If you were captivated by Barakamon—its heartfelt character growth, quiet countryside charm, and slice-of-life storytelling—you’re not alone. This 2014 gem follows a talented but emotionally stunted calligrapher, Seishuu Handa, who is sent to a rural island to find inspiration and himself. What makes Barakamon stand out is its grounded narrative, emotional sincerity, and its themes of personal growth through human connection and self-reflection.
While Barakamon enjoys a well-earned fanbase, many other anime with similar tone, development arcs, and narrative styles fly under the radar. Here are 15 underrated anime series that resonate with the same spirit—whether it’s through emotional storytelling, quirky but lovable characters, or coming-of-age arcs that unfold in the most unlikely places.
1. Silver Spoon (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HiDive
Episodes: 22 (2 Seasons)
MAL Rating: 8.09
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Awards: Winner of the 5th Manga Taisho Award
Plot: Yugo Hachiken, a city boy, enrolls in an agricultural school to escape academic pressure. Instead, he learns life lessons through manual labor and real-world responsibility.
Similarities: Like Barakamon, this series features a protagonist forced into a rural setting, leading to inner transformation and reconnection with life’s basics.
2. Usagi Drop (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
Episodes: 11
MAL Rating: 8.38
Studio: Production I.G
Plot: A 30-year-old bachelor unexpectedly becomes the guardian of his grandfather’s illegitimate six-year-old daughter.
Similarities: Themes of unexpected caretaking and personal growth are at the heart of both shows, with heartfelt interactions between adult and child.
3. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 74 (6 Seasons)
MAL Rating: 8.31
Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
Plot: Natsume, a boy who can see spirits, inherits a book of contracts that binds them, and seeks to release them.
Similarities: Quiet, spiritual, and deeply introspective, it shares Barakamon’s meditative tone and emotional maturity.
4. Sketchbook: Full Color’s (2007)
Streaming: N/A (DVD import available)
Episodes: 13
MAL Rating: 7.33
Studio: Hal Film Maker
Plot: Follows Sora, a shy art club member, and her peaceful daily life filled with friends, nature, and creativity.
Similarities: Shares a slow-paced, reflective tone with Barakamon, centered around art, self-expression, and quiet growth.
5. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 25 (2 Seasons)
MAL Rating: 8.63
Studio: Studio Deen
Awards: Jury Recommended Work at the 20th Japan Media Arts Festival
Plot: A former convict is drawn to the traditional art of Rakugo and the complex life of its masters.
Similarities: A character-driven narrative about the intersection of tradition, craft, and personal evolution—mirroring Handa’s calligraphy journey.
6. Super Cub (2021)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.51
Studio: Studio Kai
Plot: A lonely high school girl finds new meaning in life after buying a used Honda Super Cub scooter.
Similarities: A slow, introspective journey of self-discovery through subtle, everyday experiences—much like Barakamon.
7. The Eccentric Family (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 25 (2 Seasons)
MAL Rating: 7.94
Studio: P.A. Works
Plot: A tanuki family navigates modern Kyoto while dealing with family legacy, identity, and change.
Similarities: Both explore identity and transformation with whimsical tones, unique characters, and philosophical undercurrents.
8. Kakushigoto (2020)
Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.94
Studio: Ajia-do
Plot: A manga artist hides his profession from his daughter, believing it would bring shame.
Similarities: Heartwarming father-child dynamics, humor, and emotional depth tied together in a slice-of-life package.
9. Amanchu! (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24 (2 Seasons)
MAL Rating: 7.21
Studio: J.C. Staff
Plot: A shy girl finds friendship and courage through scuba diving in a seaside town.
Similarities: Emphasizes emotional healing and confidence through nature, hobbies, and human connection, much like Handa’s rural journey.
10. Bunny Drop (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
Episodes: 11
MAL Rating: 8.38
Studio: Production I.G
Plot: When his grandfather dies, 30-year-old Daikichi adopts his 6-year-old aunt, challenging his quiet bachelor life.
Similarities: Like Barakamon, it’s about unplanned caretaking that leads to emotional awakening and growth.
11. Flying Witch (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.54
Studio: J.C. Staff
Plot: A young witch in training moves to the countryside to live with relatives and perfect her craft.
Similarities: A calm, episodic slice-of-life with strong rural atmosphere, where magic and growth go hand-in-hand.
12. Aria the Animation (2005)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HiDive
Episodes: 13 (Part of a larger series)
MAL Rating: 7.72
Studio: Hal Film Maker
Plot: Set in Neo-Venezia, Mars, Akari trains to become a gondolier while appreciating the beauty of everyday life.
Similarities: Embraces the beauty of simplicity, gentle pacing, and reflective storytelling akin to Barakamon.
13. My Roommate is a Cat (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.68
Studio: Zero-G
Plot: A reclusive author learns to open up emotionally after adopting a stray cat.
Similarities: Focuses on personal growth through quiet companionship and unexpected relationships.
14. Sarazanmai (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 11
MAL Rating: 7.57
Studio: MAPPA, Lapin Track
Plot: Three boys are turned into kappas and must reveal their secrets to retrieve what they’ve lost.
Similarities: Though more surreal, it blends emotional truths with unusual storytelling in a way that reflects internal struggle and transformation.
15. Tanaka-kun is Always Listless (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.80
Studio: Silver Link
Plot: Follows the hilariously lethargic Tanaka and his energetic friend Ohta in their daily life.
Similarities: Relaxed pacing, gentle humor, and sincere friendships—perfect for fans of Barakamon’s charm and quiet comedy.
Why These Anime Work for Barakamon Fans
At its core, Barakamon is about slowing down, reconnecting with people, and rediscovering a sense of self through humble, everyday experiences. Each of these underrated series carries similar DNA—whether through personal transformation, rich emotional arcs, or subtle character interactions. They avoid the flash of high-stakes action in favor of quieter, more introspective narratives that reward patience and empathy. For viewers who appreciated the heart and soul of Barakamon, these titles promise new journeys with the same calming and emotionally resonant atmosphere.
