The Great Passage (2016) is a quietly powerful anime that tells the story of Mitsuya Majime, a socially awkward yet passionate man recruited to help edit a new dictionary. Far from flashy or action-driven, this anime excels in slow-burn character development, meticulous attention to language, and the emotional weight of dedication to one’s work.
At its core, The Great Passage explores deep themes of communication, quiet perseverance, and finding one’s voice in a noisy world. While it’s a unique show, there are other lesser-known series that share similar vibes—through introspective storytelling, profound character arcs, and subtle emotional resonance. This list highlights 15 underrated anime that deserve more attention from fans seeking stories rich in humanity and gentle drama.
1. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | Episodes: 25 | MAL Score: 8.63
Studio: Studio Deen | Awards: Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2017 (Animation of the Year)
A former convict becomes fascinated by the traditional Japanese art of rakugo after watching a performance in prison and decides to pursue it. The anime explores multiple generations of performers, intertwining personal ambition with cultural legacy.
Why It’s Similar: Both shows delve into niche fields (lexicography and rakugo), highlight meticulous craftsmanship, and focus on personal evolution over time.
2. Mushishi (2005–2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation | Episodes: 46 | MAL Score: 8.68
Studio: Artland
Ginko is a “Mushi-shi,” a traveler who helps people deal with ethereal life forms called mushi. The stories are episodic but deeply philosophical.
Why It’s Similar: Quiet, introspective tone with stunning visuals and a focus on subtle connections between people and nature, akin to The Great Passage‘s nuanced communication themes.
3. Fune wo Amu (The Great Passage) – Honorable Mention
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video | Episodes: 11 | MAL Score: 7.92
Studio: Zexcs
Since it’s our reference point, it’s worth a brief mention. If you liked it once, it might be worth a rewatch with new context from these similar series.
Why It’s Similar: It is the standard here. Everything else reflects back to this slow-paced, intellectual, and emotionally layered gem.
4. Hyouge Mono (2011)
Streaming: Unofficial/limited availability | Episodes: 39 | MAL Score: 8.01
Studio: Bee Train
During Japan’s Sengoku period, tea ceremony enthusiast Furuta Sasuke finds himself torn between aesthetics and politics.
Why It’s Similar: Understated character study, attention to detail in craft, and an offbeat narrative focusing on cultural appreciation over action.
5. Eikoku Koi Monogatari Emma (2005)
Streaming: HiDive | Episodes: 24 | MAL Score: 7.58
Studio: Studio Pierrot
A gentle romance between a Victorian maid and an upper-class gentleman unfolds amid social pressures and historical detail.
Why It’s Similar: Reserved emotionality, historical authenticity, and slow character development reflect the tone and pacing of The Great Passage.
6. Saraiya Goyou (House of Five Leaves) (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | Episodes: 12 | MAL Score: 7.82
Studio: Manglobe
A timid ronin becomes entangled with a mysterious group of bandits, learning about their motives and finding unexpected belonging.
Why It’s Similar: Unique art style, understated narrative, and focus on finding purpose among eccentric peers mirrors The Great Passage‘s themes of self-discovery.
7. Kujira no Kora wa Sajou ni Utau (Children of the Whales) (2017)
Streaming: Netflix | Episodes: 12 | MAL Score: 7.14
Studio: J.C.Staff
On a drifting island, “Marked” children wield magical powers but live short lives. The story explores emotion, culture, and rebellion.
Why It’s Similar: Worldbuilding through language and symbols, melancholic tone, and moral complexity akin to the introspective storytelling of The Great Passage.
8. Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou (Girls’ Last Tour) (2017)
Streaming: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll | Episodes: 12 | MAL Score: 8.18
Studio: White Fox
Two girls traverse a desolate, post-apocalyptic world in a tank, reflecting on survival, memory, and meaning.
Why It’s Similar: Sparse dialogue, thematic minimalism, and philosophical undertones echo the quiet, contemplative style of The Great Passage.
9. Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World (2003 / 2017)
Streaming: HIDIVE | Episodes: 13 (2003), 12 (2017) | MAL Score: 8.35 (2003)
Studio: A.C.G.T / Lerche
Kino travels from country to country on a talking motorcycle, staying only three days in each to observe and learn.
Why It’s Similar: Episodic structure, reflective tone, and focus on language, society, and subtle transformation parallel The Great Passage’s literary sensibility.
10. Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book of Friends) (2008–2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | Episodes: 74 (6 seasons) | MAL Score: 8.31
Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
Natsume, who can see spirits, works to return their names written in a mysterious book he inherited.
Why It’s Similar: Emotionally restrained storytelling, gentle character growth, and themes of understanding and communication through language and memory.
11. Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru (Run with the Wind) (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | Episodes: 23 | MAL Score: 8.42
Studio: Production I.G
Ten university students of wildly differing abilities form a team to run the Hakone Ekiden relay marathon.
Why It’s Similar: Focus on teamwork, personal growth, and quiet perseverance—an underdog story told with patience and emotional nuance.
12. Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei (The Tatami Galaxy) (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | Episodes: 11 | MAL Score: 8.63
Studio: Madhouse | Awards: Grand Prize – Japan Media Arts Festival
A nameless college student keeps reliving his university life, exploring how choices impact his relationships and personal growth.
Why It’s Similar: Exploration of self-identity, intellectual framing, and unconventional storytelling structure make it a natural thematic cousin.
13. Otona Joshi no Anime Time (2011)
Streaming: Unofficial | Episodes: 4 | MAL Score: 7.22
Studio: various
Four standalone episodes explore the lives and emotional landscapes of adult women.
Why It’s Similar: Mature themes, subtle writing, and realistic emotional expression closely match The Great Passage’s tone and demographic focus.
14. Kakukaku Shikajika (2015, OVA)
Streaming: Unofficial | Episodes: 1 OVA | MAL Score: 8.43
Studio: Short OVA based on acclaimed manga
An autobiographical story of a manga artist reflecting on her difficult yet formative time under her harsh mentor.
Why It’s Similar: Artistic dedication, internal conflict, and bittersweet introspection strongly echo Majime’s journey and emotional growth.
15. Sora yori mo Tooi Basho (A Place Further than the Universe) (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | Episodes: 13 | MAL Score: 8.54
Studio: Madhouse
Four high school girls embark on a journey to Antarctica to find meaning, friendship, and closure.
Why It’s Similar: Quiet but powerful narrative, character growth through shared goals, and emotional authenticity without excessive drama.
Why These Anime Work for The Great Passage Fans
Fans of The Great Passage crave something deeper—stories that reward patience and reflection, where the smallest gestures carry immense weight. These anime excel in storytelling that emphasizes character nuance, emotional sincerity, and the beauty of everyday dedication. Whether through unique professions, cultural traditions, or journeys of self-discovery, they echo the same thematic richness and understated emotional impact that made The Great Passage unforgettable.
