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StephScythes
Reviews
Dekiru Neko wa Kyou mo Yuuutsu (2023)
10/10 1st 4 Episodes; 😺 Masterful!
This slice-of-life/iyashikei delight is just what the doctor ordered for this summer of heat waves and general global high anxiety in so many spheres at once. As in most all excellent iyashikei, The Masterful Cat has engaging characters, humor, heart and a touch of mystery and magic. It also takes a MUCH more light-hearted slap at Japanese overwork culture than my other new Summer 2023 anime pick, Zom 100. Another positive about this anime is the main characters are adults with adult issues. For while I do love so many, many anime with teenage and younger protagonists, anime focused on adults is not all that common. Other favorite s-o-l/iyashikei of mine (to get an idea if you share my tastes) are: Girls' Last Tour, Non Non Biyori, Laid Back Camp, Super Cub and Natsume's Book of Friends. Hopefully, The Masterful Cat will continue on this 10/10 stellar path, become a hit series, and offer us a season 2!
Shôjo shûmatsu ryokô (2017)
Iyashikei Flawlessly Blended with the Post-Apolyptic: Unique, Lovely yet 2020s Desolate
I cannot recommend another anime...series...ANYTHING any higher than the masterpiece that is Girls Last Tour.
From the sublime musical score to the rich, complex and haunting visuals, to the mix of desolation, hope and even joy amidst the post-apocalyptic desolation. Just WOW.
People who complain that there is little to no "action" do not understand the concept of Iyashikei anime:
"Iyashikei" is Japanese for "healing", a term used for anime and manga created with the specific purpose of having a healing or soothing effect on the audience. Works of this kind often involve alternative realities.
To be able to so effectively blend the Iyashikei style with a post-apocalyptic theme is simply amazing.
I can think of no other artistic - for this is indeed art - offering that is so essential for the 2020s as Girls Last Tour.
Yama no Susume (2013)
Keep Watching as it Gets Really Good!
We almost dropped it as for some reason the beginning episodes were really short - I mean only a few minutes long each. However, once the episodes took on a regular length, Yama no Susame becomes nearly as good as better known Iyashikei such as Laid Back Camp. Enjoy!