyashikei and you did a brilliant job. Your way of explaining anime is similar to that of Pause and Select, and I love this approach. It can be felt that this video is a "labour out of love" product. Congratulations!!!

[jurepecar]

You should also check out Haibane Renmei. It gives the meaning of healing a whole new dimension.

[MrSonicDoctor]

Finally was able to figure out what to call these kind of animated tales. Glad I found your video, keep it up mate.

[snowyani]

You're like how I think, but are actually the one writing and saying everything instead. That's Art I TELL YOU.

[krw]

So damn insightful. Woke up to the notification that you posted; glad I got this information when I woke up.

Keep it up man!

[Morbisus]

Great video! I appreciate your thorough research of the references. My favorite anime in the iyashikei genre is Flying Witch. Will definitely check out your other recommendations.