Non Non Biyori is a beloved slice-of-life anime known for its gentle storytelling, heartwarming character moments, and a beautifully slow-paced rural setting. It celebrates the simplicity of everyday life through the lens of four schoolgirls living in the countryside. With its subtle humor, immersive atmosphere, and deeply human connections, it has won the hearts of those who crave a break from high-stakes anime.
While Non Non Biyori isn’t action-packed or suspenseful, its appeal lies in emotional resonance, strong character dynamics, and a narrative that prioritizes quiet, thoughtful moments. If you love under-the-radar anime that highlight personal growth, serene aesthetics, or introspective themes, here are 15 underrated series you shouldn’t miss.
1. Flying Witch (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: A teenage witch-in-training moves to the countryside to live with relatives and hone her craft while enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
- Similarities: Like Non Non Biyori, it blends supernatural elements with everyday life, favoring slow, wholesome storytelling and rural charm.
- MAL Rating: 7.50
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Notable Staff: Directed by Katsushi Sakurabi (Gungrave)
2. Barakamon (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A professional calligrapher relocates to a remote island, where quirky locals and a spirited child help him rediscover himself.
- Similarities: Emphasizes rural life, community bonding, and inner peace, with heartwarming humor and slice-of-life pacing.
- MAL Rating: 8.39
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Awards: Sugoi Japan Award (2016)
3. Usagi Drop (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: A single man becomes the unexpected guardian of a quiet six-year-old girl, reshaping his life.
- Similarities: Shares a grounded, emotional tone, realistic character development, and a focus on everyday moments.
- MAL Rating: 8.39
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Production I.G
- Notable Staff: Kanta Kamei (Tales of Vesperia)
4. Aria the Animation (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: In a peaceful future on a terraformed Mars, a young woman trains to become a gondolier in a tranquil, Venice-like city.
- Similarities: Emphasizes slow-paced, reflective storytelling and a strong sense of place, with beautiful background art.
- MAL Rating: 7.70
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Notable Staff: Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon, Tamayura)
5. Tamayura: Hitotose (2011)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Plot: A girl passionate about photography reconnects with her past and makes new friends in her father’s hometown.
- Similarities: Shares gentle emotional themes, nostalgia, and an emphasis on friendships in a quiet town.
- MAL Rating: 7.52
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: TYO Animations
- Notable Staff: Junichi Sato (creator of ARIA)
6. Sketchbook: Full Color’s (2007)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Plot: A shy art club student explores her world with quiet curiosity and a sketchbook in hand.
- Similarities: Slow, atmospheric tone with an introverted lead and a focus on appreciating the small details of life.
- MAL Rating: 7.37
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Notable Staff: Yoshimasa Hiraike (Working!!)
7. Binbougami ga! / Good Luck Girl! (2012)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A goddess of poverty disrupts the perfect life of an absurdly lucky girl, resulting in comedic chaos.
- Similarities: Despite the wild premise, the show shares themes of unlikely friendships and emotional growth through humor.
- MAL Rating: 7.66
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Yoichi Fujita (Gintama)
8. Hanasaku Iroha (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A city girl is sent to live at a countryside inn and must learn to work while finding her place.
- Similarities: Rural setting, coming-of-age arcs, and beautifully animated slice-of-life moments.
- MAL Rating: 8.02
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Jury Recommendation (2011)
9. Tamako Market (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A cheerful mochi shop girl navigates her quirky shopping district with a talking bird companion.
- Similarities: Quirky, lighthearted community life with colorful characters and soothing pacing.
- MAL Rating: 7.35
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice)
10. Shirokuma Cafe (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A laid-back polar bear runs a café visited by animals and humans alike, blending dry humor and charm.
- Similarities: Low-stakes, character-driven episodes with subtle humor and a feel-good tone.
- MAL Rating: 7.97
- Episodes: 50
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
- Notable Staff: Mitsuyuki Masuhara (Chi’s Sweet Home)
11. Potemayo (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A surreal comedy about a middle schooler and the odd, fluffy creature that appears from his fridge one day.
- Similarities: Offbeat slice-of-life comedy with childlike charm and quirky humor, akin to Non Non Biyori’s playful moments.
- MAL Rating: 6.98
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Notable Staff: Takashi Ikehata (Robot Girls Z)
12. Kamichu! (2005)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A middle school girl becomes a goddess overnight and learns to balance divine duties with school life.
- Similarities: Blends rural slice-of-life with light fantasy and heartfelt personal growth.
- MAL Rating: 7.52
- Episodes: 16
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Awards: Excellence Prize, Japan Media Arts Festival (2005)
13. Amanchu! (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A shy transfer student discovers the joy of scuba diving with a free-spirited classmate.
- Similarities: Serene setting, focus on personal growth, and an uplifting tone with strong friendships.
- MAL Rating: 7.23
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Notable Staff: Junichi Sato (ARIA)
14. Yama no Susume / Encouragement of Climb (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A group of girls bond over mountain climbing, overcoming personal fears and deepening their friendship.
- Similarities: Outdoor adventure and heartfelt moments in a calm, character-driven format.
- MAL Rating: 7.51
- Episodes: 12 (first season, short format)
- Studio: 8bit
15. Tonari no Seki-kun (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A high school girl constantly gets distracted by her desk neighbor’s elaborate desk-side antics.
- Similarities: Quiet comedy with episodic charm, minimal dialogue, and visual storytelling.
- MAL Rating: 7.58
- Episodes: 21 (short episodes)
- Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Why These Anime Work for Non Non Biyori Fans
All the anime listed above reflect the core strengths of Non Non Biyori: subtle emotional depth, immersive world-building, and gentle pacing. Whether set in rural towns, quiet schools, or fantasy-lite settings, each series captures everyday beauty with a personal, introspective lens. Fans who appreciate the power of simple joys, strong female friendships, and low-stakes storytelling will find these underrated gems equally soothing and emotionally resonant.
