shots where almost nothing moves or happens (think non non biyori veranda scene)
is so underrated. This is what makes Japanese literature so meditative and beautiful. I still remember the first time I read The Old Capital (古都, Koto) how immersive it felt to experience those pages of text where “nothing happens”. 😌🩷
I’ve been meaning to read more but it’s been a little hard. Maybe I’ll take your recommendation and read The Old Capital. In English, I’m afraid. My Japanese is way not good enough to get into literature unfortunately.
This is what makes Japanese literature so meditative and beautiful.
It does seem Japanese media does have more of this as well. I don’t know of any western media that is similar to Iyashikei anime. It could very well exist though, I just haven’t come across it.
I wouldn’t say absolutely zero drama: in ep 2 Aika and Akira have a pretty ugly fight for example. But ARIA really knows how to resolve things in that soft and gentle way. Suteki!
It’s my favorite anime. My one and only anime that I would give an 11/10. But I wouldn’t call it cozy because there is an underlying darkness and uncertainty to the characters and what’s going to happen to them. It doesn’t feel “cozy” even though nothing “un-cozy” is happening plot-wise.
No violence or triggers, just situations without tension. Mostly composed of scenes bringing warm and pleasant feelings like doing hobbies, talking, eating, exploring
A healthy fraction of the screen time is taken up by just “scene setting” rather than dialogue or action.
Frieren’s travel montages are probably a well known example.
The Authors special interest: Thermae Roma Nova and Ruri Rocks spring to mind.
Characters behaving like mature adults, without pointless drama.
In that sense, yes, Dragon Ball Z is a cozy anime.
Vegeta behaves like an adult?
Someone has to out-adult Goku
Didn’t consider DBZ as cozy, but DBS…
Singed, your local SOL/CGDCT/Iyashikei weirdo.
Off topic but
is so underrated. This is what makes Japanese literature so meditative and beautiful. I still remember the first time I read The Old Capital (古都, Koto) how immersive it felt to experience those pages of text where “nothing happens”. 😌🩷
I’ve been meaning to read more but it’s been a little hard. Maybe I’ll take your recommendation and read The Old Capital. In English, I’m afraid. My Japanese is way not good enough to get into literature unfortunately.
It does seem Japanese media does have more of this as well. I don’t know of any western media that is similar to Iyashikei anime. It could very well exist though, I just haven’t come across it.
Cicadas, little iron bell chimes, visible steam coming out of cocoa mugs. Bonus for excessive use of kotatsu.
Like in ARIA?
Aria is the essential cozy anime. Zero drama, where these young people are doing their best learning about their world, and growing up.
I wouldn’t say absolutely zero drama: in ep 2 Aika and Akira have a pretty ugly fight for example. But ARIA really knows how to resolve things in that soft and gentle way. Suteki!
NGE is cosy…
Higurashi No Naka Koro Ni… [/jk, in case it’s necessary]
A good story that keeps my brain engaged, but not quite “excited”. I’m loving The Cat and The Dragon right now
Is Haibane Renmei cozy?
It’s my favorite anime. My one and only anime that I would give an 11/10. But I wouldn’t call it cozy because there is an underlying darkness and uncertainty to the characters and what’s going to happen to them. It doesn’t feel “cozy” even though nothing “un-cozy” is happening plot-wise.
I’ve rewatched it in bed before falling asleep. So I guess it should count as cozy. At least for me.
Series that lack characters acting out of malice and plots without perilous situations. On the other hand, even shows that are usually cozy can, out of nowhere, turn into the most brutal betrayal that shellshocks generations of viewers.
No violence or triggers, just situations without tension. Mostly composed of scenes bringing warm and pleasant feelings like doing hobbies, talking, eating, exploring
Whatever the heck Leadale is
A healthy fraction of the screen time is taken up by just “scene setting” rather than dialogue or action. Frieren’s travel montages are probably a well known example.
The Authors special interest: Thermae Roma Nova and Ruri Rocks spring to mind.