10 Uplifting Anime to Watch in a Bad Mood, Rated 7 or Higher by IMDb

Japan has its own special genres, and a striking example is iyashikei. The name translates from Japanese as "healing" and refers to stories that do not involve harsh conflict, the pursuit of success, or romantic experiences.

The characters live measured lives, enjoying small things. And harmless adventures and rare suspenseful moments prevent the viewers from getting bored.

The ten iyashikei anime collected here are a real cure for a bad mood.

1. Kino’s Journey, 2003

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Kino rides a talking motorcycle across a continent divided into many countries with different views and customs. Her journey has no goal, she just studies the world around her and writes travel notes. Kino spends no more than three days in each place, but that is enough to understand the local customs and find problems.

In one corner of the continent, people have mastered telepathy, in another, they use robots, and in a third, they build a tower to the sky. But all this is just a backdrop for stories about people and their joys and sorrows.

2. Aria: The Animation, 2005-2015

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

By the beginning of the 24th century, humanity had colonized Mars and turned it into a water-covered planet. The city of Neo-Venezia has become a popular tourist destination. Mainly thanks to the gondolier girls who will give you a tour and support a pleasant conversation. The main character, fifteen-year-old Akari, gradually masters this profession.

Aria impresses with its endless kindness. As you follow Akari's training and adventures, you will never tire of her ability to enjoy the little things and find a common language with a picky customer or a mythical creature.

3. Hakumei and Mikochi, 2018

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Hakumei and Mikochi live in a small house in a tree trunk. Like all of their people, they are only three inches tall, but that does not stop them from living their lives to the fullest: working, traveling, visiting cafes, cooking, learning new hobbies, and communicating with other forest dwellers.

The main characters are so charming that it would be interesting to watch their activities even if they were ordinary people. But the fantasy setting gives this anime a special charm. It looks like a richly illustrated fairy tale book, with bright colors and lots of tiny details.

4. Mushi-Shi, 2005-2014

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

The world of Mushi-Shi is similar to 19th century Japan, with one exception: it is inhabited by mushi – ancient and mysterious creatures. Their presence causes various phenomena, including disease and other troubles. And since ordinary people cannot see mushi, traveling masters like the main character, Ginko, must study them and deal with their tricks.

Each episode is a self-contained story about encounters between humans and mushi, and about the wonders and beauties of this mystical world.

5. Natsume’s Book of Friends, 2008-2017

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Natsume had seen ghosts and demons since childhood, but preferred to keep his talent a secret. However, after moving in with relatives in the provinces, the gift came in handy. It turns out that his grandmother not only saw the ghosts, but also wrote their names in a notebook. And now Natsume has to set them free by meeting each of them and returning their names.

Natsume's Book of Friends is a very cozy anime. Watching this series, you will be transported to the Japanese outback, where gods live in sanctuaries and demons prowl the dark thickets.

6. Barakamon, 2014

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Seishu Handa is a calligrapher who has achieved success at the age of 23. But at an exhibition, a respected member of the calligraphy society criticizes Handa's work, and Handa slaps him. The scandal ends with Handa being sent to a distant island.

Handa gradually adjusts to his new world, in which a special role is played by Naru, a mischievous six-year-old girl who keeps dragging the calligrapher into various adventures.

7. Flying Witch, 2016

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Makoto moves in with relatives in a quiet town to learn the art of magic. But instead of knowledge, Makoto collects troubles. The girl suffers from topographical disorientation, always gets lost and finds herself in embarrassing situations. And along with Makoto, the young witch's brother, her sisters and a black cat get into trouble.

Incredible landscapes and a drama-free plot – a real jackpot for a quiet and relaxing weekend.

8. Girls’ Last Tour, 2017

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Human civilization perished in an endless war. All that remains are endless piles of abandoned buildings. Yuuri and Chito travel through a devastated world in search of food and fuel for their motorcycle. The girls look for a way up. There are still people out there somewhere, and they want to get to them.

Although the premise of this anime is quite depressing, the plot is surprisingly lighthearted. The two girls do not have to desperately fight for their lives; every now and then they come across a house where they can rest.

And the rare people they meet are not dangerous – on the contrary, they become a source of new knowledge and exciting adventures.

9. Laid-Back Camp, 2018-…

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Rin's perfect weekend would be to spend time alone at the foot of Mount Fuji. On her next hike, her solitude is violated by Nadeshiko, who tried to explore the mountain on her own but fell asleep on the way to her destination. Lost, she turns to Rin for help – and the two girls end up enjoying the night view, eating ramen and talking by the fire.

All of the fairytale landscapes in this anime actually exist. The main characters travel to real campsites in Japan and share applicable tips about living in a tent.

10. Sound of the Sky, 2010

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

In a world torn apart by war, the young orphan Kanata enlists in the army to learn to play the trumpet. Fortunately, fate throws her into a tiny garrison far from the line of fire. There are only four girls serving there, and Kanata will have to make friends with them and learn a lot about their past and the world around them.

The series does not look like a full-fledged military drama: blood and explosions remain behind the scenes. We only see their consequences, like scorched wastelands and orphaned children.

In these circumstances, the girls' smiles, their developing friendships, and their attempts to help their neighbors and stop the conflict seem especially life-affirming.